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 https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/the-national-reconciliation-week-for-self-family-june-5-june-9-2023-2023-06-05-12-30

This and other programs by Esther Productions Inc. are made possible through generous donations from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, Emmanuel Bailey, Pepco, an Exelon Corporation and Esther's Friends.

Dr. Nic Hardy (June 7) is a psychotherapist in Houston, Texas who operates a popular counseling service. This will be his first appearance at The National Reconciliation Week; he is expected to examine family estrangement with the goal of ending it. In his practice, Dr. Hardy helps adult, individuals and couples improve their relationships and grow as individuals. His authenticity and relatability have allowed him to help people from all walks of life. He has been featured in national publications such as HuffPost, Cosmopolitan, NBC, PsychCentral, AskMen, Fatherly, and many others. Dr. Hardy is married and has a beautiful daughter named Brooklyn.

Tasha Smith, LCPC-S, LPC, CCTP-II, CTMH, CMC-1, NCC established Rejuvenating Hearts & Minds in 2016, a mental health and wellness organization that focuses on strengthening the family unit; she is its CEO. It aims to transform the lives of ethnic families and their approach to financial decision-making. After working 18 years in corporate America, Mrs. Smith recognized her mission was to combat societal norms and systemic challenges that contribute to mental illness and maintain financial inequality in marginalized communities. Mrs. Smith aims to bridge the gap by improving emotional d financial literacy through education, practical skills, application procedures, and support. In her work, Mrs. Smith helps individuals understand the emotional and psychological relationship they have with money. Mrs. Smith's goal is to help create generational wealth that extends beyond finances and assets.

Myla Johnson is a recent graduate from Trinity Washington University with a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology. During her college career, she was inducted into the International Honor Society in Psychology and Phi Beta Kappa. Myla has also interned at the Child Guidance Clinic in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Ms. Johnson is a recipient of the Access Path to Psychology and Law Experience (APPLE) Program Award by the American Psychology-Law Society's (AP-LS) Broadening Representation, Inclusion, Diversity, and Global Equity (BRIDGE) Committee for her research on " Predicting Emotional and Behavior Functioning of African American Boys: The Impact of Absentee Father's from the Home." Ms. Johnson is currently preparing to apply for Clinical-Forensic Psychology doctoral programs for 2024.

Compassionate Harmony Palette

Compassionate Harmony Palette. Digital art created on canvas. September 20, 2024. Afrika Abney “The colors hot pink, pink, red, and orange embody essential qualities of compassion and harmony. Each hue carries its own emotional resonance, contributing to a palette that evokes feelings of warmth and understanding. Shades of pink, often associated with compassion, fosters a sense of nurturing and care, while red symbolizes passion and energy, igniting a fervent connection among individuals. Orange, a blend of the two, radiates enthusiasm and creativity, further enhancing the atmosphere of unity and support.”

Blended Serenity

Blended Serenity. Digital art created on canvas. August 30, 2024. Afrika Abney “Blended Serenity represents a seamless integration of diverse components that collectively foster an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation. This concept emphasizes the importance of combining different aspects—be it environmental, emotional, or sensory—that work together to create a soothing experience.”

Thunderstorm Palette

Thunderstorm Palette. Digital art created on canvas. August 31, 2024. Afrika Abney “The hues observed evoke the essence of isolated thunderstorms, capturing the unique atmospheric conditions associated with such weather phenomena. These colors reflect the dynamic interplay of light and shadow that characterizes a storm, where deep grays and vibrant blues intermingle with flashes of electric white. This visual representation not only highlights the intensity of the storms but also conveys a sense of isolation, as these weather events often occur in localized areas, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding landscape.”

Orange Linked with Creativity and Optimism

“Orange, a vibrant and energetic hue, is intrinsically linked with creativity and optimism. Its association with the sun and autumnal harvests evokes feelings of warmth, joy, and abundance. This bright color stimulates the mind, encouraging a free flow of ideas and a positive outlook. Just as the sun's rays invigorate life, orange fuels creative energy, inspiring individuals to embrace new challenges and possibilities with enthusiasm. It is a color that fosters a sense of playful exploration, encouraging us to step outside the box and think unconventionally. The optimistic energy of orange empowers us to approach life with a can-do attitude, believing in our ability to achieve our goals and overcome obstacles with a cheerful spirit. Creativity in abstract art involves challenging artistic norms through techniques like layering and brushwork to create captivating compositions that reflect inner thoughts and emotions, inviting viewers on a journey of discovery of human complexities....

Vibrant Intentions

Vibrant Intentions. Digital art created on canvas. September 18, 2024. Afrika Abney “The concept of prayer is often intertwined with a rich tapestry of colors, each hue symbolizing different aspects of spirituality and devotion. These colors can evoke a range of emotions and signify various intentions behind the act of praying. For instance, the color white is frequently associated with purity and peace. Similarly, blue can represent tranquility and divine connection, while red may symbolize passion and sacrifice.Yellow, on the other hand, is seen as a color of enlightenment and joy, embodying the uplifting spirit that prayer can inspire. Each color serves as a visual representation of the deeper meanings and feelings that accompany prayer.”

Dynamic Contrast Hues

Dynamic Contrast Hues . Digital art created on canvas. September 13, 2024. Afrika Abney Dynamic Contrast: https://abneyartist.blogspot.com/2024/08/dynamic-contrast.html

Innovative Solutions

Innovation Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. August 11, 2024. Afrika Abney “The art of painting embodies creative approaches to address everyday obstacles. Through the use of color, form, and technique, artists convey unique perspectives that can inspire viewers to think outside the box when faced with routine difficulties. This medium serves not only as a form of expression but also as a catalyst for problem-solving, encouraging individuals to explore new ideas and solutions in their daily lives. In the realm of visual arts, painting stands as a testament to the power of innovation in tackling common challenges. Artists utilize their craft to reflect on societal issues and personal experiences, offering fresh insights that resonate with audiences. By transforming ordinary subjects into extraordinary works of art, painters invite us to reconsider our approaches to the problems we encounter, fostering a mindset that embraces creativity and adaptability. The practice of painting...

WaterWhirl Palette

WaterWhirl Palette. Digital art created on canvas. August 31, 2024. Afrika Abney I position myself beneath the cascading water, allowing it to envelop me completely as I immerse myself in the experience. The sensation of the water flowing around me inspires a sense of freedom and creativity, prompting me to engage with my digital brush. With each stroke, I begin to apply various shades of blue to my digital canvas, capturing the fluidity and movement that surrounds me.

PresentPath

PresentPath. Digital art created on canvas. September 4, 2024. Afrika Abney “The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present.” - Eckhart Tolle “ Tolle advocates for the idea that our thoughts and actions in the present are crucial in determining the trajectory of our future. By concentrating on the present, we can create a solid foundation that aligns with our goals and desires. This perspective encourages individuals to engage in activities that are not only fulfilling but also resonate with their core values, thereby ensuring that the future we envision is a natural extension of our current efforts and mindset.”

The concept of form

Quote found on the Internet “In the field of painting, the concept of form is a crucial component that delineates the tangible attributes of the subjects represented on the canvas. It involves the strategic organization and interplay of various shapes, lines, and colors, which collectively contribute to the formation of a unified visual story. This intricate relationship between these elements not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also guides the viewer's understanding of the artwork's intended message.”

Ms. Afrika Abney, Professional Visual Artist and Art Consultant- Branding Blog

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