The Town of Normal will officially open its new Sculpture Park with a community grand opening at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at 1110 Douglas St., near the Community Activity Center at One Normal Plaza.
The park features four newly installed works by Illinois artists, including “American Kestrel” by Shawn A. Hensley of Champaign, “Happy, Happy, Happy” by Jeremy Burdette of Bartonville, “In and Out of the Blue” by Normal artist Dann Nardi, and “Whorled” by Chicago artist Nicole Beck.
The sculptures join the existing “Circle of Friendship” memorial, which honors the people and stories connected to the historic Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s School that once operated on the site. More sculptures are expected to be added as funding becomes available.
Mayor Chris Koos says the park represents a new chapter for Normal by expanding public art and strengthening the community’s sense of place.
The Aug. 17 grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from Koos and other community leaders. The Sculpture Park was developed as part of the Town’s community-driven Public Art Master Plan.
The Town’s Public Art Working Group was established in 2023 and includes artists, educators, arts patrons, students and town staff working to expand Normal’s public art program.
