Past Visual Art Workshops

"An arts education helps build academic skills and increase academic performance, while also providing alternative opportunities to reward the skills of children who learn differently." - Gavin Newsom

I conducted free fine arts workshop for children ages 7 - 10 which took place at 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). I also conducted several other visual art workshops in 2015 (Culture Coffee Too) and 2016 (Potter's House).

Facilitated several visual art workshops that took place in 2015 (Culture Coffee Too) and 2016 (Potter's House). Designed to serve youth between the ages of 6 through 12, including those with developmental disabilities. Participants are provided instruction in painting, using traditional and non-traditional materials, with the intent of enhancing their own natural artistic talent while expanding their fundamental information about compositional studies, light and shadow, and technique. Further, the workshop augments participants’ overall education, particularly their communication skills. Additionally, participants are introduced to many renaissance artists. Some of them include Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Polluck and Lois M. Jones.

The purpose of the visual art workshops were to enhance and further expand students' academic goals and close the education gap.

Below are some photos of me when I taught visual art workshops to children and youth in the community. Please note that I have given away the clothes and other items shown in the below photos.

Photo credit by Roxanne Richardson in 2015

Potter's House. 2016

PAST VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS

Abstract Radiance

Abstract Radiance. Digital art created on canvas. October 12, 2024. Afrika Abney I believe that colors have the ability to evoke deep emotions and tell powerful stories. Red represents determination, while indigo purple represents imagination and creativity.

Luminous Sketch

Luminous Sketch. August 24, 2024. Afrika Abney Luminous Sketch emphasizes the vividness and brilliance of the colors, skillfully combined with a gentle sketching approach. This technique not only enhances the overall aesthetic appeal but also brings a sense of warmth and depth to the artwork, allowing the colors to resonate with the viewer. The interplay between the luminous hues and the delicate lines creates a captivating visual experience that draws the eye and invites contemplation.

MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose #3

Jan 11, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST Washington, 4450 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA MIDNIGHTROSE: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose continues featuring three exciting poets and short story writers whose words and presentations will inspire and regal. Presented by Esther Productions Inc., the Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund in partnership with The Tenley-Friendship Library, this third program in the Series. For those interested in learning more about this literary event, please feel free to reach out via email at midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com . https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/midnightrose-a-reading-series-of-poetry-and-prose-jan-11-from-2-4pm-est DAVID NICHOLSON is the author of The Garretts of Columbia: A Black South Carolina Family from Slavery to the Dawn of Integration. His collection of short fiction, Flying Home: Seven Stories of the Secret City, was included on a Los Angeles Times list of boo...

Love Your Skin

"Beneath the skin, beyond the differing features and into the true heart of being, fundamentally, we are more alike, my friend, than we are unalike." - Maya Angelou Many people do not love their own skin. I think it is important for you to love your skin. However, many black people have skin conditions during the Winter because of the weather and other genetics. Love Your Skin. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

Abstract digital series

Abstract digital series. July 12, 2024. Afrika Abney I have been creating various types of art since I was a college student from 1993 - 1997. I did not start creating digital art until 2009. I did not study digital art when I was a student. Currently, I am leveraging my digital art as a means of personal branding. To effectively promote my work, I engage in various strategies, including blogging and creating video content. These platforms not only showcase my artistic creations but also serve as a conduit for connecting with a broader audience, enhancing my visibility in the competitive art landscape. The titles I assign to my digital artworks are deeply rooted in my personal experiences, reflecting my unique perspective and narrative. While I appreciate the value of constructive criticism, I am not actively seeking feedback or opinions on my work. Instead, my primary focus is on utilizing my digital art as a tool to attract lucrative job opportunities, similar to th...

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice. Digital art created on canvas. December 21, 2024. Afrika Abney “Winter Solstice is the transition from darkness to light, often incorporating elements such as meditation and reflection.” It is associated with the colors red and green.

Rhythms of Life and Poppies

“The interplay of life's various rhythms and the vibrant imagery of poppies creates a profound narrative that resonates deeply within the human experience. Life is characterized by its cyclical nature, marked by the ebb and flow of emotions, events, and seasons. Each rhythm, whether it be the gentle pulse of daily routines or the more tumultuous beats of significant life changes, contributes to the rich tapestry of existence. Poppies, with their striking red petals and delicate structure, symbolize both the beauty and transience of life.”

Moment of Chance

Moment of Chance. Digital art created on canvas. December 26, 2024. Afrika Abney I watched briefly on television a chance encounter, a television movie released in 2022. I have an extensive music background. Reluctant to give me a chance because of the lies and your own experiences, well is like building walls and bricks. I have stated numerous times that no one is perfect. Acceptance and understanding plays a crucial role, as well as establishing ground rules.

Dating Ethics

Dating co-workers in professional work settings is inappropriate. When employers hired me to provide a specific service from 1995-2018, I will always remain professional. I do not believe in dating my former co-workers of the opposite sex. I will remove myself from the setting first when I have noticed that I developed such attraction. Making a bet and bribing co-workers to go against their standards is unethical. If you have an interest in me, then you should have asked for my contact information. Numerous people do not know me at all. Contact me only by phone at 202-384-5925 Preference - single straight male over the age of 30 I no longer provide educational, career day and free services. It is not the past and I am not interested in dating women nor boys.

Transparent Experiences

Starting from the beginning means understanding that my journey is different from yours. Trying to obtain if I am joking, means that you really were not transparent when I met you. I was 2 years old in 1978 and enrolled at NationHouse. I participated in numerous activities when I was a student at NationHouse. At Bell, from 1991-1993, I was 14 -16. I have no clue who nominated me to participate in the completion that I participated in from 1992-1993. When I was a student, I was only attracted to boys. Boys who act like gentlemen. As an adult over the age of 30, I am only attracted to single straight male over the age of 30 who act like gentlemen. When I worked in various settings, I was only interested in the services that I provided, not dating. It is unethical for me to go on dates when employed. I have removed myself from those settings. Since 2018, I have not provided any educational, career day and free services. Better questions produce stronger answers.I have thrown away ma...

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

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