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12/23/2003: "Art"

There are two shepherds, three wise men, an angel, Joseph, and a madonna and child. They are carved out of sturdy tree branches, measuring about one foot to three feet in height. Harry emphasizes the natural grain and individuality of the wood in each of his pieces. A shepherd is hairy with tree bark; grain lines recapitulate the curve of the angel's wings. Harry limps a little more than last year; he can't carry the heaviest of the pieces down from his studio to the car. I went to his house this afternoon to help him bring them to church for Christmas Eve. The schedul;e was off because of the memorial service this afternoon; when we brought them in the sister of the bride in Saturday's wedding was rehearsing her solo. As I was carrying him up the aisle, a King from the East looked into my eyes with a solemn gaze.