Last week, I set foot in the Robeson Gallery for the first time ever. Even though I pass it on the HUB-Robeson Center's bookstore level often, I never realized that a fine art gallery is there.

If you are like me and have not been there, it is time to stop by. Through May 1, you will have the opportunity to see some very talented African artists.

Contemporary Arts and Crafts from Africa is an exhibit that features a rich variety of artistic mediums: basketry, jewelry, paintings, woodcarvings, pottery — there is even a life-sized straw hut.

My first visit was a pleasant surprise.

As someone who admires art, I look at the artistic workmanship. I view details up close and then stand back to see how everything comes together. I also think about what the artist might be attempting to express.

While doing my usual observations, one painting particularly fascinated me. A young boy, wearing a T-shirt that says, "I love Africa," is being held in an older boy's arms. The look in the boys' big brown eyes captured and puzzled me. Are they awestruck? Maybe a little fearful? A vivid yellow dominates a hut and the landscape in the background, creating a surreal setting.

As I stood there pondering over this, I noticed that a fellow viewer shared my sentiments. "Wow," he said under his breath.

Contemporary Arts and Crafts from Africa also contains photography of African people and places, which personalizes these cultural artworks.

The picture of two women wearing colorful head wraps helped me view a display of actual wraps on mannequins in a more understanding manner. I visualized what one would look like on a real person.

My only difficulty was that none of the artwork was identified. According to a Robeson Gallery brochure, artists from Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo were featured, but I did not have any way of differentiating between the artists' nationalities. Knowing a little about each artist and some of the background behind their work would have given me more insight.

For anyone who agrees with me, there will be a reception with the artists from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

However, the overall experience was impressive.

It gave me a look at some of the social issues that concern the artists and a glimpse of rich African cultures.

It convinced me that I will not pass by the Robeson Gallery anymore without stopping in.