March is Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month - Ms. Valerie Jean

Many years ago, when I was a high school student, I met Ms. Valerie Jean at SisterSpace and Books.

Valerie Jean is a poet, writer, teacher, and editor. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks, LPs (or Recordings of one journey through a grief), and Woman Writing a Letter (winner of the 1991 Artscape Literary Arts Award for Poetry). Her poems have appeared in three anthologies, Double Stitch: Black Women Write About Mothers and Daughters, Spirit & Flame: An Anthology of Contemporary African American Poetry, and the forthcoming Beyond the Frontier, as well as in numerous journals, including The Black American Literature Forum, The Missouri Review, and Callaloo.

Innovative Projects

Clouded Innovations. Digital art created on canvas. August 4, 2024. Afrika Abney This stunning abstract painting, titled "Clouded Innovations," depicts a mesmerizing blue sky with vibrant pink and brown clouds. The use of vivid blue hues for the sky creates a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere. The addition of pink and brown clouds adds a touch of drama and mystery to the scene, creating a visually striking and thought-provoking piece that is sure to captivate the imagination. The title "Clouded Innovations" adds an extra layer of meaning to the artwork, suggesting that the painting represents new ideas and creative breakthroughs. The presence of clouds in the painting symbolizes the ever-changing nature of innovation and the constant flow of new concepts and inspirations. The dynamic and fluid brushstrokes used to create the clouds further emphasize the theme of innovation, evoking a sense of mov...

March is Women's History Month - Ms. Georgette S. Powell

March is Women's History Month - Ms. Georgette S. Powell In 1999, I had the opportunity to participate in art exhibit that took place at the Children's National Medical Center and met Ms. Georgette S. Powell. "Georgette Seabrook Powell was born in Charleston, SC in 1916 and raised in New York City. After graduating from The Cooper Union School of Art, she became active in the Harlem Arts Workshop. Powell was inspired by Augusta Savage (A’25), a young sculptor and the newly appointed director of the Harlem Arts Workshop. Powell learned from the dedication Savage gave to teaching arts in the Harlem community, and teaching became a cornerstone in her life as well. Powell was employed by the WPA, along with a team of artists, to create a series of murals for the Harlem Hospital Art Project. Her murals, titled Recreation in Harlem, depicted the daily lives, struggles and joys of Harlem’s residents. Once the murals had been completed, they were pronounced “too controversial” b...

Come Immerse Yourself in Afternoon of Poetry with award winning poet Ms. Ayala

Join Esther Productions, Inc, The Institute for African American Writing, and The Black Student Fund for an enriching afternoon of poetry with award winning poet Ms. Naomi Ayala. This event, titled MidnightRose, is a celebration of the diverse voices from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the vibrant literary community through the works of award-winning poets and authors, allowing their words to inspire and uplift. MidnightRose is a showcase of the multigenerational, multicultural writers in the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond presented by Esther Productions Inc., The Institute for African American Writing & The Black Student Fund. Experience the richness of the community through the presentations of award-winning poets and authors. Come allow the words to inspire and empower you. NAOMI AYALA is a Puerto Rican poet, educator, and translator who’s published three poetry collections—Wild Animals on the Mo...

Afrocentric Education - NationHouse

This photo was taken of me in 1982. I was 6 years old at that time and many years later, I have given away of the clothing articles depicted in the above photo. When I was a student at NationHouse. Some of my teachers include: Baba Yao "Willie “Yao” Brewer is a DCTV award winning film-maker who produces short, original community-based documentaries that capture riveting reality stories. He is a multi-talented “one-man band.” Born and raised in Southwest, Washington, D.C., Yao is a Howard University graduate with degrees in Music Education at the Masters and Bachelor levels. He began his documentary film-making career twenty-five years after working as an instrumental music teacher in the DC Public Schools. The digital information age is making it possible for documentary film-makers to use more creativity and technologies to enhance comprehensive stories. With Yao’s work, the entire viewing public becomes an eyewitness or primary resource as he documents stories that encour...

Black

“Black is a color that can symbolize sophistication, elegance, and power.” Sophistication. Digital art created on canvas. 2022. Afrika Abney Skilled in using color to evoke emotions and enhance visual storytelling. Specializing in monochromatic paintings, I expertly render texture and shine, particularly through the use of black, to create a sense of mystery and sophistication. My keen eye for the interplay of light and shadow allows me to add dynamic elements to my work, inviting viewers to experience the tactile quality of my pieces Black. Digital art created on canvas. August 3, 2024. Afrika Abney This striking digital abstract background features a captivating contrast between a deep, rich black and a crisp. The use of black as the dominant color in this image is a powerful choice, as it symbolizes strength, power, and resilience.This digital abstract background has a deeply personal connection to the use of black as the primary color. Having grown up in the black community and att...

Highlights for 2022

Some of my highlights for 2022 include the following: Completed over 20 abstract finger paintings Provided services for Soaring Sisters Circle Provided services for NRW 2022 4th Annual Essay Contest The National Reconciliation Week 2022, five-day event that includes motivational talks; customized and interactive workshops presented by some of the leading coaches, therapists and artists; and unique, purpose-driven performances that help participates go deep in their lives to help them heal from the trauma of personal or familial estrangement. - https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/copy-of-reconciliation-week. Discovering Me…Without You Essay Contest was launched in 2019 by the Fatherless Daughter Empowerment Project, a division of Esther Productions Inc. The essay contest is designed to educate the public about the importance of fathers in the lives and development of girls and women. Nationally, more than 24 million children are growing up in homes without their f...

Yellow Essence

Yellow Essence. Digital art created on canvas. August 8, 2024. Afrika Abney “My philosophy towards work is to always strive for excellence and give my best effort in everything I do. I believe that by consistently putting in hard work and dedication, I can achieve my goals and make a meaningful contribution to the company.” Yellow Essence - This name suggests the core or fundamental nature of the color yellow, reflecting a deep personal philosophy. The title "Yellow Essence" evokes the fundamental characteristics of the color yellow, symbolizing a profound personal philosophy that underpins the artist's work. This designation not only highlights the vibrancy of yellow but also suggests a deeper exploration of its significance in the context of human experience. The artist's intention is to convey the uplifting and energizing qualities that yellow embodies, inviting viewers to engage with the emotional resonance that this color can evoke. This artwork serves as a vi...

Pandemic

During the pandemic, I created inspiring paintings reflecting the crisis. With over 20 years of experience, I work on canvas, digital, or canvas paper. I recently completed over 20 digital pieces, channeling my experiences as a black female in America into my art. Art has always been my voice. Pandemic. September 3, 2021. 16 * 20. Abstract painting on canvas. Afrika Abney Pandemic, I thought about the colors and technique. One of the colors that I selected was salmon pink. The artist carefully chose the salmon pink color for its symbolism of expression, fellowship, compassion, and individuality. The painting's blend of red, blue, and white creates a dynamic and textured composition with abstract patterns and visual depth. A blend of red, blue, and white hues creates a dynamic and textured composition. The colors intermingle, forming abstract patterns and visual depth. A blend of red, blue, and white hues creates a dynamic and textured composition. The colors intermingle, forming ab...

Great satisfaction

I find great satisfaction in engaging in activities that I am passionate about. My work revolves around the creation of digital art, which not only allows me to express my creativity but also brings joy to my professional life. Additionally, I take pride in offering my services to small businesses and nonprofit organizations, helping them to enhance their visual presence and communicate their messages effectively. As a self-employed consultant and independent contractor, I have the flexibility to pursue projects that resonate with my interests and values. This autonomy enables me to focus on what I truly enjoy, which is the intersection of art and service. By collaborating with my client, I am able to contribute to their success while simultaneously fulfilling my projects. The combination of digital artistry and consulting for small enterprises and nonprofits has proven to be a fulfilling career path for me. I relish the opportunity to work closely with my client, understan...

Abstract collages on paper

During the time that I was providing services for the AACL event that took place on April 20, 2024, I also created numerous abstract collages on paper. Some of them, I have thrown away. The services for the events held in 2024 were done completely online. April 18, 2024. Afrika Abney. 8 1/2 * 11. Collage on paper. "An abstract collage is a piece of art made from images and pictures that have been distorted so that their origins are no longer visible. The process of creating an abstract collage can involve techniques such as tearing up images, pasting images on top of each other, or applying colored surfaces with straight or ripped edges.The word "collage" comes from the French verb coller, which means "to glue". It can refer to both the process of cutting and pasting materials onto a flat surface, as well as the final product. Collages can also include other media, such as painting and drawing, and can even have three-dimensional elements. Some principles of ...

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