Sculptor donates SPACES piece to Madison elementary

Sculptor Carl Billingsley donated “Prism Arc VII” to Madison Elementary School. Assistant principal Elizabeth ‘Britt’ Lovelace and principal Melissa Mims welcomed the artistic addition to campus. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

Sculptor Carl Billingsley, at right, helped Madison Public Works employees upright Billingsley’s sculpture in the courtyard at Madison Elementary School. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – An accomplished sculptor’s philantrophy has enhanced the campus of Madison Elementary School.

Carl Billingsley of Ayden, N.C. designed “Prism Arc VII,” which was placed at Madison City Hall in 2012 when the SPACES Sculpture Trail expanded into Madison from a partnership among Madison Arts Council (MAC), The Arts Council (TAC) in Huntsville and the City of Madison.

These sculptures are contracted for two years, so Billingsley’s sculpture was due for replacement. Billingsley decided to donate his work to a Madison school.

“The generosity of Mr. Billingsley allows Madison to not only have its first permanent art sculpture but, by placing it at an elementary school, this gift will instill interest and intrigue of the arts for younger residents at an early age,” MAC President Shrail Heinrich said. “MAC was overjoyed at learning that he wanted to donate the sculpture.”

In Prism Arc VII, Billingsley combined primary colors in an abstract that engenders thoughts of a network or infrastructure. Depending on the time of day, his primary colors combine and mingle to create a secondary color, he said.

The sculpture “can also be used to teach math because of all the angles,” Billingsley said on Oct. 14. He promised to provide a curriculum packet to Madison elementary with suggested ways for incorporating his sculpture in teaching scenarios.

Billingsley’s donation coincides with the launch of his “Sculptures at Schools” program. He also donated a SPACES sculpture to Challenger Middle School in Huntsville.

MAC’s SPACES Committee members are Heinrich, Liz Cuneo, Amy May and councilman Tim Holcombe.

On Oct. 14, Madison Public Works employees assisted Billingsley in safely transporting and mounting the sculpture in Madison elementary’s courtyard. Billingsley wanted “the kids to see these sculptures as a familiar part of their own culture — not just something that they see when they go somewhere” out of town.

Principal Melissa Mims recognized Billingsley’s kindness. “He shared his time by explaining the sculpture and shared his vision of how the sculpture could be integrated during content lessons,” Mims said.

During upcoming lessons, art teacher Erin Lusk will introduce the sculpture to students. “The sculpture will not only enhance our courtyard area but will also enhance our curriculum,” Mims said.

Mims acknowledged work by MAC, TAC, Holcombe and public works in transitioning the sculpture to her school.

For more information, visit spacessculpturetrail.org.