Skip to main content

Kaleidoscope Women's Writing Collective at Women Blossoming

 Kaleidoscope Women's Writing Collective, a diverse group of poet and fiction writers at various stages in their career. They released their first book this year "Women of Color Reflecting on Life." Sharon Burton, Kanimozhi mv, and Betty Nyangoni are among the members scheduled to appear reading new and published works at 4:00 pm. (an open mic will follow from 4:30 to 4:45 pm)

SHARON BURTON is an artist, poet, and creativity coach based in the Washington, DC area. She is a visual artist whose preferred medium is collage and mixed media and has exhibited her art in galleries, art venues and other settings across the country since 2007. Her work can be found in private collections in Atlanta, Washington, DC and other places across the country.
 
In 2018, she started writing poetry as a form of creative expression after dealing with a life lesson. In 2019, she compiled a chapbook of 35+ poems which she self-published for her friends and family entitled Moon Rising in Capricorn. With feedback from those who read the poems in this collection, Sharon was encouraged to write more poems. She is currently writing a book of inspirational affirmations for creatives and artists at midlife and will officially publish a poetry book within the next year.
 
Sharon is based in Southern Maryland, outside of Washington, DC. When she is not working or creating, you can find her hiking in the forests along the East Coast or indulging in Artist’s Dates to
museums, cafes or spending quality time with her calico cat, Athena.


BETTY NYANGONI,Ph. D., is a semi-retired educator and consultant. In her professional and academic career, among other things. she has served as a schoolteacher, professor, supervisor and administrator. These and other pursuits have taken her to several states, countries and continents. Her current writings reflect some of her personal experiences throughout her travels and career. They have provided her unique insights into people. places and things. Her interests are wide, varied and interdisciplinary. Although she has written in other genres, none of her previous works have been in poetry. During the Covid-19 shutdown, she turned to writing poetry. Along the way, she received valuable support and professional guidance from her Kaleidoscope family. It proved to be a joyful learning, enlightening and fun-filled experience. The poems included in this collection are the result.
 
Dr. Nyangoni resides in Washington, DC with her granddaughter, Taylor and her pit bull Bleu.
 
 
KANIMOZHI MV is a poet and writer. I write mostly in my native language. I come from Tamil Nadu, south India currently residing in Virginia. I was practicing as an attorney back home. Currently I am a full-time writer.
 
I have published three poetry books-- two on Amazon kindle and one in print. This group provided a lot of confidence to write poems in English and this my first set of poems to be published in English.


Popular posts from this blog

Nature’s Radiant Palette

  Nature’s Radiant Palette. Digital art created on canvas. October 3, 2024. Afrika Abney Dark green symbolizes tranquility, while yellow symbolizes optimism. The depth and fluidity between the contrasting colors and brushstrokes adds volume to Nature’s Radiant Palette.

Vivid Artistry

  Vivid Artistry. Digital art created on canvas. October 3, 2024. Afrika Abney Today is October 3, 2024 and I am focusing on creating my digital art and branding. Whatever conversations that you are having, I have not been engaged in them. I am busy working using the colors, blue, yellow and dark green representing optimism, tranquility and creativity which are portrayed in Vivid Artistry.

MIDNIGHTROSE: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose features Mr. Kenneth Carroll, Ms. Elizabeth Bruce and Ms.Sasa Aakil

  “MidnightRose serves as a vibrant platform that highlights the diverse voices of multigenerational and multicultural writers from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. This initiative is brought to life by Esther Productions Inc., in collaboration with The Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund. The series aims to celebrate the literary talents within the community, showcasing a variety of poetic and prose works that reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that define the region. Attendees of MidnightRose can expect to engage with a dynamic array of award-winning poets and authors, each bringing their unique narratives and artistic expressions to the forefront. The event not only serves as a performance space but also as a gathering that fosters dialogue and connection among writers and audiences alike. By immersing oneself in the powerful words and stories shared during the series, participants are invited to explore themes o...

The intention and significance of my digital abstract paintings

    “The intention and significance of my digital abstract paintings are not rooted in themes of sexual relationships. Instead, they serve as a medium for my self-expression, allowing me to convey the stories and emotions that inspire each piece. Through these artworks, I aim to communicate my personal and professional experiences and the narratives that shape my creative vision.”

Gentle Rain

  Gentle Rain. Digital art created on canvas. September 28, 2024. Afrika Abney The season of Autumn 2024 commenced just six days ago, and on this rainy Saturday morning, I woke up from my restful sleep a couple of hours ago. The sound of raindrops tapping against the window provided a soothing backdrop as I prepared to embrace the day ahead. This weekend, I have dedicated my time to focusing on my branding and delving into the creation of my digital artwork, both of which are essential components of my creative journey. Have a creative weekend.

Autumnal Expressions

      Autumnal Expressions. Digital art created on canvas. September 29, 2024. Afrika Abney “Autumnal Expressions encapsulate the essence of the fall season, a time when nature undergoes a remarkable transformation. As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, the landscape is painted in dark brown, deep dark brown, deep red and deep magenta.This seasonal shift not only affects the environment but also evokes a range of emotions and reflections. The beauty of autumnal expressions lies not only in the visual splendor of the season but also in the deeper meanings and emotions it inspires in creativity and productivity.”

BrightBlend Techniques

    BrightBlend Techniques. Digital art created on canvas. October 2, 2024. Afrika Abney  BrightBlend Techniques is a digital abstract painting composed of colors and various brush techniques.Some colors include orange, red, and blue. All three of the colors represent creativity.  According to my research, “the use of various brush techniques creates a rich tapestry of texture within the artwork. The dynamic relationship between light and shadow, skillfully rendered through these different strokes, infuses the piece with vitality and a sense of motion. This deliberate layering invites viewers to delve deeper into the work, fostering a greater appreciation for the intricacies and purpose that lie behind each individual brushstroke.”

Artful Humanity

      Quote found on the Internet  According to my research, “National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) originated in 1985 as a celebration known as National Arts Week. This initiative was designed to promote the importance of the arts and humanities in American culture, encouraging communities to engage with and appreciate various forms of artistic expression. The establishment of this month-long observance has since evolved into a significant annual event that highlights the contributions of artists, writers, and cultural organizations across the nation. In the same year, 1985, a notable development in the realm of technology occurred with the release of a paint application.  Together, these developments reflect the dynamic relationship between the arts and the tools that facilitate their creation and dissemination.” In 1985, I was 9 years old and a student at NationHouse.

Narrative Layers

    Narrative Layers. Digital art created on canvas. October 2, 2024. Afrika Abney  I created Narrative Layers, a digital abstract painting, using layered brushstrokes and vibrant colors with the focal color - red. Red represents determination, courage, resilience, and creativity.  According to my research, “layered brushstrokes serve as a powerful representation of the different phases of artistic expression and emotional depth. Each stroke adds a unique texture and dimension, reflecting my evolving thoughts and feelings throughout the creative process. This technique not only enhances the visual appeal of the piece but also invites viewers to engage with the underlying story that unfolds within the layers.  Ultimately, the culmination of these layered brushstrokes results in a finished piece that resonates with a profound narrative.”

Djimo Kouyate

  Commissioned Photography for Baba Djimo Kouyate Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 1997, Washington, DC Photograph by Ms. Afrika Abney   "Djimo Kouyaté (August 16, 1946 - August 1, 2004). Djimo Kouyate was from the Malinké tribe, a sub-group of the Mandingo people. Born in Tambacounda, Senegal, he was from a distinguished family of griots who trace their ancestry back to the thirteenth century. A master kora player and a fine singer and dancer, Djimo also played a variety of other instruments including balafon (wooden xylophone), drums, and other string instruments. He worked with the Senegalese National Ballet as a singer and dancer since 1960, and was a founding member of the National Instrumental Ensemble of Senegal."