Tampa Museum of Art offers free museum admission and a Family Day program as part of its third annual celebration of Kwanzaa.The program takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. and features hands-on art activities, storytelling, traditional music and dances.
Kwanzaa is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa, and its name is derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits." Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga conceived the holiday and initiated it on Dec. 26, 1966.
Traditionally celebrated Dec. 26-Jan. 1, each day focuses on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
The museum's celebration includes an explanation of these principles and how they form a moral foundation.
Another highlight of the program is the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers, an African folkdance and music troupe that performs at 2 p.m.
While at the museum, families can tour the special exhibits Photography's Multiple Roles and I See the Rhythm.
Photography's Multiple Roles is an ambitious panorama of 170 photos, objects and installations that explore and define the varied facets of the medium. There are examples of documentary, medical, commercial and fine art photography by many of the most talented artists and technicians of the 20th century, including Robert Frank and Annie Leibovitz.
I See the Rhythm is a series of paintings by Michele Wood that covers the history of African-American music. The collection begins by depicting the roots of black music in Africa, then traveling through the rhythm of work songs on a southern plantation to the rhythm of New Orleans jazz, to the rhythm of swing at the Savoy Club in Harlem, to the faithful among church pews rejoicing to the rhythm of gospel. It ends, naturally, with the hip-hop of today. The exhibit is comprised of 15 paintings, a quilt, a doll symbolizing the artist, five costumes and a looped video of live performances.
Tampa Museum of Art is located at 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. 813-274-8130.
This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2002.