Something peculiar is happening in Bend, Oregon: googly eyes are popping up on public sculptures, and residents are loving the unexpected whimsy. The playful addition to the city’s “Roundabout Art Route” has sparked joy for many, creating viral buzz and even making an appearance on a late-night talk show. But not everyone is laughing—especially the city, which is footing the bill to remove the adhesive decorations without damaging the artwork.

Photos shared by the city on social media show the googly eyes adorning sculptures like a pair of deer and a metal sphere. The posts were a mix of humor and caution, with one noting, “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’s Facebook post quickly garnered hundreds of comments, with residents weighing in on the googly-eyed phenomenon. One user shared, “My daughter and I went past the flaming chicken today and shared the biggest laugh,” referring to the “Phoenix Rising” sculpture. “We love the googly eyes. This town is getting to be so stuffy. Let’s have fun!” Another chimed in with support for the googly-eyed deer, saying, “I think the googly eyes on the deer specifically are a great look, and they should stay that way.”

A sculpture of deer watches residents with their new googly eyes, courtesy of a local prankster. AP Photo

While many applauded the prank for adding lightheartedness to the city, some residents voiced concerns about the cost of removing the decorations, arguing the funds could be better spent on addressing pressing issues like homelessness. Others questioned why the city removes googly eyes but allows other decorations, such as Santa hats or wreaths, to remain during holidays.

Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell, explained the difference. “We really encourage our community to engage with the art and have fun. We just need to make sure that we can protect it and that it doesn’t get damaged,” she said. The use of adhesives poses a risk to the sculptures, which are crafted from materials like bronze and steel. Mitchell shared that the city has already spent $1,500 removing the googly eyes from seven sculptures, and the “Phoenix Rising” piece may even need a full repaint.

Despite the city’s concerns, the prank has captured national attention, even being featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Mitchell said the city’s intent wasn’t to be “heavy-handed,” but to raise awareness about protecting public art.

For some residents, the googly eyes are just the latest addition to a long tradition of adorning Bend’s sculptures with seasonal cheer. “I look forward to seeing the creativity of whoever it is that decorates the roundabouts during the holidays,” one commenter said. “Brings a smile to everyone to see silliness.” Regardless, the googly eyes have given Bend’s public art a new way to engage its audience — one that’s as quirky as it is memorable.

Source: Associated Press