"Grief. Despair. Loss. Loneliness. Fear. Anxiety. The shakes. Just an old-fashioned case of the blues. Whatever you call it, they got it."

FROM "New York," a play by Pulitzer-finalist David Rimmer. Perhaps the funniest scene in a 21-part theatrical production detailing the experiences of New Yorkers directly following 9/11.

This issue showcases the paintings of Elisabeth Atnafu, whose work appeared in the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art from April to December 2003.

We've selected five of the paintings produced by Atnafu during a trip to her homeland of Ethiopia in the winter and spring of last year.