BARRY TINSLEY, "THE SHIELD OF AKHILLEUS," 1976

COR-TEN steel, 9' x 14'

Located: Park Plaza, downtown Galesburg, Ill.

Other works exist throughout Illinois including Chicago, Peoria and Lake Forest

This monumental post and lintel sculpture was purchased through a joint venture of Galesburg Community Arts Council (now defunct), the Galesburg Civic Art Center, a citizens group and a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council.

Though named after a Trojan warrior, Chicago artist, Barry Tinsley's sculpture is not to be taken too literally or metaphorically. Instead, its abstract architectural strengths are meant to be enjoyed as music is experienced.

Tinsley makes forms weighing several hundred pounds balance gracefully. A

top slender posts suggest legs or tree trunks. "The Shield" at once suggests a figure reaching out to the east and a totem to industry.

Internal forms are constantly changing as one walks around it. Spaces open to frame downtown buildings, then close -- giving the form yet another dimension. Nothing is predictable in this artwork.