Due to a late-arising scheduling conflict, David Driskell's guest-speaking appearance in the Amistad Chapel of the UCC Church House has been rescheduled from Feb. 22 (Ash Wednesday) to noon Tuesday, Feb. 21.

"We are tremendously honored to update that Dr. Driskell will lead our fourth week of February community worship service in honor of Black History Month," said the Rev. Kimberly Whitney, UCC minister for community life and assistant to the Collegium.

Widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on African-American art, Driskell said he will address the link between the creative process and religious beliefs.

His work appears in "Imaging the Word: An Arts and Lectionary Resource," a Pilgrim Press volume edited by Blain.

"I plan to share some ideas pertaining to my participation as an artist and as a person of faith," said Driskell, who will present "Giving Honor to God Through Art: A Creative Source."

"I’m speaking on a subject that I have been trying to develop over the past couple of years," said Driskell, "and that is more of an understanding about the creative process and what inspires me to continue as an artist and, in so doing, link that to my religious beliefs."

Practicing art since the 1950s, Driskell has exhibited his work worldwide. One of his most celebrated projects is in the DeForest Chapel at Talladega (Ala.) College, which comprises 65 stained-glass windows.

Driskell has written five exhibition books, co-authored four others and published more than 40 catalogs from exhibitions he has curated. He has lectured extensively in North America, Europe, Africa and South America, and has taught at numerous universities.

In 1976, Driskell opened his groundbreaking exhibition, "Two Centuries of Black American Art," at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The following year, he began to serve Camille and Bill Cosby as curator of the Cosby Collection of Fine Arts. (Driskell placed works of African-American artists on the set of The Cosby Show.)

In 1998, the University of Maryland established the David C. Driskell Center for the Study of the African Diaspora (www.driskellcenter.umd.edu/), honoring Driskell’s 44-year career as artist, educator, philanthropist, collector and art historian.

In December 2000, President Clinton presented Driskell with the National Humanities Medal, noting that Driskell ". . . has focused attention on black artists sparking worldwide interest among art lovers, critics and historians and enriching the cultural heritage and history of our nation."

Each February, the UCC commemorates Black History Month as a time of reflection of history; a tribute to those who have overcome suffering and injustice; and praise for a powerful and sustaining God. The church remains engaged in the history of a people who stood with courage and pushed forward with faith.

On Feb. 22, the UCC's Church House will host a brief service of ashes at noon in Amistad Chapel, led by the Rev. Susan Blain, UCC minister for worship, liturgy and spiritual formation.