This tumble’s for you, Tom. Public works will dedicate the summertime rotation of the Park Central Square sculpture, the Tumbler, to late Coffee Ethic owner, Tom Billionis, at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 21. Billionis, a passionate supporter of downtown Springfield business development, died in April. Tuesday would have been his 45th birthday. “Tom was really excited when we discovered the sculpture is supposed to be tumbled every season,” said Public Works Assistant Director Martin Gugel. “It is right outside his coffee shop. We think this is a fitting way to honor his memory, especially on his birthday.” About the Tumbler
Created by sculptor Aris Demetrios, The Tumbler was installed on the square in 1971 and is regarded as Springfield's first piece of modern art. It was discovered in recent years that the sculpture was intended to be re-oriented, or “tumbled,” every season to create a new piece of art. Creation of the Tumbler was funded by an arts patron identified as "Mrs. Monroe Swyers," who reportedly donated $15,000. Demetrios said that barely covered the cost of steel to make it.