Funny Eyes on City Art

The city of Bend, Oregon, finds itself embroiled in an unexpected controversy surrounding its public art installations. Residents have taken to adorning various sculptures and murals with googly eyes, creating a viral sensation that has divided public opinion. While some view this as a harmless and humorous form of community engagement, city officials are grappling with the financial and preservation implications of this trend.

The city's administration has publicly requested that residents cease this practice, citing the substantial cost of removal and potential damage to the artworks. To date, Bend has expended $1,500 on the meticulous removal of googly eyes from seven out of eight affected sculptures. The city's communications director, Rene Mitchell, elucidated that the adhesive used poses a risk to the integrity of the metal artworks, which include bronze and steel pieces.

This situation has ignited a debate about the nature of public art interaction and civic priorities. While some residents applaud the whimsical additions, arguing they inject levity into the urban landscape, others contend that the city's resources could be better allocated to addressing more pressing issues such as homelessness. The controversy also raises questions about the balance between community engagement with public art and the responsibility of preserving these cultural assets for future generations.