Darrell Wyke, former football player and coach, is a man of many identities. Yet, his life revolves around his ministry.

"I was a Bible study teacher at first, but after I preached my first sermon, I knew God didn't want me to be a football coach but a minister," he said. He now preaches every Sunday at Aldhouse Church of Christ in Bridgeport, Ala.

Mr. Wyke is also head trainer at Signal Mountain Athletic Club where he also runs Darryl Wyke's Personal Training with brothers David and Shannon.

However, a passion for art integrates the two.

Q: What prompted your interest in art?

A: I wanted to fill my house with something that would enable me to feel something out of the norm. I can express myself through my art.

Q: How does art influence your life as a minister?

A: Preaching is a gift. There's nothing that can compare to it. It's totally separate from everything else in my life. Art is an extension of my relationship with God.

Q: How large is your art collection?

A: I started collecting seven to eight years ago and now have about 30 pieces. I recently bought a piece by Isaac Duncan. He's been commissioned by the Smithsonian. It's a copper-and-nail sculpture. And I once had an artist come and stay with me and paint murals on my kitchen walls and in my bedroom.

Q: You collect a lot of local art. What's your favorite?

A: Terry Cannon's Hope sculpture. It used to be down at the corner of Main and Market streets. Every day I would drive home and see it, then I would drive on and see homeless people with little hope. I wanted to be the one to bring them hope. So I bought the Hope sculpture. I want the people of my community to know that there is hope. I live in Alton Park in the Hope VI Project. Commissioner John Taylor challenged me to buy a home there and be an example for the community. Some things in life just fit, and that did.

Q: You have Mr. Cannon's sculpture in your yard and also the Black Watcher by local artist Jim Collins. What do your neighbors think of your yard art?

A: First of all, I don't think of it as mine. It belongs to the community. But my neighbors and all the children say they love it. They're very positive about it.

Q: Why do you consider it important to support local artists?

A: They don't get the credit for the work they do. And if they're not supported locally, why should we expect people from the outside to support them?