On June 18, 2018, the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Alabama—Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society unveiled a new work of art commissioned in honor of the MS Society’s 2016 Legacy of Leadership honoree, Lee Styslinger Jr.
The work, entitled Fiber, is a large sculpture by artist Darius Hill, created out of aluminum. It is currently on display outside the front entrance of the Museum.
The annual Legacy of Leadership campaign recognizes an individual or family for their impact on the Birmingham community. Each year, a work of art is commissioned and placed within the city as a visual representation of the honoree’s contributions.
“This campaign not only serves to enhance Birmingham aesthetically and artistically; it also enables the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to raise much-needed funds for research, services and resources for people living with MS,” said Andrew Bell, president of the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter. “Officially unveiling Lee’s piece is a wonderful way to acknowledge the incredible impact he has made, as well as a tangible way to continue to bring awareness to MS and the strides we are making in ending it.”
Lee Styslinger, Jr., founder of manufacturing corporation Altec, has served on numerous boards both locally and nationally and has consistently been recognized for his dedication to his community, company, and family. As the 2016 Legacy of Leadership Honoree, his commissioned piece is meant to signify the role Altec has played in the evolution of the manufacturing industry.
“The Birmingham Museum of Art is grateful to the Multiple Sclerosis Society Alabama-Mississippi for honoring one of our greatest supporters, Lee Styslinger, Jr., with this incredible gift of art. For the fourth time, the MS Society has added an important work to our collection, and we are thrilled to now have a sculpture by contemporary artist Darius Hill,” said Graham Boettcher, R. Hugh Daniel Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art.