The Delta Sculpture Walk is a free, outdoor collection of works showcasing multiple styles and media by various artists. All works may be experienced 365 days a year – without the need for an appointment. It encourages intellectual conversation, illuminates the creative process and provides an aesthetic environment for everyone to enjoy.
The variety showcases multiple styles and media used by the artists and sculptors. All are placed within the beautifully landscaped grounds of Delta College, in the heart of Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region.
Sculpture Map
The Delta Sculpture Walk is focused around the south end of campus. Free parking is
available in the nearby west, southwest, southeast and east parking lots.
Sculpture Guide
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1. My Delta Experience, 2018
By Don Williams
Cedar and stainless steel, 9' x 3'
Donated by Don WilliamsDon Williams was a student at Delta College from 1965-1968. This work pays tribute to retired Delta Art faculty Charles Breed and Russell Thayer. Williams recreates the original Delta College logo of a white pine tree and three taproots circling the tree, symbolizing the tri-counties.
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2. Ripples, 1996
Designed by Susan Pumford
Created by Jeff Kuch
Steel, 10'7" tall
Donated by Susan and Robert PumfordSusan Pumford utilized her love of artwork to design this piece and worked with Jeff Kuch of Saginaw, who applied his knowledge of metal and welding to create this sturdy piece.
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3. Bird's Nest, 1980
By Pamela Stump Walsh
Bronze and white granite, 7'3" tall
Commissioned by Patricia Turnbull ShekProficient in a variety of media, Pamela Stump Walsh specialized in the creation of expressive bronze castings. Due to Pam’s special connection to the Great Lakes Bay Region, her friend, Patricia T. Shek, decided to donate the piece to Delta College.
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4. No Way Out, 1974
By Alan Paulsen
Designed by Susan Pumford
Steel and copper enamel, 4' x 4'During his lifetime, Alan Paulsen was well-known in the region for his ability to masterfully shape copper and brass to express dynamic abstract and literal interpretations. No Way Out was one of the final pieces he completed at the age of 29, based on Susan Pumford’s vision for the piece.
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5. Shek Family Children, 1958
By Pamela Stump Walsh
Bronze 2' 8" x 2' 5"
Commissioned by Patricia Turnbull ShekPamela Stump Walsh captures Peter, Eugiene and John Shek at play in their Saginaw home. Dr. John L. Shek was a gifted, highly respected cardiothoracic surgeon. Pamela Stump Walsh illustrated some of his complex cases for publication in medical textbooks.
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6. Untitled, 2009
By Mark Burrows Morley
Steel, 4'
On loan from Sage MorleyThe winds of Higgins Lake and the Great Lakes can be seen in the sails of this unfinished piece by lifelong Saginaw resident, Mark Morley. He loved sailing’s challenge and the camaraderie he found on the open water.
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7. The Juggler of Notre Dame, 1966
By Pamela Stump Walsh
Bronze 5' 6" x 4'
Commissioned by Patricia Turnbull ShekPatricia T. Shek pioneered many arts and humanities initiatives in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Pamela Stump Walsh was a pioneering artist- in her use of welded designs, and founding the sculpture studio at Cranbrook Academy of Art. Mrs. Shek was an early supporter of Ms. Walsh, and requested this creation from a beloved story by Anatole France.
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8. Unfolding Arch, 1999
By Russell Thayer
Aluminum, 9'6" x 10'10"
Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Frantz, Mrs. William Pochelon and Mr. and Mrs. J.P. ReinhardRussell Thayer designed this as a learning experience for Delta’s advanced art students to assist in the construction, and they were able to work with him through the entire creative process.
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9. Currents, 2011
Commissioned by Delta College
Designed by JJR of Ann Arbor
Wind elements by Lyman Whitaker
Donated by the Anderson Family of Bay CityThe wind sculptures are fabricated out of copper and stainless steel, which respond to the currents of the wind. The weathered color palette of rust, brown, tan and green are all elements of the applied patina.
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10. Inside My World, 2011
Designed by Susan Pumford
By Jeff Kuch
Steel, 3' ring inside 4' ring
Donated by Jeff Kuch and Susan and Robert PumfordUtilizing stainless steel, welder Jeff Kuch created this work to Susan Pumford’s original design. The two rings sit on a base of triangles to reflect Delta and its service to its three-county region.
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11. Strum, 2007
By John Sauvè
Steel, 8' x 40" x 70"
Donated by Steve PrueJohn Sauvé creates figures with strong vertical and horizontal objects in bold primary colors. The shadows from this work change shape as the viewer moves around it.
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12. Blackhawk, 1972
By Alan Paulsen
Bronze and steel, 10' x 4'
Donated by Sharon and Louis ArnoldBlackhawk was created in the early 1970s in Paulsen’s Linwood, Michigan workshop for the Blackhawk Lounge in Bay City. This exterior sculpture matched one hanging in the main dining room.
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13. Rising Up, 2016
By Delta College students
Cedar, copper and iron, 6'6" x 6'8" x 6'5"
2016 Delta College Sculpture Competition winnerThe students of ART 222 created this piece to represent the pathways and journeys faced as college students. Each beam, like each student, is unique and goes in a different direction, but they all rise upward.
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14. Wind's Wings, 1982
By Russell Thayer
Corten steel, 20'
Donated by Russell ThayerThe sculpture represents clouds rising over high mountain peaks that seem to be like wings of the swirling winds. The top shape represents the clouds gathered, perched on a column of rising heat and air.
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15. Celebration, date unknown
By Verna Bartnick
Steel, 5' x 3'
Donated by Susan and Robert PumfordThe sculpture focuses on the positive aspects of the circle. In art, architecture, dance and nature, a circle can show how lives connect. With the passage of time, we continue to intersect as we approach eternity.
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16. Torii V, 1981
By Russell Thayer
Aluminum, 31” x 29” x 7”Delta College art faculty member Russell Thayer created this piece in memory of fellow faculty member Don Laughner. “The piece was designed to be in constant motion reflecting Don's innovation.”
Laughner was an inspirational leader, a teacher, Math division chair, dean and senate president Family and friends also established an annual employee award in his memory to honor creative change at Delta College.
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17. Walk and Reach, 2013
By Delta College students directed by Delta College faculty
Concrete, 24"-36" x 7'The students of ART 222 created this piece. Legs symbolize the different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds of Delta students. The surrounding arms reflect reaching to achieve various goals.
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18. Gete’ Ookomisan, 2016
By Jason Quigno
Pink granite, 8'6"
Commissioned by Delta College FoundationGete’ Ookomisan means “Ancient Grandmother” in Ojibwe, and is a representation of an Anishinaabe (original people of the Great Lakes) Kwe (woman). This sculpture represents the strength, beauty, wisdom and care of not only the Anishinaabe women, but women of all backgrounds.
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19. Jazz Man, 2013
By Ferris State University students directed by Robert Barnum
Steel, 3' x 3' x 7'The organic figure forms represent the power of music and dance. The sculptures are designed to cast shadows that are as compelling as the formal order of the figures themselves.
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20. The Trophy, 2022
By Marguerita “Rita” Greve
Bronze, with a brown patina, 80” x 45”
Enlargement by Isaac Dell
Foundry: Michigan Art CastingsGreve originally created a 12 -nch tall trophy, awarded annually to an area high school by the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. It was intended to challenge area high school students to better themselves through competition with other high schools. The four prominent figures appropriately represent various aspects of academics, including athletics, theatrics, reading and vocals.
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21. Mayan Monumento a la Raza, 1989
By David Torrez
Donation by Dr. John E. Vargas and Conce (Sam) and Carmen Olvera in memory of Luis Olvera
Polished concrete, 63” x 24” x 7”Dedicated in September 1989, during Hispanic Heritage Month, this stone slab is called a “stelaes.” It is similar to time markers erected by the Mayan culture to record historical events. Each figure on the piece represents different aspects of Aztec (Mexica) culture.
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22. Dancer, 2007
By Eric Stevenson
Stainless steel, 12'6" x 10' x 10'
Made possible by Delta College contributorsThis graphic silhouette captures an abstract body in motion. The figure is also adorned with additional industrial artifacts, such as bolts and tubes, that tie it to the industrial age.
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23. Sundial
Artist unknown
Unpolished granite, 36” squareThe sundial was created and installed at Delta College, in memory of Philip C. Dean, who had been a member of the Delta College Board of Trustees representing Bay County. His wife, Ilau Dean, was a graduate of Bay City Junior College – Delta College’s predecessor – and they both had a strong commitment to education.
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24. Bridges, 2016
By Freeland High School students directed by Tamara Klida
Wood, 8' x 4' x 5'
2016 Delta College Sculpture Competition WinnerThe artists observed various bridges in Michigan and used patterns they saw across the state. Not only do bridges connect us to other places, but also they represent stability and connection.
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25. Regina, a.k.a. Caryatid II, 1987
By Susanna Linburg
Donated by John A. and Judy Rapanos
Bronze, 80” x 22” x 17”This piece was originally installed at Delta College’s Midland Center, which was designed by Alden B. Dow and Associates. The facility on Wheeler Road was originally built as St. Regina, a private Catholic girls’ high school. The sculpture was moved from its original site to main campus in 2022, after Delta opened its new Downtown Center. The calm and queenly work is now located across Delta’s Covered Bridge.
The Delta Sculpture Walk was commissioned by Delta College with the generous support of the Anderson Family of Bay City. Continued support is made possible through a combination of private donations to the Delta College Foundation. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please call 989-686-9224.
