Art, in all forms, has the ability to tell a story. The Delta Sculpture Walk, our free, outdoor sculpture exhibit that features 25 permanent works, is located throughout the grounds of the Delta College main campus. As it continues to evolve with the addition of new art, we’d like to showcase four pieces and their significance.

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 private donations made to the Delta College Foundation.

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  Torii V, 1981
  Russell Thayer

  New Location: South side of the S Wing,
  Fine Arts Building

  Created by Delta College art faculty member Russell Thayer in memory of fellow faculty member Don Laughner, Torii V would become the symbol of the coveted annual Don Laughner Award for Creative Change, which was established by family and friends in his memory. Laughner, who worked at Delta from 1964 to 1980, was an inspirational leader through his roles as mathematics professor, division chair, dean and senate president. Mr. Thayer said of the sculpture, “The piece was designed to be in constant motion, reflecting Don’s innovation.”

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  Mayan Monumento a La Raza, 1989
  David Torrez

  Donated by Dr. John E. Vargas and Conce (Sam)
  and Carmen Olvera in memory of Luis Olvera

  New Location: East side of main campus near
  the J Wing entrance

  The late David J. Torrez was a respected, award-winning Saginaw artist who was dedicated to creating pieces that explored and celebrated his Mexican American heritage throughout his career until his death in 2001.

  In September 1989, Torrez created this 5-foot-tall Mayan monolith in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The interpretation represents different aspects of Aztec (Mexica) culture and mirrors the Mayans who erected stone slabs or “stelaes” every 10 to 20 years to record historical events. 

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  Regina, a.k.a. Caryatid II, 1987
  Susanna Linburg

  Donated by John A. and Judy Rapanos

  New Location: Across from the Covered Bridge on the east side of main campus

  The 80”x22”x17” bronze statue was originally designed and installed at Delta College’s Midland Center. That facility on Wheeler Road was built as a private Catholic girl’s high school called Regina – the inspiration for the queenly figure.

  Regina’s upright figure combines the eternal supporting stability of an architectural column with the stylized suggestion of full-length stately robes and an enveloping headdress. A serene oval face looks out through closed eyes with an expression of peace, watchfulness and accepting love and wisdom.

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  Sundial, 1979
  Unknown

  New Location: Near the Covered Bridge on the east side of main campus

  The sundial was created and installed in memory of Philip C. Dean, a member of the Delta College Board of Trustees representing Bay County from 1968 to 1979. He worked at The Dow Chemical Company and served as Mayor Pro Tem of Bay City. His wife, Ilau Dean, was a graduate of Bay City Junior College – Delta College’s predecessor.

  Dean passed away in April 1979 at age 61 while serving on Delta’s Board. In May 2010, Dean’s three children – Philip, Douglas and Dorn, who all graduated from Delta College – created a scholarship in honor of their parents for their commitment to education.