"There is no mystery as to the talent, energy and spirit that Ms Afrika Abney brings to a very diverse community. Her artistic skills are enhanced by her ability to organize such a community. Ms Abney is a motivator, innovator and an inspiration that would make any organization, institution be proud to have you on its staff."- J'Huti Ta Seti, Speech Pathologist/Educator"
"It has been such a long time. I am happy to know that you remain passionate and invested in art and art education!" - Jorge Somarriba, Former Art Teacher at Bell Multicultural High School
"If developing a career path is any evidence, native Washingtonian Afrika Abney is a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it." - Jennifer Lash, Journalist
"I thought that your work had the right balance of form/no form to engage the imagination. They looked fluid, like they had movement." - Dr. Trent Tucker
" My initial feeling viewing your art is breathtaking art with dynamic colors. Since your art are of abstract expressionist elements, I can interpret the subject in context of personal experience or can reconsider the subject of the canvas from an alternate visual perspective than usual similar to learning a language with alternate ways to express a concept; visual elements on your canvas can have a power like an echo that moves on textural planes color fields, or be resonant and penetrating to view because they are relative and interdependent." - Renee Winfield, Graphic Designer
"Your work is powerful." - Marilyn Hayes, Women Caucus of the Arts (WCA/DC)
"Wow! So much emotion goes into your artwork." - Paula Bannerman, Artist
"I feel your art as being soft and strong, your colors and patterns pleasant, warm and inviting." - A. Theresa Bragg, Public Relations Director, Phish Tea Cafe
"She uses layers of swirls and strokes to capture sky scenes with a palette of blue, green and magenta. Each of these breathtaking paintings has solid, rotund, sculptural forms unfolding in a majestic symphony." - Misty Brown, Arts Critic
"I love colors. I think colors are striking. The contrast of her usage of colors is remarkable. I love the way she paints. I feel a lot of emotions when I look at her work." - Jennifer Hardy, Collector
"I love it when an artist is not afraid of color. Your art is fabulous." - Jennifer Golden, Artist
"From October 2012 -May 2013, Afrika Abney worked for Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT) as an after-school visual arts teaching artist from at Harriet Tubman Elementary School. During this time, she has proven herself to be a loyal employee and a gifted teaching artist. Her presence in the classroom is strong, and her genuine caring for her students is obvious. She shows a clear understanding of the importance of arts education. She is also timely, hardworking and professional." - Laurie Ascoli
"Afrika Abney was employed by Young Playwrights' Theater (YPT) from October 2012 - May 2013, when I was YPT's Artistic Director. Ms. Abney was placed at Harriet Tubman Elementary School, teaching visual arts to very young students. This was a pilot program, and Ms. Abney proved her skills especially in working with this age group. She was always professional and completed the residency to our satisfaction. "- Nicole Jost
"My grandkids had a wonderful time at the Kuumba Expressions Workshop. They were engaged the entire time. The workshop was therapeutic, relaxing (my grandson on a normal day cannot be still for 10 mins) and amazingly educational. Ms. Abney gave them Art History lessons as she had them to explore various styles of art. She pointed out similarities of the kids work with those of famous artists such as Romare Bearden, Pablo Picasso, Lee, Lois M. Jones, Elizabeth Catlette and others. She exposed them to lines, shapes, brushes. She is so talented and knowledgeable about her craft. The other children there also had a great time and they were all proud of their work. She even had them display their works in the Art Gallery where they discussed their pieces and thoughts behind their creativeness. My grandchildren want to be back again. Thank you Ms. Abney for bringing out the creativity in children who had no idea they have gifts of expression. "- Roxanne Richardson, January 31, 2015
"I thought the event went very well. It was organized and you kept the children engaged. " - Saundrell Stevens, Co Owner of Culture Coffee, January 31, 2015
"In 2016, we helped Ms. Afrika Abney present her art workshops entitled: Kuumba Expressions. She has demonstrated herself as a natural teacher and a talented professional artist. We at Esther Productions Inc. recommend her highly. " - Esther Productions, Inc
Ms. Afrika Abney is a professional visual artist and art consultant who has been providing services since 1992. She is praised for her talent, energy, and ability to organize diverse communities. Testimonials from colleagues and art critics highlight her passion and skill in creating powerful and emotional artwork. Ms. Abney has worked as a teaching artist at various organizations, receiving praise for her professionalism and dedication to arts education. She has also conducted workshops, such as Kuumba Expressions, where she taught young students about art history and various styles of art.
Her extensive experience includes providing a wide range of services. Some of them include art services, digital, email, in person flyer dissemination, online advertisement, online flyer dissemination, press releases dissemination, and social media marketing, specializing in promoting art events and workshops. Her background at renowned institutions like New Harlem Gallery and The Phillips Collection has equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the art industry.
With an impressive portfolio that includes promoting art shows, workshops, symposiums, and exhibitions, Ms. Abney has established herself as a go-to professional in the world of visual arts. Ms. Abney approaches each task with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence.
One of Ms. Abney's notable achievements is the creation of brochures to market herself as a professional visual artist and art consultant. These brochures highlight her unique style, artistic vision, and range of services, making them an effective tool for attracting potential clients and promoting her work. By leveraging her creativity and expertise in marketing and promotion, Ms. Abney has been able to showcase her talent to a wider audience, leading to increased visibility and recognition in the art community.
She has promoted numerous events. Some of them include Annual BZB Gift and Art Show, National Daddy Daughter Reunion Tour, Building Families in the 21st Century, The Gift, Daughters Speak Out, Sip, Paint and Reflect, PaintSpiration: Reflect and Paint!, Spring Cleaning: Mind, Body and Spirit, The Fatherless Daughters Speak Out, Esther Productions, Inc Butterfly Series, Inside Job: The Art of Personal Essay Writing (Workshop for Teens), Inside Job: The Art of Personal Essay Writing (Workshop Sequel for Teens), Reconciliation Week, Joy Jones' Double Dutch, Writing Institute for Teens, Teens Authors Talk, Understanding and Overcoming Fatherless Daughter Syndrome, The Power of Poetry in You, Women Are Poetry in Motion Every Day in Every Way, Kaleidoscope: A Writing Club, Winners Circle, Soaring Sisters Circle, Me, Myself and Our Story: Creative Writing Institute for Young Ladies, Me, Myself and Our Story: The Art of the Personal Essay, A Writing Workshop for Girls,Me, Myself and Our Story: The Art of Memoir, Part 1, Discovering Me...Without You: An Annual Personal Essay Contest,African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition, and AACL Tour.
Currently, Ms. Abney is engaged in a collaborative project with MidnightRose, where she serves as a professional visual artist and art consultant for an upcoming event set to take place on September 14, 2024, at Tenley Library. In this role, she is responsible for disseminating information about the event through various channels, including email and social media. Her strategic communication efforts are aimed at informing and engaging the target audience, with the goal of maximizing attendance and raising awareness about the event, thereby utilizing her expertise to effectively connect with potential participants.
Ms. Abney's commitment to her profession is evident in her proactive approach to client engagement and event promotion. With a solid background in digital communication, she emphasizes the significance of the upcoming event and its benefits for the community. Her ability to tailor messages for different platforms not only enhances visibility but also fosters a connection with the audience, which is essential for the event's success. This strategic methodology not only bolsters her reputation as a consultant but also reinforces her position as a trusted resource within the art industry.