The Visual Artist

“Artists should be fairly compensated for their work, as they put their hearts and souls into their creations. When hiring an artist, it is important to remember that their fees may vary based on industry and project requirements.”

Ms. Afrika Abney is a talented visual artist with over 30 years of experience, known for her abstract paintings and collages showcased at prestigious galleries and events. Her work has been recognized by esteemed collectors and organizations, including having her art featured on book covers.

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

● Participated in the Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's Congressional Art Competition in 1992 and 1993.

● Art featured on brochure (African Heritage. 1992. Donated) and book cover entitled: Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting on Life (published in 2022)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

Visual Artist. Virtual Art Exhibition and Poetry Reading. February 19, 2023

Visual Artist. The National Daughter Daddy Tour. National City Christian Church, Washington, D.C. 2004 - 2006

Visual Artist. Every Picture Tells A Story. Moca DC, Washington, D.C. January 6, 2006 – January 27, 2006

Visual Artist. "Visions." Ellingtons on 8th, Washington, D.C. May 31 - June 28, 2006.Curated by Prelli Anthony Williams. Reception, May 31, 2006 from 6-8pm and Closing Reception, June 28, 2006

Visual Artist. "The Power Within." El Tamarindo, Washington, D.C. July 1 - 31, 2006. Curated by D.Edward Dyer, President of Art N Deed, LLC

Visual Artist. "Images of Life." Phish Tea Cafe, Washington, D.C. July 31, 2005 - September 2005

Visual Artist. Norton Kirby Advertising, Washington, D.C. 2005

Visual Artist. Heritage Collections. Emma Mae Gallery, Washington, DC. 2005-2004

Visual Artist. "James McLaugin Memorial Staff Show." Phillips Collection, Washington, DC. 2000

Visual Artist. New Horizons Presents Tomorrow's World Art Center. "Celebrating Our Heritage Through The Arts." Atrium Gallery One, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC. 1999

Visual Artist. "Evolution of Historical Symbolisms." Corcoran Gallery of the Art, Hemicycle, Washington, DC. 1997

Visual Artist. "All Senior Summer Show." Corcoran School of the Art, White Walls Gallery, Washington, DC. 1997-1996

Art Collectors:

Ms. Renee Winfield and Esther Productions, Inc

Art Donations:

Flock of Feathers #1. August 13, 2022. Acrylic on Canvas. Esther Productions, Inc Two Untitled Collages. August 13, 2022. Esther Productions, Inc

Art Sold:

Summer Blossoms (an abstract painting) to use for the book cover of Kaleidoscope. August 13, 2022

Untitled.5".Acrylic on canvas board.March 4,2023.$25.00.AfrikaAbney. Sold on June 23, 2023.

Untitled.5". Acrylic on canvas board.March 4,2023.$25.00.AfrikaAbney. Sold on December 3, 2023.

Tornado. Acrylic on canvas board. March 2, 2023. $25.00. Afrika Abney. Sold on December 3, 2023.

Mary Evans, I am A Black Woman

"I am a Black Woman is a poem that highlights the unique struggles that African Americans have faced throughout history, specifically focusing on African American women, and how that shaped them today as strong and resilient people. With strong use of symbolism and allusions, Evans notes specific times throughout history that have played major roles in the suffering of African American women. The poem highlights how this history of suffering and pain have helped define the black woman today as strong, and this unwavering strength is what it means to be a black woman. " I Am a Black Woman by Mari Evans I am a black woman the music of my song some sweet arpeggio of tears is written in a minor key and I can be heard humming in the night Can be heard humming in the night I saw my mate leap screaming to the sea and I/with these hands/cupped the lifebreath from my issue in the canebrake I lost Nat’s swinging body in a rain of tears and...

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...

Choosing Summer Camps

When I was choosing Summer Camps for a place where I can provide and offer my services, I considered a number of things. SUMMER CAMP 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. 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 ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and hi...

Strategic branding initiatives

“ Strategic branding initiatives are part of a brand strategy that can help a business succeed in the long term.” Marty Neumeier "Your brand is not what you say it is, it's what they say it is". A brand is based on reputation, and what people say about it is what defines it. Jim Mullen "When you look at a strong brand, you see a promise". A strong brand has a clear vision and promise to the customer, and consistently delivers on their expectations In December 2017, I created a branding blog to share my expertise in consulting services. My mission is to empower individuals and businesses to reach their full potential by implementing strategic branding initiatives. With nearly three decades of experience in the industry, I have honed my skills in developing impactful branding strategies that drive success. My expertise lies in understanding market trends, identifying target audiences, and crafting compelling brand narratives that resonate with consumers. Throu...

March is Women's History Month - Mama Nkechi Taifa

" Nkechi Taifa is an attorney, activist, scholar, motivational speaker and author. A native Washingtonian, she has been part of many movements for justice throughout the decades - the Black Power Movement, the New Afrikan Independence Movement, the Anti-Apartheid Movement, the Movement to Free Political Prisoners, the Reparations Movement, and the Movement to End Mass Incarceration. Incensed that books for Black children failed to highlight freedom fighters, she authored a book in her twenties, "Shining Legacy: Storypoems and Tales for the Young, So Black Heroes Forever Will Be Sung," (1983) followed by "The Adventures of Kojo and Ama" (1992). She describes her latest book, "Black Power, Black Lawyer: My Audacious Quest for Justice," as "part memoir, part textbook, part study guide, part expose'." Although sometimes raw, sometimes abrasive, sometimes passionate, Taifa offers her truth, unapologetically and unfiltered, with honesty an...

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

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 Sc...

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.

Apprenticeship and Mentorship

My formative years as a student at NationHouse were deeply influenced by the guidance of several remarkable individuals. At the young age of 11, in 1987, I had the privilege of apprenticing under Mr. Marvin Sinn and Mr. Winston Kennedy, learning valuable skills and insights from their expertise. These experiences were further enriched by the mentorship of other inspiring figures, including Mr. Ethelbert Miller and Ms. Valerie Jean. Throughout my journey at NationHouse, I was fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who fostered my growth and development. While I am unsure of the specific context or potential for confusion surrounding my background, I believe the details provided offer a clear picture of my early experiences and the individuals who played a significant role in shaping my path. Marvin Sin Leather artist, Windsor, North Carolina "Born and raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community of Brooklyn, New York, Marvin Sin is a cultural activist and a self-taught artist wo...

BZB Holiday Gala 2022

"Free BenJamin (the artist) is a dc based passionate graphic designer/fine artist/singer/songwriter." " Stef-n-Ty, since 1992, is Stephanie Dickey, designer and Tyrone Dickey, creative marketing director Stephanie Dickey got her fashion start at a very young age in Maryland, where her great-grandmother, a dressmaker taught her how to sew, knit, & crochet. patternmaking and sewing skills along with cultivating her eye for textiles. Stephanie began her first shop doing alterations and custom dressmaking for people in Annapolis, MD well as putting on fashion shows with a line of women’s clothing under the label “Stefani”. Since those early days, Stephanie and Tyronehave lived and worked in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Brooklyn, NY before moving to Detroit in 2010." "Woodrow Nash crafts hauntingly empty-eyed sculptural busts that combine the slender proportions of 15th century Benin art and an 18th century Art Nouveau aesthetic to create a ...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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