Interactive NW Bend art installment asks people for hope

(Update: Adding video, comments)

'Hope Vending Machine' on the Westside of Bend is seeing more attention

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- At the corner of Northwest Ogden Avenue and Seventh Street in Bend, you'll find an interactive art installment called the 'Hope Vending Machine.'

The vending machine was made by Mark Bernahl in 2018, but recently, it's been getting more attention, with wooden plaques that feature many hopefully messages - sort of a reverse vending machine, in a way.

"I hope to find my passion and share it with others," one hope plaque read.

"People can put (in) their hopes and wishes, which is something we need a lot of right now," Quincy Bernahl, the artist's son, said Tuesday.

Mark is an avid artist, architect and runs his own thrift store, which is where he found the vending machine. His yard is filled with all types of art pieces, like a spaceship made out of metal roof panels and a fence made of skis.

But Quincy said his dad wanted to create an art piece that could involve the community.

 “This one is more interactive," Quincy said. "(It) doesn’t give something to you, but you give something to the vending machine.”

Although it's been used in the past, Quincy said he believes our recent troubles have made it a more popular spot to stop, read, think -- and share one's hopes.