Transformative power of art

1996

Many years ago, I threw away the items shown in this photo.

I attended Corcoran from 1993 - 1997. This photo was taken of me in 1996 when I was still at the Corcoran. I studied fine arts at the Corcoran in the 1980s as well.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art was formally founded as a public institution in 1869 at the intersection of Seventeenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. When the Gallery opened its doors in 1874, art students immediately flocked to the museum to observe, sketch, and paint copies of the collection's famous works. In 1878, William Wilson Corcoran donated additional funding to establish a school associated with the Gallery. When Corcoran passed away in 1888, a small building was built for the purpose of the gallery's burgeoning identity as a place for education in the arts. In 1890, the school officially opened as Corcoran School of Art.By 1897, the flourishing institution had outgrown its original home and moved to its present Downtown campus location. The renowned Beaux-Arts style building was designed by Ernest Flagg and is considered to be a premier example of the style. Despite difficult economic times in the 1930s, the school saw enough growth to continue expansion and began offering commercial art classes, scholarships, children's courses, the library, ceramics facilities and courses, weekend classes, and summer learning opportunities. The school became a member of the National Association of Schools of Art in the mid 1970's, and in 1978 was awarded its first BFA degree. The school became fully accredited in the 1980's.The College formally changed its name to Corcoran College of Art + Design in 1999 and has established itself as Washington's singular four-year accredited institution for education in the arts.”

Dynamic and passionate arts advocate with a strong connection to the rich legacy of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, founded in 1869. Committed to fostering creativity and nurturing talent, I have been immersed in a vibrant community that inspires aspiring artists to explore their potential. With a solid foundation in a diverse curriculum from the Corcoran College of Art + Design, I recognize the transformative power of art and its ability to forge deep emotional connections. Eager to contribute to initiatives that celebrate artistic expression and enrich the cultural landscape, I invite others to join in reflecting upon the profound relationships that art cultivates in our lives.

“Art can have a transformative power in the workplace in many ways, including:

Mental health

Art can help reduce stress and burnout, and increase productivity, focus, and job satisfaction. Creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music can activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and happiness.

Self-expression

Art can help people externalize their internal experiences, making them tangible and visible. For example, a painter's brushstrokes can represent their journey.

Connection

Art can foster a sense of belonging, empathy, and understanding, and build bridges across divides.

Branding

Art can be a unique branding element that sets a business apart from competitors. For example, a well-placed piece of art in a hotel lobby can make guests feel more relaxed and welcomed.”

Digital Harmony

Digital Harmony. Digital art created on canvas. September 9, 2024. Afrika Abney When I create my abstract digital art, I think of colors and how they impact my potential viewers. The colors that I have selected for my work include blue, dark green, yellow, black and red. The act of producing digital art transcends mere creation; it encompasses the vital aspect of sharing my work with a broader audience. I believe that art should not only be an individual expression but also a means of connection with others. To facilitate this, I utilize my blog as a platform to showcase my digital art, allowing me to reach and engage with those who appreciate the nuances of abstract expression. Through my blog posts, I aim to provide insights into my artistic process and the thoughts behind each piece. This not only serves to inform my audience about the intricacies of my work but also fosters a dialogue around the themes and emotions that my art seeks to convey. By sharing my digital creations ...

Pivotal Moments

Flyer created in 2019 for Doc Powell, Founder of the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers by Ms. Afrika Abney. “Back when Art All Night first took root in the Shaw neighborhood in 2011, I was enthusiastically involved in providing numerous services. As the years went by, my journey took me through various artistic landscapes, culminating in a significant opportunity in 2019. That year, I had the privilege of collaborating with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, who showcased their incredible talents at Art All Night in Deanwood. Despite my involvement in these pivotal moments, I did not participate in the H Street Festival or Art All Night, reflecting my evolving focus and the different avenues through which I engage with the arts community.” I provided services for the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers from 2001 - 2020. I have not provided any services for them since 2020. Selected Expertise & Skills: I bring a unique blend of creativity, organizationa...

Fall Reflections

I have no idea what you are discussing because I am doing my fall reflections. In my artistic practice, which encompasses both traditional and digital abstract painting, I have explored an extensive palette of colors. Over the span of more than three decades, I have consistently utilized hues such as blue, crimson, dark red, red, black, green, magenta, and yellow, each contributing to the emotional depth and visual complexity of my work. In addition to these primary colors, I have also integrated a diverse range of other shades into my compositions. These include earthy tones like brown and orange, as well as more vibrant colors such as gold ochre, purple, pink, gray, and white. Each color serves a specific purpose, whether it be to evoke a particular mood or to create a striking contrast that draws the viewer's eye. This careful selection of colors is fundamental to my artistic expression and the overall impact of my pieces.

Cultural bridging

Quote found on the Internet “Cultural bridging in the workplace can help create a cognitive connection between people from different cultures, allowing them to understand each other's similarities and differences. This can lead to productive dialogue and learning. Here are some ways to bridge cultural gaps in the workplace: Develop cultural awareness: Take time to learn about your colleagues' and business partners' cultural backgrounds. Recognize differences: Acknowledge cultural and individual differences, as well as your own behaviors. Be respectful: Show respect and speak clearly. Adapt communication styles: Consider how your communication style might differ from others. Build relationships: Involve the whole group and seek feedback. Be transparent: Clarify things and ask for clarification when needed. Use technology wisely: Consider how technology can be used to help.” Quote found on the Internet Passionate and dedicated arts professional with deep roots in Washingto...

Creative Vision, digital art created on canvas

From 2009 through June 2024, I have engaged in extensive email correspondence with a diverse array of individuals, organizations, and various entities regarding numerous events. As a consultant, I have been offering email marketing services, a field in which I have been involved since my high school years in 1992. This long-standing experience has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of effective communication strategies and audience engagement through digital channels. My journey as a consultant began in 1992, marking the start of my professional career in this field. Over the years, I have honed my skills and expanded my expertise, particularly in areas such as digital art and branding. Currently, I am focusing on enhancing my digital art portfolio, branding, and seeking paid opportunities that align with my creative vision and professional goals. Creative Vision. Digital art created on canvas. August 10, 2024. Afrika Abney This captivating painting features a vibrant interplay...

Vibrant Devotion

Vibrant Devotion. Digital art created on canvas. December 31, 2024. Afrika Abney The colors associated with Faith include red, blue, purple and green in referencing beliefs. I strongly believe that lies, rumors, gossip and secrets jeopardize all relationships.

Services for the September 14th event

The services for the event held on September 14, 2024, were finalized on September 12, 2024. In preparation for the event, I personally distributed flyers on August 27 and August 29. This hands-on approach was complemented by an email campaign that shared essential event details, along with the digital posting of the flyer across various social media platforms. In addition to the physical distribution of flyers, I utilized digital channels to broaden the event's reach. By sending out detailed information through email and leveraging social media for flyer promotion, I aimed to attract a larger audience and generate interest in the event. This multifaceted approach was designed to ensure that the event would be well-attended and successful.

Today's Inspiration

My days have been filled with a blend of research and creativity, as I immerse myself in the soothing melodies of the birds chirping just outside my window. This natural symphony serves as a backdrop to my digital art projects, where I channel my inspiration into vibrant creations that reflect both my inner thoughts and the beauty of the world around me. Each stroke and pixel is a testament to my dedication, as I strive to capture the essence of my surroundings while exploring new artistic techniques. Recently, I have also ventured into the realm of event services, where I leverage my skills as a consultant to offer valuable insights and support. This new endeavor allows me to connect with clients and help them bring their visions to life, whether it’s through strategic planning or creative direction. The excitement of collaborating with others and contributing to memorable experiences adds a dynamic layer to my work, making each project unique and fulfilling. Balancing my research, a...

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...

Skyward Harmony

Skyward Harmony. Digital art created on canvas. August 15, 2024. Afrika Abney Looking out from my window, I was greeted by clouds drifting lazily across the sky, while a solitary bird soared gracefully above. The scene sparked a wave of inspiration within me, prompting me to reach for my digital palette. I carefully chose a variety of blue hues, blending them with soft whites to capture the essence of the sky and the fleeting beauty of the bird in flight. With each stroke of my virtual brush, I began to translate the atmospheric beauty before me onto my digital canvas. The cool blues danced harmoniously with the gentle whites, creating a sense of depth and movement that mirrored the clouds and the bird's elegant trajectory.

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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