Sculpture Celebrating David Driskell Unveiled

Noted African American artist’s 20-foot-tall work stands outside center named for late professor, artist, scholar.

By Maggie Haslam | Maryland Today

A University of Maryland center that has long celebrated African American art inside its walls has now expanded outdoors, with the unveiling Thursday of a massive abstract sculpture of stainless steel disks, buttressed by curved legs and encumbered with a massive chain. 

“David’s Dream,” a new composition by contemporary artist Melvin Edwards, was dedicated in front of the David C. Driskell Center to an audience of campus administrators, faculty, staff and friends. Standing over 20 feet tall, it commemorates the late Distinguished University Professor Emeritus, groundbreaking artist and center namesake, and his mission to highlight the rich legacy of African American artists. 

“There are few sculptures by African American artists on public university campuses in the United States,” said center Director and Professor Jordana Saggese. “I’m so pleased to honor Mel’s contribution to the Driskell Center and the University of Maryland campus and grateful to gather in celebration of the power of creativity in shaping our cultural landscape.”

The prominently located sculpture was funded by a $790,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, bolstering UMD’s commitment to advance Driskell’s work by providing a home for African American art, artists and scholars. 

“Upon the completion of the Purple Line, one of the first things people will see when they arrive on campus is this sculpture,” Craig Kier, director of UMD’s Arts for All initiative, referencing the state’s light-rail line now under construction. “It creates a stunning welcoming point to the University of Maryland and will highlight the important work happening at the Driskell Center.”

Read the full story in Maryland Today.