What does it mean? Downtown Springfield mural catches the eyes of many

People are buzzing about the new artwork in downtown Springfield, replacing one famous mural.

"Everyone takes art differently, and that's just the way you have to look at it, it's art, plain and simple," said art viewer, Tina Wallace.

The new mural downtown on West Walnut is drawing attention and stirring up questions. At first glance, you may notice it's no longer a butterfly or standard red brick.

"A lot of people were upset that they painted over the brick and made it black," said Maddison Hadler.

However, some people like Cici Moses, don't mind the change in scenery.

"It's really pretty I like the colors on the black wall, but I don't really know what it means exactly," said Moses.

Brad Nobel is one of three artists working on the mural.

He says the message is to bring peace--while depicting ideas from an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer Lao Tzu.

"Kind of like an energetic bouncing mural right here so it is a non-religious, noncontroversial subject but with a beautiful message," explained Nobel.

He says the owner of the business reached out to them to help bring the vision to reality.

"We're just not executing something, we're actually painting individual bricks, and there are some little Easter eggs in there and things to look for," said Nobel.

While the mural is estimated to be completed on Saturday, Moses says she appreciates its beauty already.

"It's really pretty, and I love the art downtown, especially with all the art around," explained Moses. "I think it's really pretty, and I like it."

Nobel says he wants people to come breath in the artwork and its beauty. He says there will also be information about Lao Tzu on the actual mural.