Uptown Normal will soon be transformed with a stainless steel sculpture masterpiece in the courtyard space between the Children’s Discovery Museum and Emack & Bolio’s ice cream shop.

Herb Eaton, Twin City artist who has a studio in Downtown Bloomington, created the artwork. Eaton is the mastermind behind the 16-foot wide, 9-foot tall sculpture, “A Gift of Music.”

Eaton explained the piece and how it will be displayed in Uptown Normal.

“I make imagery that includes music so I thought I would make this piece look like two gift boxes exploding. One side has a bunch of instruments associated with wind — trombone, saxophone, and trumpet. The other side has music imagery that has to do with percussion — drum set, bass, guitar, and piano. And it all seems to be coming out of these boxes that are blowing up. It is kind of a good explosion of gift boxes,” Eaton said.

“It is all stainless steel and it will be projecting lights from the sun and the wind … there are parts of it that will move in the wind,” Eaton added.

Eaton described his inspiration for the piece and why music is essential throughout his life.

Vivianne Velazquez / Daily Vidette Photographer “A Gift of Music” by local artist Herb Eaton will be installed between Emack & Bolio’s and the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal on April 27.

“I think you should experience the world as a gift — this is a gift to be able to be alive and do what you are doing. One of the parts that is most important to me is to be able to make music. That is true for lots of people,” Eaton said.

The sculpture will not be the only addition in this renovation. The space will include a courtyard where people can come to dine, or an area for bands to perform. The courtyard will be covered in colorful sails that were imported from New Zealand. This will create a bright, fun environment that will also protect the area from inclement weather.

The space will be a non-alcoholic spot, so it will be child- and family-friendly.

Eaton describes how he believed the space would be perfect for people of all ages.

“It should also be really fun because you will be able to walk underneath it. It will be neat,” Eaton explained.

David Gerdisch, senior industrial technology major, was excited to learn of the changes in store for Uptown Normal.

“It sounds pretty cool and will set the mood for Uptown Normal with all new activities to do.  I feel it will help the community and give character to the city,” Gerdisch explained.

“It will also give people a cool place to hang out by and something fun to look at,” Gerdisch added.

This courtyard project has been in the works since 2004 and the kickoff date is right around the corner.

“It is supposed to be up and ready on the 27th of April, and they are not quite done with the part they have to do. There are two great columns that this is going to sit on top of and there is stone that will go on top of that. They haven’t gotten everything installed yet,” Eaton said.

The crew is working hard to have the space ready to open for Emack & Bolio’s Festival on April 28.

“A Gift of Music” is a fun sculpture that will add to Uptown Normal and create a space for children, students, and adults to gather and enjoy.