BEND, OR – A new trend has emerged in Bend, Oregon, that has left locals and visitors alike grinning with curiosity: googly eyes have been appearing on various sculptures throughout the city. What started as a simple, whimsical act has since gained global attention, with the phenomenon even earning a mention on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and coverage from international outlets like the BBC. While the addition of googly eyes to public art might seem like harmless fun, there’s a far more meaningful story behind this playful movement.
Jeff Keith, the founder of the Bend-based nonprofit Guardian Group, is the mastermind behind the googly eyes that have been popping up across town. On the surface, Keith’s lighthearted act might appear to be little more than a cheeky prank, but it serves as a unique form of self-care in the face of the emotionally demanding work he does every day.
Guardian Group, which Keith founded over a decade ago, is dedicated to combating human trafficking across the United States. Through their innovative victim identification program, launched in 2018, the organization partners with law enforcement to identify young victims of trafficking. In collaboration with agencies across 33 states, Guardian Group has already identified over 1,000 potential victims, a monumental feat in the fight against trafficking.
In addition to its core work, Guardian Group launched Project 1591® in 2022, a volunteer-driven initiative that has brought together 188 certified volunteers from 36 states and 12 countries. This program has contributed over 6,800 investigative hours, providing crucial support to law enforcement agencies with limited resources, enabling faster victim recovery, and holding traffickers accountable.
Despite the immense impact of his work, Keith has always found a way to balance the emotional toll it takes. For him, humor—specifically, pranks like placing googly eyes on sculptures—has been a way to relieve stress and offer moments of levity in an otherwise intense field. Keith acknowledged that while his humor may sometimes catch people off guard, it is ultimately a way to cope with the harsh realities of his day-to-day work.
“I’ve always used pranks and humor to relieve the stress of my work with Guardian Group, but I never expected a prank like this to take on a life of its own,” Keith said. “I understand the city’s concerns, and I’m in conversation to address any unintended effects. But even when I’m just trying to bring a little levity, my mind always drifts back to the mission. Just like the googly eyes made people pause and notice something new, my work at Guardian Group is about stopping and recognizing the realities of human trafficking happening in our communities.”
The city of Bend has responded with a cautious approach. While acknowledging the attention the googly eyes have brought to the community, the city has stated that it is not pursuing any action regarding the trend at this time. In a statement, a city spokesperson noted that staff is currently focused on operational matters, such as wildfire preparedness, budget development, and other council goals, and that there are no ongoing discussions with Keith about the googly eyes.
While the city may not be actively pursuing the trend, the public has taken notice. The googly eyes have sparked smiles and conversation, drawing attention to Keith’s larger mission. In a way, the prank reflects the organization’s own approach: bringing light to something often hidden in plain sight. Just as the googly eyes make passersby stop and look closer at sculptures, Guardian Group is dedicated to helping society stop and recognize the often-overlooked issue of human trafficking.
For those who want to support Guardian Group’s mission, the organization encourages the public to learn more about its efforts and make donations to continue its critical work. Every contribution helps expand programs, enhance victim identification, and strengthen efforts to combat trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.
As the googly eyes continue to appear on Bend’s sculptures, it’s clear that Keith’s quirky approach has touched something deeper: the power of humor and awareness in the fight for justice.
