Bend officials plead for an end to silly googly eyes on sculptures
- In Bend, Oregon, local residents have been placing googly eyes on various public sculptures.
- City officials have reported that the adhesives used are damaging the sculptures, leading to significant costs for their removal.
- The community is divided over the appropriateness of this trend, with some enjoying the humor while others are concerned about the art's preservation.
In the central Oregon city of Bend, a humorous trend has emerged where residents are adorning public sculptures with googly eyes, leading to a mixture of delight and concern within the community. The city has observed this amusing practice primarily at various roundabouts, featuring a collection of public art that includes deer sculptures and geometric shapes. While many residents enjoy the addition of googly eyes, describing them as a fun enhancement, city officials have raised alarms about the consequences of this playful act. The adhesive used to attach the googly eyes has caused damage to some sculptures, requiring costly removal efforts to ensure that the art remains intact and undamaged. Thus far, Bend has spent approximately $1,500 removing the googly eyes affixed to seven sculptures, and the issue has sparked a conversation about the responsibility that comes with public art appreciation. According to Bend's communications director, Renée Mitchell, the adhesives used can degrade the materials of the sculptures, particularly affecting metal artworks made from bronze and steel. For instance, Corten steel, which is prized for its patina, can suffer from uneven rust patches due to adhesive residue, necessitating further chemical treatments. The city has taken to social media to plead with locals to refrain from using adhesives on the sculptures and instead suggested that residents seek non-damaging ways to express their creativity. The public response has been mixed, reflecting a deeper debate about the nature of public art and community engagement. Some users on social media have voiced strong opinions, arguing that the googly eyes should remain as a form of community art, while others have echoed the city’s concerns regarding the maintenance and preservation of public artworks. Ultimately, this ongoing situation raises questions about frivolity versus preservation in the context of public art, showcasing how a simple act of decoration can lead to significant discussions about art, community values, and the importance of stewardship in maintaining public property.