Residents in Bend are amused by googly eyes on roundabout art

In Bend, Oregon, an unusual trend emerged where googly eyes began to appear on various sculptures throughout the city. This playful addition has brought joy and laughter to many residents, with one sculpture even dubbed 'the flaming chicken' by locals. The phenomenon is particularly centered around the community's Roundabout Art Route, where these quirky embellishments have made their impact. While the reactions on social media have largely been positive, the city officials have acknowledged a significant challenge posed by these decorations, as removing them without damaging the artworks entails labor and costs. To date, Bend has allocated $1,500 to remove googly eyes from seven of the eight affected sculptures, taking special care with the materials used in these public art pieces. These sculptures, including those made of bronze and steel, are maintained by the city as part of its efforts to foster community engagement and pride in local art. The city has expressed its commitment to preserving the integrity of the artwork while also fostering a playful relationship with the community. Bend's communication director, Rene Mitchell, highlighted that while the googly eyes might be amusing, the adhesive used to attach them poses a threat to the sculptures and requires careful removal processes. The city has also noted that they have historically embraced seasonal decorations and community interactions with public art, though they must distinguish between harmless fun and actions that could incur damage or involve significant cleanup costs. This ongoing conversation about art, engagement, and maintenance is a reflection of the broader relationship between local governments and their communities regarding public spaces. It has sparked discussions on whether resources spent on removing these decorations could be better applied to other pressing community issues like homelessness, prompting varied opinions among residents about priorities. Overall, the peculiar case of googly eyes on Bend's sculptures has not only brought laughter but also a serious dialogue about art preservation in the public space.