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

Subtle Spectrum

  Quote found on the Internet  Subtle Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. October 30, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Panel Discussion: ESTRANGEMENT & RECONCILIATION

  ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC. presents ESTRANGEMENT & RECONCILIATION: The Wound and The Balm a conversation during   THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK For Self & Family June 5, 2023 12:30-1:30 pm   A Virtual Event The challenges of life can sometimes cause devastating traumas that can lead to personal or familial estrangement. What does estrangement look like? When we separate, losing our way, how do we find the path back to wholeness? How do we reconcile? Join us for the answers to those and other questions during a provocative, informative and entertaining conversation during a week of live and previously recorded activities. ESTRANGEMENT & RECONCILIATION features psychotherapist Dr. Nic Hardy, Tasha Smith, LCPC-S, LPC, CCTP-II, CTMH, CMC-1, NCC and Myla Johnson, Trinity University Washington senior whose award-winning research project focuses the impact of father absence and African American boys.  IT'S FREE. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED at  ...

Yellow Harmony Tambourine

  Yellow Harmony Tambourine. Digital art created on August 13, 2024. Afrika Abney  Throughout my life, I have explored a diverse range of musical instruments, each offering its own unique sound and character. Among these, the tambourine holds a special place in my heart, with its vibrant jingles and rhythmic potential. Inspired by this beloved instrument, I embarked on a creative journey to translate its essence into the realm of visual art, resulting in an abstract digital painting that captures the spirit of the tambourine. The artwork, titled "Yellow Harmony Tambourine," is a vivid representation that intertwines the lively energy of the tambourine with a striking color palette of yellow and purple. These colors were deliberately chosen to evoke feelings of joy and creativity, reflecting the upbeat nature of the music produced by the tambourine. The abstract forms and dynamic composition within the painting aim to convey the rhythm and movement associated with playing this...

2022 Year In Review

                      Summer Blossoms. Acrylic on Canvas. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney  ​ Summer Blossoms, abstract finger painting created on canvas using colors that represent the Summer. ​ I recently had one of my abstract paintings featured on the cover of a book and the painting is entitled: Summer Blossoms. It is entitled: Kaleidoscope. For more information about the book, contact Esther Productions, Inc at estherproductionsinc@gmail.com.    In 2022, I have implemented over 30 new strategies. As a consultant, I would say that I have received numerous feedback on my effective strategies. Each strategy was uniquely different for each event that I provided and offered services. During the pandemic which began on March 9, 2020, I provided and offered all of my services online. I had to ensure that each service that I provided was effective and successful. This was challenging fo...

Dynamic Tones

  Dynamic Tones. Digital art created on canvas. October 27, 2024. Afrika Abney  I specialize in exploring the dynamic interplay of colors, allowing them to dance and flow across the canvas with a sense of movement and energy that captivates the viewer.

Ausar Auset Society DC

  Identity Roots. Digital art created on canvas. September 25, 2024. Afrika Abney “The Hesp region of Washington, D.C., has been a vital support system for the African community since its establishment in 1975, operating under the leadership of the Paramount King, Ur Aua Hehi Metu Ra Enkamit. This organization has played a significant role in fostering cultural identity and community cohesion, providing various resources and programs aimed at uplifting and empowering individuals within the African diaspora. My personal journey with the Ausar Auset Society in Washington, D.C. began in 1983 when I was introduced to its principles and activities at the young age of seven. This early exposure to the society's teachings and community initiatives left a lasting impression on me, shaping my understanding of cultural heritage and community involvement. After a period away, I returned to engage with the society again from 1995 to 1998, further deepening my connection to its mission and valu...

Expressive Bold Brushstrokes

  Expressive Bold Brushstrokes. Digital art created on canvas. November 7, 2024. Afrika Abney 

The exploration of human experiences within the context of abstract art

  Quote found on the Internet “The exploration of human experiences within the context of abstract art reveals a profound interplay between emotion and perception. Abstract art, characterized by its departure from representational forms, invites viewers to engage with their own feelings and interpretations. This genre transcends traditional boundaries, allowing individuals to connect with the artwork on a personal level, often evoking a range of responses that are deeply rooted in their own life experiences. The absence of recognizable subjects encourages a more introspective approach, prompting viewers to reflect on their emotions and thoughts as they navigate the vibrant colors, shapes, and textures presented before them.”