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City Pleads For Residents To Stop Decorating Statues With Googly Eyes

December 16, 2024

In Bend, Oregon, an unexpected art trend is catching eyes—and sparking debate.

An unknown prankster (or group of pranksters) has been adding oversized googly eyes to various statues around town, turning serious sculptures into comical creations.

City of Bend, Oregon Government

While many in the community are getting a good laugh, the city has stepped in to ask for the antics to stop.

"While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art," the city explained in a statement on social media.

"While we don't condone the wreaths, leis and Santa hats, let's stay away from adhesives, graffiti and all things that can damage the art."

City of Bend, Oregon Government

The googly-eyed statues have certainly made an impression. Comments on the city’s post show that residents are more amused than upset, with many suggesting the city might be overreacting.

One commenter shared, “My daughter and I went past the flaming chicken today and shared the biggest laugh.”

Another humorously questioned the removal process, writing, “That’s bronze... are you removing them with a sledgehammer? Anything short of that and it’s gonna be fine.”

Some residents even took a philosophical approach, joking about ownership rights: “Our tax dollars paid for the art, so technically we’re all part owners 😂.”

Another quipped, “...have you thought about that it wouldn’t damage anything if you just left the googly eyes?”