Googly eyes invade public art in Bend, Oregon

In Portland, Oregon, a unique phenomenon has captivated the community of Bend, where googly eyes began appearing on public sculptures, igniting both joy and controversy. This playful act occurred recently and quickly gained viral attention, being featured on various news outlets and even on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." The city shared images of the googly eyes adorning various sculptures, including pieces displayed in roundabouts known as the 'Roundabout Art Route.' Photos revealed eyes placed on a sculpture of two deer and another on a large sphere, which attracted humorous local responses and a wave of social media engagement. While many residents found the additions entertaining and lighthearted, city officials expressed concerns over the potential damage caused by the adhesives. The city stated that it costs money to safely remove the googly eyes to avoid harming the artworks, which collectively represent a significant public art collection. Following the installation of googly eyes, the city spent $1,500 removing them from several sculptures, some of which are composed of delicate and various materials like bronze and steel. The removal process has raised questions regarding where the city's priorities should lie, as certain individuals argue that resources could be better allocated to pressing issues such as homelessness. As the sculptures have been used as platforms for seasonal decorations in the past, some community members see the googly eyes as a continuation of this festive engagement rather than a nuisance. However, the balance between creativity and preservation remains delicately poised. The city officials aimed to remind the public of their stewardship of the art collection, noting their responsibility to preserve the integrity of the installations while still trying to foster community engagement and enjoyment of public art. Despite the initial misunderstanding regarding the city's warning against the googly eyes, the officials acknowledged the community's desire for fun during the holidays. The reactions to the googly eyes have highlighted the interactive nature of public art, emphasizing how it can provoke thoughts and discussions about community values, aesthetics, and city governance. As the city considers its next steps regarding the googly eyes, the playful additions have undeniably sparked a broader dialogue about community engagement with public art and the responsibilities that come with it.