In Bend, Oregon, a local resident has taken it upon himself to add a touch of humor to the city’s public art by attaching googly eyes to several sculptures. Jeff Keith, who runs a nonprofit organization focused on fighting human trafficking, revealed that he was behind the playful prank.
Using duct tape, Keith has transformed various sculptures around town, including placing googly eyes on a deer statue and a spherical piece of art. He explained that these light-hearted antics serve as a coping mechanism for the heavy emotional burden he faces in his line of work. Many of the victims he assists have endured traumatic experiences, making moments of levity a welcome distraction.
In early December, the city shared images of the googly-eyed installations on social media, cautioning that such adhesives could damage the artwork. The city reported that eight sculptures had been affected and that it would cost around $1,500 to remove the googly eyes. However, the city’s social media post sparked a wave of comments from residents, many of whom expressed their amusement and suggested that removing the googly eyes might not be necessary.
Keith noted that he was surprised by the attention his playful project received. After learning about the potential costs incurred by the city, he offered to cover any damages, although the city has not yet responded.
Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell, clarified that the city did not intend to come across as overly strict and emphasized that the aim of the post was to raise awareness about the potential harm caused to public art. She mentioned that the city has begun treating some of the affected pieces to safeguard them.
Having lived in Bend for nearly twenty years, Keith hopes his pranks bring joy and laughter to the community. He remarked, “The biggest thing is just to get a laugh. When I see families joyfully reacting to these installations, it truly makes my day.”
