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

History of Malcolm X Park in Washington, DC

  According to my research, “Malcolm X Park, located in Washington, D.C., is a significant public space that carries a rich historical narrative intertwined with the civil rights movement and the African American experience. Originally known as Meridian Hill Park, this area was established in the late 19th century and was designed in the Beaux-Arts style, featuring cascading fountains, statues, and expansive green spaces. Over the years, the park has served as a gathering place for various community events, protests, and cultural celebrations, reflecting the evolving social dynamics of the neighborhood and the broader struggles for racial equality in the United States. In the 1960s, the park became a focal point for civil rights activism, particularly among African American communities. It was during this time that the park was informally renamed Malcolm X Park, in honor of the influential civil rights leader Malcolm X, who advocated for black empowerment and social justice. The pa...

Fiery Impression

Fiery Impression. Digital art created on canvas. 2022. Afrika Abney This abstract painting captivates the viewer with its vibrant hues of red and orange, evoking a sense of warmth and energy. The dynamic brushwork employed in this artwork adds depth and movement, allowing the colors to dance across the canvas. The interplay of light and shadow within the piece creates a mesmerizing visual experience, drawing the eye and inviting contemplation. The choice of colors in "Fiery Impression" is particularly noteworthy, as the bold reds and oranges symbolize passion, creativity, and vitality. These colors are not merely aesthetic choices; they convey a deeper emotional resonance that can inspire and uplift. The abstract nature of the painting allows for personal interpretation, enabling viewers to connect with the artwork on an individual level. “Employee vitality, which encompasses physical health, mental engagement, and emotional well-being, serves as a catalyst for heightened cre...

Sunrise palette

  Sunrise palette. Digital art created on canvas. October 8, 2024. Afrika Abney  Sunrise palette is a blend of colors and textures to evoke a sense of wonder and awe.

The act of blogging

  Blogging has been a crucial part of my career journey since I started as a consultant at 15. I realized the importance of sharing my insights with a wider audience, leading me to start my own blog in 2017. The act of blogging has significantly enriched my professional life and through this platform, I have the opportunity to explore various subjects related to consulting, while also receiving feedback and engaging in dialogue with my readers. This interaction not only enhances my understanding of the topics I cover but also inspires me to continue evolving as a consultant and a writer, ensuring that my contributions remain relevant and impactful.

Active Listening

“The best listeners convey their confidence in the other person.” Being quiet and listening fully to what the other person is saying without any judgment, bias and prejudice. Quote found on the Internet The best listeners convey their confidence in the other person by truly focusing on what is being said, rather than thinking about their own response or interjecting with their own opinions. This level of attentiveness shows respect for the speaker, validating their thoughts and feelings. It also fosters a sense of trust, as the listener demonstrates that they are fully engaged and invested in the conversation. By maintaining eye contact, nodding in agreement, and using body language that shows openness and receptivity, the listener communicates that they value the speaker's perspective. This kind of active listening allows the speaker to feel heard and understood, leading to more meaningful and productive discussions. Ultimately, conveying confidence in the other person through att...

Harmony of Tones

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

Simple and Extraordinary

  Quote found on the Internet  Simple and Extraordinary. Digital art created on canvas. October 16, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Hopeful Gesture

  Quote found on the Internet  Quotes are not only found on the Internet, but also can be found on numerous apps.  Hopeful Gesture. Digital art created on canvas. October 18, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Esther Productions, Inc and the Black Student Fund presents INSIDE JOB WRITING INSTITUTE: The Art of Personal Essay Writing WORKSHOP lead by Ms. Jonetta Rose Barras

Esther Productions, Inc and the Black Student Fund presents INSIDE JOB WRITING INSTITUTE: The Art of Personal Essay Writing WORKSHOP lead by Ms. Jonetta Rose Barras October 22nd 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT 1201 24th St NW Washington, DC 20037, USA https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/inside-job-writing-institute-the-art-of-personal-essay-writing-2022-10-22-10-30 Jonetta Barras - President and CEO of Esther Productions Inc She is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author. Ms. Barras has more than 20 years experience reporting and commenting on national social, political, and cultural trends, including as an opinion writer with The Washington Post, Washington Examiner and Washington City Paper. ​She founded Esther Productions Inc. in 2004 after the publication of her Black Board bestseller Whatever Happened to Daddy's Little Girl: The Impact of Fatherlessness on Black Women (Ballantine 2000, hardcover—2001, paperback). She has spoken at more than two-dozen national and...

Fluid Focus

  Quote found on the Internet Fluid Focus. Digital art created on canvas. October 23, 2024. Afrika Abney   Digital art is created using technology.