A city council in Bend, Oregon, has requested that residents refrain from placing googly eyes on the city’s artworks. These comedic additions have been spotted on statues and murals throughout the city, creating a viral trend. The city expressed on social media that while these eyes might provide amusement, removing them carefully to avoid damaging the art incurs costs.
Some social media users, however, have expressed their enjoyment of the googly eyes, with one user mentioning a shared laugh with her daughter when passing the “Phoenix Rising” sculpture, nicknamed the flaming chicken. Others suggested that the city should prioritize more significant issues like homelessness over spending resources on removing googly eyes. Bend’s sculptures are often decorated with seasonal items such as Santa hats, which are typically left in place.
The googly eyes, however, are being removed due to their adhesive, as explained by Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell. She emphasized the city’s goal of encouraging community interaction with art while ensuring its protection. Following the viral response to the city’s post, Ms. Mitchell clarified that the intent was not to be overly strict but to raise awareness about the potential harm adhesives can cause to art. Bend has spent $1,500 on removing googly eyes from seven sculptures and has begun treating the artworks, which are made from various metals like bronze and steel. The “Phoenix Rising” sculpture might even require a full repaint.