Bend, Oregon, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scene, has recently found itself at the center of a peculiar predicament. A mysterious prankster has been adorning the city’s beloved roundabout sculptures with oversized googly eyes, sparking a debate between amusement and art preservation. While some find the act harmless and humorous, city officials are less than thrilled, citing the potential damage and cost of removal.
The Googly-Eyed Suspect and Bend’s Roundabout Art Route
At least eight sculptures along Bend’s renowned Roundabout Art Route have fallen victim to the googly-eyed bandit. This unique collection of public art, generously donated by the local non-profit Art in Public Places, is a source of pride for the community. The route features a diverse array of sculptures, from bronze deer to abstract spheres, offering a visual feast for residents and visitors alike. However, the recent additions have thrown a wrench into the city’s artistic harmony. Popular pieces like “Big Ears,” a bronze deer sculpture often adorned with seasonal decorations by locals, and Brandon Zebold’s “Orb I,” a six-foot sphere, have become the latest canvases for the unknown artist’s googly-eyed vision.
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The City’s Plea: A Call for Artistic Respect
The City of Bend, while acknowledging the humorous aspect of the situation, has issued a public plea for the vandalism to cease. Through their official Instagram account, they emphasized the financial burden of removing the googly eyes without damaging the artwork. “We love our roundabout art in Bend,” the post stated, urging residents to “do our part to take care of it.” The city clarified that while the googly eyes might elicit a chuckle, the cost of careful removal adds up, impacting taxpayer dollars and resources allocated for art maintenance. They also discouraged the practice of adorning sculptures with leis, wreaths, and other unauthorized decorations, often found on “Big Ears.”
The Price of a Prank: More Than Just a Laugh
The seemingly harmless prank carries a hefty price tag. According to Stephanie Betteridge, Bend’s assistant city manager, the cost of removing the googly eyes has already exceeded $1,500. The adhesive used to attach the eyes poses a significant threat to the sculptures’ integrity, potentially causing irreparable damage. “The adhesive that’s used to do that really damages the art,” Betteridge explained to Central Oregon Daily News. The city is working diligently to remove the eyes swiftly to minimize damage, but the recurring nature of the vandalism is proving to be a costly challenge. City spokesperson René Mitchell echoed these concerns in a statement to The Oregonian, emphasizing that while the googly eyes might be amusing, they ultimately cause unintended harm to the artwork.
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Balancing Humor and Preservation: A Community Conversation
The googly eye incident has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between public art, community engagement, and artistic integrity. While some residents view the prank as a harmless expression of creativity, others argue that it disrespects the artists’ original intent and jeopardizes the longevity of the sculptures. The debate highlights the complexities of public art and its vulnerability to both intentional and unintentional damage. It raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibility of the community to protect its shared cultural assets. As Bend grapples with this unusual situation, the googly eyes serve as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue between art and its audience. The incident underscores the importance of respecting artistic creations and finding appropriate avenues for expressing creativity without compromising the integrity of public art. The city continues its efforts to identify the culprit and prevent further incidents, hoping to preserve the beauty and artistic value of its Roundabout Art Route for generations to come. Meanwhile, the mystery of the googly-eyed bandit remains unsolved, leaving Bend residents both amused and perplexed by the ongoing saga.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Googly Eye Vandalism
Q: What is the Roundabout Art Route?
A: The Roundabout Art Route is a collection of public sculptures displayed in traffic circles throughout Bend, Oregon. It’s a popular attraction for residents and visitors.
Q: Who is responsible for the googly eyes?
A: The identity of the person or persons responsible for placing the googly eyes on the sculptures remains unknown.
Q: Why is the city concerned about the googly eyes?
A: The city is concerned because the adhesive used to attach the googly eyes can damage the sculptures, leading to costly repairs.
Q: What is the city doing to address the issue?
A: The city has publicly requested that the vandalism stop and is working to remove the googly eyes while minimizing damage to the artwork. They are also investigating the incidents.
Q: How can I support Bend’s public art?
A: You can support Bend’s public art by respecting the artwork, avoiding unauthorized decorations, and reporting any instances of vandalism. You can also donate to or volunteer with organizations like Art in Public Places that contribute to the city’s vibrant arts scene.
