Central Oregon has found itself in an interesting predicament with some local sculptures being adorned with oversized googly eyes. These seemingly innocent additions have sparked a debate among residents and officials alike.

The Battle Between Art and Vandalism in Central Oregon

Introduction to the "Roundabout Art Route"

The city of Bend is home to a remarkable collection of public art known as the Roundabout Art Route. Visitors and locals alike can stroll around and enjoy these sculptures, many of which were donated by the local non-profit, Art in Public Places. It's a source of pride for the community and a testament to the creativity and talent of local artists.However, in recent months, a series of incidents have occurred where these sculptures have been vandalized with oversized googly eyes. At least eight sculptures have been targeted, causing concern among city officials and art enthusiasts.

The Impact on Art and Costs

Assistant City Manager Stephanie Betteridge explains that the adhesive used to attach the googly eyes really damages the art. Removing them carefully to avoid further damage costs over $1,500. This not only poses a financial burden but also undermines the integrity of the art.As echoed by City spokesperson René Mitchell, while the addition of the googly eyes may bring a momentary chuckle, they ultimately cause unintended damage. It's a delicate balance between allowing for a bit of fun and protecting the valuable public art.

Specific Examples of Vandalized Sculptures

One of the most notable vandalized sculptures is "Big Ears" by artist Joe Halko. These bronze cast deers are often adorned with leis, sunglasses, or holiday garb by visitors. But even these additions are not condoned by the city.Another sculpture that received the googly eye treatment is a six-foot sphere statue called "Orb I" by Brandon Zebold. The sight of these once-innocent sculptures with googly eyes attached is a far cry from their original intended beauty.It's clear that these incidents have raised awareness about the need to protect and preserve the public art in Central Oregon. The community is now faced with the challenge of finding a way to balance the enjoyment of art with the prevention of vandalism.