Vandals Are Gluing Funny Toy eyes to street sculptures, but the authorities are not amused (5 photos)

Bend residents decided to cover street sculptures with fake eyes. The authorities, in turn, spent $1,500 to remove them.





Police officers in Bend noticed huge eyes attached to metal figures at roundabouts.



"While the elaborate eyes placed on various pieces of art around the city may make you laugh, removing them is costly and requires care to avoid damaging the artwork," the city's municipality complained.

Additionally, the city said it cost $1,500 to remove the eyes.





A city official told the publication that strong chemicals are required to remove the adhesive and rust from the steel the sculptures are made of.

So Bend officials are trying to persuade the public to give up something that could damage the art. However, the city's residents apparently think otherwise.

"It seems like almost everyone wants googly eyes. Isn't that public art? Give the people what they want," the user commented.



"These bulging eyes give me hope to move forward each day," wrote another.

Note that Bend has more than 20 sculptures at eight locations, mostly made of Corten steel, donated by the nonprofit Art in Public Places.

Sometimes, during the holidays, locals decorate the sculptures with wreaths, Hawaiian beads, and Santa hats. Authorities turn a blind eye.