Officials in Bend, Ore., are asking people to stop putting googly eyes on the city's sculptures, even though some locals like the fun idea.
The city's official account posted on Instagram that the large plastic eyes added to eight public art pieces by unknown pranksters could end up costing the city a lot of money.
"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 post said. "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."
The post received many comments from locals, including many who think the googly eyes are a harmless addition to the sculptures.
City spokesperson René Mitchell explained that the adhesives used to stick the eyes on could damage the metal coating.
"Corten steel can lose rust patches from adhesives, needing chemical treatment to rust evenly," Mitchell told OregonLive. "Stainless steel requires strong solvents to remove adhesive residue."
Mitchell said the city has already spent more than $1,500 removing googly eyes from sculptures.
"While the addition of the googly eyes may be amusing and make people laugh, they ultimately cause unintended damage," Mitchell said.
