Randal Crawford’s art can be found on display from Michigan to Florida, in places like the Saginaw Art Museum, Dow Headquarters, Palm Beach Airport and now, at Delta College’s Downtown Midland Center. 

The new art installation, which was commissioned by the Delta College Foundation, is a 135-piece handmade tile mural located on the second floor of the new facility. From start to finish, the mural took 26 continuous hours to install. Its title, “32* 32’ 84.65’ N,” is named after the geographic location of Crawford’s home studio in Midland, where he created the tiles. 

Crawford, professor of art, said he drew inspiration for the tiles from the building’s architecture, colors and many textures, as well as things he sees on his drive to Delta, such as trees and plowing patterns on farmland. He used an array of tools – power tools, a torch and even his bare hands – to shape and buff the tiles. 

“I wanted the colors to flow and have movement,” said Crawford. “I’m excited that people will see the installation when they get off the elevator or come up the stairs, and I hope every time someone looks at it, they see something different.” 

Crawford began his teaching career at Delta about 28 years ago. He attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia – then called the Philadelphia College of Art – and went on to receive a master’s degree in fine arts from the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

While he has taught a wide range of art classes through the years, from advanced drawing and painting to ceramics and sculpture, he gives the same advice to all of his students. 

“If they feel discouraged in their work, I tell my students to always believe in themselves,” he said.