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

Honest Conversations

  “In the workplace, open communication means sharing information honestly and transparently at all levels of the organization. This means no one is kept in the dark.Honesty helps in developing good attributes like kindness, discipline, truthfulness, moral integrity and more.” Quote found on the Internet  With more than three decades of professional experience, I have come to recognize the critical role that transparent communication plays in fostering strong relationships. Engaging in sincere dialogues not only enhances trust but also cultivates a supportive environment among former clients and members of the community. This approach has proven to be instrumental in establishing connections that are both meaningful and enduring. Throughout my extensive career spanning over 30 years, I have consistently emphasized the value of open and honest discussions. Such interactions are essential for nurturing positive and constructive relationships with past clients and individuals wit...

Creative Entertainment

  Quote found on the Internet  “The 1990s marked a transformative era for the entertainment scene in Washington, D.C., where the convergence of political dynamics and cultural expression significantly influenced artistic endeavors. As the capital of the United States, the city served as a vibrant backdrop for political dialogue, which was often reflected in the creative outputs of its artists. Various forms of media, including documentaries, performance art, and literature, emerged as powerful tools for addressing urgent social issues, fostering a deeper engagement with the public and prompting critical discussions on contemporary matters.” I was a student during the 1990s up until the late 1990s. 

Straightforward Interactions

  I am not Christian. I was introduced to various religious practices when I was a student. I am not playing mind games and entertaining assumptions, gossip and rude jokes. To grab my attention, you must demonstrate respect, honest and trustworthy behavior. I am a straightforward, transparent and authentic human being who has had the opportunity to work at various settings from the 1980s - 2018. It is not the past. I have not scheduled any virtual meetings, video chats, nor interviews. Stop speaking to other people that do not know me at all. I am not interested in dating women nor boys. I am not interested in dating married men and senior citizens. I am not a senior citizen.I am a single straight female over the age of 30 who only has interest and attraction to single straight male over the age of 30. Stop trying to play matchmaker. Only I know what my tastes are.  Stop having me spell things out. The only telephone number that I have is 202-384-5925. Contact - 202-384-5925 W...

Balance and harmony

    Choosing the color peach was a deliberate decision for me, as it embodies the essence of balance and harmony that I strive to achieve in my digital abstract artwork. This particular hue resonates with a sense of warmth and tranquility. As I explored the nuances of peach, I reflected on how this color can evoke feelings of comfort and serenity, making it a perfect choice for conveying the intricate dynamics of relationships through art.

Twilight Illumination

  Twilight Illumination.Digital art created on canvas. December 4, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Shades of Perseverance

        Shades of Perseverance. Digital art created on canvas. October 8, 2024. Afrika Abney  Shades of Perseverance is depicted with the layers of brush techniques, shades of brown against the solid background. When I was a teenager from 1989 - 1996, I implemented not only the shades of perseverance, but continued to move forward on graduating from each educational institution that I attended between 1989 - 1997.  According to my research, “the exploration of struggle and survival is vividly encapsulated in a palette dominated by earthy browns. This color scheme evokes a sense of resilience, reflecting the harsh realities faced by individuals and communities as they navigate through adversity. The various shades of brown symbolize the complexities of life, from the deep, rich tones that represent strength and endurance to the lighter hues that suggest hope and renewal. Each nuance tells a story of perseverance, illustrating how people confront challenges a...

Fact-Driven Focus

  Fact-Driven Focus. Digital art created on canvas. December 4, 2024. Afrika Abney  Since I, Afrika Abney, mean nothing to many people. Please stop bothering me and spreading false information. Opinions are not facts. I have stated facts. I have no time for opinions. I am busy minding my own business and fulfilling my goals.  I was 14 in 1991 and today is December 5, 2024.