Skip to main content

Why I taught the arts?

 When I was a little girl, I wanted to pursue a career in the arts. I choose the arts as a vehicle and outlet for me to express myself through using the arts. If it was not for the love of the arts and I had the opportunity to teach visual arts, literary arts, and dance throughout my community in the past. It gave me the opportunity to express myself as it is related to bullying and culture, especially to minority race. 

I taught various art forms such as collage design, abstract painting, drawing, poetry, and dance to children, youth and dance.

SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES 

ARTS SPECIALIST. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, Washington, D.C. June 20, 2018 - July 25, 2018. Plan and present visual arts classes for students of varying backgrounds and abilities , create a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; and prepare and disseminate a weekly report for the Program Manager, Justin Love.


SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. DC International School, Washington, D.C. 2016 - 2017. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. 2015 - 2015. Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a 1/2 hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance.

WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015 Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. Provided West African dance instruction to a group of students for a Summer Camp program such as M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC and Y.W.D.E.P. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a 1/2 hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. Also provided instruction for students at several other organizations including Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3, 2013 - July 17, 2013) Hyde Addison Elementary School (May 18, 2013)


SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013. Provided dance instruction to students grades 9 -12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp.


SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015. Provided dance instruction to children and adults in the absence of the studio teacher. Taught Samba Fusion - All Levels and Afro Beats - All Levels.


AFROBEAT, a dance class that includes a fusion of modern and African upbeat combinations to Nigerian music, inspired by FELA! the musical.


Samba Fusion, a dance workout that brings the benefits of basic samba/axe drills and steps to tone muscles.

SUMMER ACADEMY CAMP PART- TIME ELECTIVE ART TEACHER. Higher Achievement, Washington, DC - Metro. July 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013 (Center City PCS - Capitol Hill Campus); and 2003-2004 (Bruce Monroe Elementary School). Created and implemented a visual arts lesson plan for summer program, specific to 5th - 8th grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities. Students gained knowledge and dexterity in specific forms of visual arts, including abstract painting.


SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. December 2013 - 2014. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

AFFILIATED TEACHING ARTIST. Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT), Washington, DC. October 2012 - May 2013.Planned and presented visual arts classes for first and second grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities , integrating literacy fundamentals within the context of the classroom instruction; created a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; established my own classroom rules for each student to follow; and prepared and disseminated a weekly report for the Program Manager, Laurie Ascoli.

SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.Provided West African Dance Classes for the Pre-Professional Program targeted for ages 12-21 on Wednesdays.

PAST VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS 

Kuumba Arts and Crafts Program (1995-1998). D.C. Department of Recreation (Emery Recreation Center, Parkview Recreation Center, Hamilton Recreation Center and Upshur Recreation Center) from 1997 - 1998 and A - T Seban Mesut (1995- 1998). Sponsored by Ms. Afrika Abney and funded by the D.C. Commission of the Arts, Arts Education Grant Program

Kuumba Expressions Visual Art Workshops (2015 and 2016).Culture Coffee on January 31, 2015 and Potter's House on May 16, 2016 and May 23, 2016. Sponsored by Culture Coffee, Potter's House and Esther Productions, Inc Art Enablers.

SELECTED LITERARY WORKSHOP

Enhancing Our Imaginations funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Takoma Park Library, Washington, DC. 2003

COMMUNITY CAREER DAY VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS

2016. Eliot (invited by Ms. Ophelia Morgan).

1996. Calvin Coolidge High School (invited by Ms. Angela Cook)

COMMUNITY CAREER DAY DANCE WORKSHOP

2016. Roots Public Charter School

Popular posts from this blog

Registration Closed for African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition (AACL)

     The registration for African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition  (AACL) held on March 2nd has been closed as of Feb 23, 2024.  This event is curated by award-winning author and public scholar jonetta rose barras in partnership with humanities scholar Bernard Demczuk Ph.D. ,The Black Student Fund, The Institute for African American Writing, Teaching for Change, Social Justice Books, Buck Wild Media, and Lesa Warrick. Major funding has been provided by HumanitiesDC with additional support from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, and BusBoys and Poets. estherproductionsinc.com/aachildrensliterature

Color Beyond Skin

  Color Beyond Skin. Digital art created on canvas. November 30, 2024. Afrika Abney  What does the color of my skin have to do with you accepting me for who I am? Everything. However, no one is one hundred percent their ethnic background. I wish people would stop judging me based on the color of my skin. 

Akoma Drummers Past Services

    I have thrown away the clothes shown in all three photos. Photos taken by Mr. Benny J. at All Souls Church during the performance held on January 4, 2016. On January 4, 2016, I had the opportunity to provide my services for an event featuring the Akoma Drummers, which was held at All Souls Church in Washington, DC. The Akoma Drummers are recognized as a prominent West African drum troupe based in the capital, known for their vibrant performances that celebrate cultural heritage and community engagement. The Akoma Drummers "are a West African drum troupe based in Washington DC." "KRISTEN ARANT is a percussionist, vocalist, teaching artist and activist living and working in the Washington, DC region. Originally a classically-trained oboe player with a degree in music, she began her drumming career upon moving to Washington DC in 2000, when she helped initiate the activist drumming ensemble Rhythm Workers Union, known for its hand-built drum cart the “MotherDrumShip,” a...

Diverse collection of acrylic paintings on canvas board

On March 1, 2024, talented and innovative artist, Ms. Afrika Abney created a diverse collection of acrylic paintings on canvas board, each capturing the essence of movement, tranquility, and beauty through vibrant color palettes and dynamic compositions. Among them include Dynamic Movement, Tranquility, Serene Tranquility, Untitled and Beauty and Elegance. The artist's signature style reflects a mastery of brushwork and color theory, making each piece a perfect fit for modern and contemporary spaces. March 1, 2024 5”. Dynamic Movement Acrylic on canvas board Afrika Abney This stunning painting depicts a powerful green and blue wave, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of the ocean. March 1, 2024 5” Tranquility Acrylic on canvas board Afrika Abney This captivating abstract painting features a mesmerizing blue wave, evoking a sense of movement and tranquility. The varying shades of blue create a dynamic and calming visual experience, making it a perfect addition to any modern ...

Branding Initiative

“The initiative focuses on a comprehensive branding strategy that encompasses various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, literature, dance, and consulting services. This multifaceted approach aims to create a cohesive identity that resonates across different creative fields, allowing for a richer engagement with diverse audiences. By integrating these elements, the initiative seeks to elevate the perception of each discipline while fostering collaboration and innovation among artists and consultants.” Why branding is important? https://afrikaabneyconsult.blogspot.com/2024/07/why-branding-is-important.html Branding Blog https://afrikaabneyconsult.blogspot.com/2024/07/branding-blog.html

SkyBlend Serenity

  SkyBlend Serenity. Digital art created on canvas. October 5, 2024. Afrika Abney   SkyBlend Serenity harmoniously merges the hues of light blue-green and green, each color carefully selected for its representation of serenity. The interplay of these shades evokes a sense of calmness and peace. 

Why branding is important?

Strong branding is essential for any business to create a unique identity and stand out from competitors, leading to increased customer loyalty and trust. It goes beyond just boosting sales, shaping perceptions of employees, customers, and investors. Ms. Afrika Abney, a consultant with over two decades of experience in nonprofits and schools, is focused on building her professional image through creative strategies like videos. She offers consulting services to a diverse clientele, excelling in partnerships and impactful projects to empower individuals, organizations, and communities. Additionally, Ms. Abney recognizes the importance of branding and is actively working on establishing her professional image through creative strategies like videos. Seeking paid opportunities to utilize her expertise, Ms. Abney is dedicated to using her skills to empower and support individuals, organizations, and communities. Branding Blog - https://afrikaabneyconsult.blogspot.com/ Branding Site: https:...

Harmony of Tones

  Harmony of Tones. Digital art created on canvas. October 7, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Importance of checking emails

 "C hecking your email regularly is essential for maintaining professionalism and upholding your reputation. Promptly responding to emails demonstrates your commitment to communication and professionalism. It also helps in building trust and credibility with your colleagues, clients, and business partners." As a consultant, I have provided email marketing as one of my services for many of my past clients. If you wish to secure your service, you must reply back to the email. 

A Very English Christmas (2023)

“A Very English Christmas (2023) presents a heartwarming narrative centered around the festive season. The story unfolds as Emma's sister, Amy, embarks on the journey of planning her wedding, which is set to take place on Christmas Eve. This unique timing adds an extra layer of excitement and urgency to the preparations, as the holiday spirit intertwines with the joyous occasion of a wedding. In the midst of the wedding preparations, Emma takes on a pivotal role by collaborating with Dylan, who is not only Amy's co-owner at the Christmas market but also a key figure in the unfolding events. Their partnership is marked by a blend of creativity and determination as they navigate the challenges that arise while organizing a wedding during such a bustling time of year. The dynamic between Emma and Dylan evolves, showcasing their shared commitment to making Amy's special day memorable. As the narrative progresses, the film captures the essence of Christmas, highlighting themes o...