Googly Eyes on Oregon Sculptures Spark Viral Sensation and Removal Costs
Bend, Oregon’s Roundabout Art gets a Googly-Eyed Makeover
Bend, Oregon – A playful prankster has been giving Bend’s famous roundabout sculptures a whimsical makeover, adorning them with googly eyes. The unexpected art installations have sparked delight and debate among residents, turning the city’s public art into a viral sensation.
Photos shared by the city on social media show the googly eyes peering out from unexpected places: a pair of deer sculptures, a shimmering sphere, and even the iconic “Phoenix Rising” sculpture, affectionately nicknamed the “flaming chicken” by locals.
While many residents have embraced the googly-eyed art, finding it humorous and lighthearted, the city has expressed concern about the potential damage caused by the adhesive used to attach the eyes.
“While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art,” the city stated in its social media posts.The city has already spent $1,500 removing googly eyes from seven sculptures, and some pieces, like the “Phoenix Rising,” may require repainting due to adhesive damage.
The googly-eyed art has garnered national attention,even making an appearance on CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Rene Mitchell, Bend’s communications director, clarified that the city’s intention was not to discourage creativity but to highlight the potential harm caused by adhesives.
“We really encourage our community to engage with the art and have fun,” Mitchell saeid. “We just need to make sure that we can protect it and that it doesn’t get damaged.”
Despite the controversy, many residents continue to find joy in the googly-eyed sculptures, seeing them as a fun and unexpected addition to Bend’s vibrant public art scene.
“I look forward to seeing the creativity of whoever it is that decorates the roundabouts during the holidays,” one social media commenter said. “Brings a smile to everyone to see silliness.”
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