Artist Transformed Tree Stump into Springfield Sculpture
A chainsaw carving project at Phelps Grove Park replaces stump removal with a permanent nature-themed installation.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Botany
Live Poll
Do you believe art installations are a valuable addition to your local public parks?
Artist Louis Medlock is carving a large-scale nature sculpture directly into a tree stump at Springfield's Phelps Grove Park. The project, which features hawks, owls, a fox, squirrels, and sunflowers, aims to repurpose existing timber rather than grinding it.
Why it matters
The installation offers a permanent artistic alternative to standard stump removal in public spaces. By selecting wood carving over demolition, park organizers preserve the organic structure while providing public art for visitors.
The sculpture features 2 carved hawks alongside owls, a fox, squirrels, and sunflowers. The artist performs all detail work using a chainsaw while supported by scaffolding installed around the stump.
The players
Louis Medlock
A professional artist and former chef with experience in ice sculpting across Detroit, Columbus, and South Florida.
Connie Ryan
A project organizer who coordinated with the artist to initiate the tree stump repurposing.
Fran Giglio
A project organizer who helped facilitate the sculpture commission at the park.
Vicki Trippe
A project organizer who collaborated on the initiative to transform the park tree.
The details
Louis Medlock utilizes a chainsaw to shape the wood, operating from temporary scaffolding built to encircle the tree stump. This technique allows for large-scale subtractive carving, where the artist removes material to reveal the forms of local fauna and flora. Medlock transitioned to this medium after a career as a professional chef and ice sculptor, a background that involved similar thermal and material manipulation.
Timeline
2020: Louis Medlock transitioned from a career as a professional chef to a professional artist.
October 2026: Anticipated completion of the wood sculpture.
The Tech Race
This effort builds upon the artist's foundational experience in ice sculpture at the College of the Ozarks. It marks a shift from temporary, temperature-sensitive media toward durable outdoor public installations.
Visitors to Phelps Grove Park can observe the ongoing sculpture work as it progresses toward the target completion date. The finished installation will serve as a permanent fixture for the public, replacing what would have been a ground-level stump removal.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates a shift toward repurposing dying timber into public infrastructure. Observers can track the final installation progress at the park site through October 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local natural displays in our Botany section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSMU Radio.
Live Poll
Do you believe art installations are a valuable addition to your local public parks?
