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

The complexities of identity

“The complexities of identity are integrating one's past, present, and future into a cohesive, unified sense of self is a complex task that begins in adolescence and continues for a lifetime. Identity in the workplace can be complex and have significant implications for workplace culture. Here are some ways identity can impact the workplace: Intersectionality A person's identity can be a combination of overlapping identities, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, age, religion, and regional background. This can lead to a disconnect between how a person views themselves and how others view them. For example, someone may experience both privilege and oppression, or multiple forms of disadvantage. Unconscious bias Leaders bring their own worldviews, shaped by their identities, into the workplace, which can reflect their values and beliefs in the corporate culture.” The complexities of identity. Digital art created on canvas. August 9, 2024. Afr...

Radiant Passage

The past is now behind me, and since my enrollment at NationHouse in 1978, I have had the opportunity to explore numerous locations within my hometown. This journey has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the community and its rich history. Each place I visited has contributed to my personal growth and appreciation for the environment that shaped my early years. Reflecting on my experiences, I realize that the time I spent at NationHouse starting in 1978 opened doors to various adventures throughout my hometown. These explorations have not only enriched my knowledge of local culture but have also fostered a sense of connection to the people and places that define my roots. The memories created during these travels are invaluable, as they have helped me forge a stronger identity. As I look back, I acknowledge that my journey since joining NationHouse in 1978 has been transformative. The many places I have visited in my hometown have left a lasting impression on me, shaping my ...

DC Black School Leaders

“Nearly 70% of DC principals are black. A majority of those leaders are black women. Over the next few weeks, months, and even years, there will be much questioning about the capabilities and values of a Black and Indian woman on an international stage. This will inevitably be challenging for many people, particularly black women, who are disproportionately subjected to such critique and skepticism. Black women have a vital role in education and, as demonstrated time and again, in our political landscape. If our students are going to experience the consistency, justice and academic experience we know they deserve, taking care of ourselves is not a luxury—it's imperative.” NationHouse Anniversary 1980s I gave away this outfit many years ago. I am a proud alum of NationHouse Positive Action Center, a private African-American school that played a significant role in shaping my identity and instilling a deep sense of cultural pride. From the dedicated guidance of Baba Agyei Ak...

Wave of Serenity

Wave of Serenity. Digital art created on canvas. October 5, 2024. Afrika Abney I have no clue what you are discussing because my focus is solely on the task at hand. I prioritize my present actions and creative processes over any past experiences or events that occurred between the 1970s and 2018. This dedication to the moment allows me to channel my energy into what truly matters in my artistic journey. When I engage in the creation of my art through digital software, I focus on the essence of serenity which aids in the success of my creativity where I can fully express myself. My focus remains steadfast on the present. The act of creating art is a form of self - expression that enables me to share my creativity with others.This commitment to the present not only enhances my creativity but also reinforces my belief in the importance of living in the moment, unencumbered by the past.

Sidney Clifton - Opening speaker for African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition

Sidney Clifton is the opening speaker for African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition which is scheduled to take place on March 2nd at Trinity. "Emmy-nominated producer Sidney Clifton has over twenty years of experience as an executive producer, director and creative executive overseeing animated, mixed-media and live-action content. She has produced hundreds of hours of episodic and longform content, a partial list can be found at her imdb page here. She has produced children’s and primetime content on Apple TV+ , BET, NBC, Showtime, Paramount, and Hallmark Channel, and serves on the Board of Directors of The Academy of American Poets. In her role as mentor and recruiter, she has been a featured presenter, guest, and commencement speaker at colleges and universities across North America. "Ms. Clifton’s passion for developing and supporting the underserved community of writers, artists, storytellers and creators was the catalyst for her laun...

Canvas of Experiences

Canvas of Experiences. Digital art created on canvas. October 26, 2024. Afrika Abney I am a dedicated and passionate professional. In the 1990s up until 1996, I was a teenager. I chose brown ochre to represent the color of my skin. White and black to represent the racism and discrimination that I began to experience in the 1990s and continued beyond the 1990s. There is darkness within the experiences of racism and discrimination. However, the contrasting colors represent the persistence of overcoming the hardships of experiencing racism and discrimination. Selected 1992 - 1993 Experiences: Congressional Art Competition. 1992 - 1993 ART CURATOR. New Harlem Gallery, New York City. 1992 - 1993. Installed art for some of the exhibitions held at the New Harlem Gallery. Past 1995 - 1998 Workshops: KUUMBA ARTS AND CRAFTS PROGRAM. D.C. Department of Recreation (Emery Recreation Center, Parkview Recreation Center, Hamilton Recreation Center and Upshur Recreation Center) from 1997 - ...

Creative Chronicles

Creative Chronicles. Digital art created on canvas. October 26, 2024. Afrika Abney At the time when digital art began in the 1980s, I was 4 - 13 and a student at NationHouse. I did not start creating digital art until 2009. With over a decade of experience in digital art, I have honed my skills in various techniques and styles. I specialize in creating captivating and visually stunning digital artworks that evoke emotion and tell a story. Upon waking up from my restful sleep and unaware of the discussions taking place, I began to implement my routine and examine my digital art. Creative Chronicles using vibrant colors and varied brush techniques.

Trust and Innovation

Every morning, I present my digital artwork, showcasing the various color choices I have made. This practice not only highlights my creative process but also offers potential viewers insights about my digital art that I have created the previous night or the next day after my restful sleep. By sharing these insights, I aim to engage my audience and foster a deeper appreciation for my digital art. For example, the color blue holds a profound significance in my artistic endeavors, embodying the limitless nature of the sky while simultaneously fostering a sense of trust and innovation. As a cool hue and one of the primary colors, blue offers a rich tapestry of interpretations that connect with individuals on various emotional planes. By weaving this color into my artwork, I seek to instill a feeling of serenity and inspiration, prompting viewers to engage with the deeper emotional narratives that my pieces convey. Blue serves as a powerful symbol of the expansive sky, evoking...

Vibrant Visions of Faith

Vibrant Visions of Faith. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney With the principle of faith, I am fortunate that I graduated from Bell Multicultural High School in 1993 because I felt alone, depressed, traumatized, isolated and discriminated against every time that I stepped inside the school from 1991 - 1993. The colors gold and shades of yellow are deliberately selected to depict optimism, while black represents faith.

Green Essence

“Green is a color that resonates deeply with themes of prosperity and accomplishment. It represents not only the physical aspects of growth and renewal but also the emotional and spiritual vitality that comes from achieving goals. The presence of this color can serve as an inspiring reminder of the fruitful results that often follow diligent work and unwavering dedication.” I have successfully cultivated a portfolio of artwork sales to prestigious clients, including Esther Productions, Inc., which has allowed me to forge robust relationships grounded in trust and the delivery of high-quality work. My overarching goal is to produce artwork that captivates and engages diverse audiences, while simultaneously fostering enduring connections within the art community. This commitment to excellence not only enhances my reputation but also contributes to a vibrant artistic dialogue. With a solid history of building a dedicated client base, I have consistently generated repeat business and...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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