His work is a fine example of contemporary West African art depicting traditional ways of life.

For, to appreciate a work of art we need bring with us nothing from life, no knowledge of its ideas and affairs, no familiarity with its emotions. Art transports us from the world of man's activity to a world of aesthetic exaltation. For a moment we are shut off from human interests; our anticipations and memories are arrested; we are lifted above the stream of life.

For people who have never experienced the Kwanzaa festival in the past, I can't think of a better year to take that step forward. Upon their arrival, they will be immersed in a very positive energy, and they will feel good from the inside.

Kwanzaa is a pan-African celebration of heritage and culture and family and community. The principles and the manner of observing the holiday lift up traditional values that are key to our lives.

We'll be talking about sustaining our community.

We all agree now - by "we" I mean intelligent people under sixty - that a work of art is like a rose. A rose is not beautiful because it is like something else. Neither is a work of art. Roses and works of art are beautiful in themselves.