March 26, 2026 – The McLean County Museum of History is hosting a Llamapalooza during the First Friday festivities in Downtown Bloomington on Friday, April 3!
This free, family-friendly event celebrates the installation of Robert Cumpston’s iconic llama sculpture on the Museum Square. It also coincides with the Slow Art Day preview night hosted at art galleries and studios throughout the historic downtown area.
The artist’s family, elected officials, and Museum staff will kick off the evening of fun with brief remarks and by unveiling the sculpture at 4:30 p.m. Afterwards, folks will be invited inside the Museum to view a display of additional Cumpston sculptures and to partake in several activities.
Free balloon animals, face painting, story time readings, artmaking activities, and cookies will be available until 6:30 p.m. During that time, Oak Crest Alpaca Farm from Downs will also be on-site to teach about the uses of alpaca and llama wool and to demonstrate wool spinning.
“This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, learn something new, and celebrate local art,” says Director of Communications Micaela Harris. “We’re hoping people come, have fun, and leave inspired by Cumpston’s work and the rich history of McLean County.”
Robert Cumpston (1930-2018) was born, lived, and died on his family’s farm in Colfax, a rural town in eastern McLean County. He was a corn and bean farmer but changed his career in 1976 to become a full-time metal sculptor. Cumpston and his wife, Donna, spent 38 years traveling across the country to art shows and selling their life-sized animal sculptures made from recycled metal and old farm implements.
The McLean County Museum of History is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving, educating, and collaborating to share the diverse stories of the people of McLean County. Please visit mchistory.org for more information.
