Skip to main content

Golden Milestones

 


 

“The color gold serves as a powerful reminder of the past, encapsulating the essence of cherished memories and significant life events.It's warm and radiant quality can evoke feelings of joy and accomplishment, often associated with milestones such as art exhibitions, professional experiences and past workshops.”


​PAST SELECTED ART EXHIBITIONS


​• Virtual Art Exhibition and Poetry Reading. February 19, 2023


​• The National Daughter Daddy Tour. National City Christian Church, Washington, D.C. 2004 - 2006 


• Every Picture Tells A Story. Moca DC, Washington, D.C. January 6, 2006 – January 27, 2006


• "Visions." Ellingtons on 8th, Washington, D.C. May 31 - June 28, 2006.Curated by Prelli Anthony Williams. Reception, May 31, 2006 from 6-8pm and Closing Reception, June 28, 2006


• "The Power Within." El Tamarindo, Washington, D.C. July 1 - 31, 2006. Curated by D.Edward Dyer, President of Art N Deed, LLC.


• "Images of Life." Phish Tea Cafe, Washington, D.C. July 31, 2005 - September 2005


• Norton Kirby Advertising, Washington, D.C. 2005​


• "Heritage Collections." Emma Mae Gallery, Washington, DC. 2005-2004


•"James McLaugin Memorial Staff Show." Phillips Collection, Washington, DC. 2000


•New Horizons Presents Tomorrow's World Art Center. "Celebrating Our Heritage Through The Arts." Atrium Gallery One, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC. 1999


•"Evolution of Historical Symbolisms." Corcoran Gallery of the Art, Hemicycle, Washington, DC. 1997


•"All Senior Summer Show." Corcoran School of the Art, White Walls Gallery, Washington, DC. 1997-1996  


SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES


CONSULTANT. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington, D.C. 2001 - 2020. 


  • Offered photography services, capturing high-quality images for promotional use.

  • Managed information dissemination for performances, enhancing audience reach.

  • Directed social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 25% through strategic content.

  • Collaborated with a team to develop innovative marketing strategies.

  • Analyzed campaign performance, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.


PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers and Esther Productions, Inc, Washington, D.C.. Responsible for hosting, setting up tables, clean up, interior decorating, stage designing, and recruiting participants. Sounds of Hope at Potter's House (2012), The Gift (October 2015; October 2016, and October 21, 2017); Building Family in the 21st Century (June 2016); Painting Your Future Bright: A Sip and Paint for Girls Ages 13 - 17 (March 16, 2019); and PaintSpiration: An Interactive Workshop designed for girls ages 13 through 17 (May 4, 2019).


ARTS SPECIALIST. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, Washington, D.C. June 20, 2018 - July 25, 2018. Plan and present visual arts classes for students of varying backgrounds and abilities, create a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; and prepare and disseminate a weekly report for the Program Manager, Justin Love.


CONSULTANT. Kitchen Table Talks. African American Women's Resource Center, Washington, D.C. November 6, 2017 - November 30, 2017. Worked with the team to ensure the timely dissemination of press releases, fostering a cooperative environment.


CONSULTANT. Mr. Ralph Nader. Breaking Through Power, Washington, D.C. 2016. Engaged with local communities to raise awareness about Breaking Through Power, effectively increasing event attendance and participation.


SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. DC International School, Washington, D.C. 2016 - 2017. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.


AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHER. JEAP, Washington, D.C.. 2015. Responsible for preparing materials, organizing activities, helping students with assignments, and reporting to management.


AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. 2015 - 2015. Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance.


WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015 Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. Provided West African dance instruction to a group of students for a Summer Camp program such as M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC and Y.W.D.E.P. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. Also provided instruction for students at several other organizations including Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3, 2013 - July 17, 2013) Hyde Addison Elementary School (May 18, 2013)


SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013. Provided dance instruction to students grades 9 -12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp.


SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015. Provided dance instruction to children and adults in the absence of the studio teacher. Taught Samba Fusion - All Levels and Afro Beats - All Levels.


AFROBEAT, a dance class that includes a fusion of modern and African upbeat combinations to Nigerian music, inspired by FELA! the musical.


Samba Fusion, a dance workout that brings the benefits of basic samba/axe drills and steps to tone muscles.


SUMMER ACADEMY CAMP PART- TIME ELECTIVE ART TEACHER. Higher Achievement, Washington, DC - Metro. July 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013 (Center City PCS - Capitol Hill Campus); and 2003-2004 (Bruce Monroe Elementary School). Created and implemented a visual arts lesson plan for summer program, specific to 5th - 8th grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities. Students gained knowledge and dexterity in specific forms of visual arts, including abstract painting.




AFFILIATED TEACHING ARTIST. Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT), Washington, DC. October 2012 - May 2013.​ Planned and presented visual arts classes for first and second grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities, integrating literacy fundamentals within the context of the classroom instruction; created a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; established my own classroom rules for each student to follow; and prepared and disseminated a weekly report for the Program Manager, Laurie Ascoli.


SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. December 2013 - 2014. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.


STUDENT SUCCESS COACH. Center City Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. October 2013-December 2013. Responsibilities included tutoring individuals or small group of students; uphold the school's behavior policy; and providing assistant with various extended learning program activities as needed.


READING TUTOR​. ​Reading Partners, Washington, D.C. January 2013 through May 2013.​Provided specialized instruction and academic assistance to students in 3rd through 5th grade, using the Reading Partners program and curriculum.


SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.Provided West African Dance Classes for the Pre-Professional Program targeted for ages 12-21 on Wednesdays.


CONSULTANT. BZB International, Washington, DC. Provided services for the BZB Annual Holiday Gift and Art Show held in 2009, 2013, 2014, from 2016- 2019; and 2022. Also provided services for Anacostia Art Gallery and Boutique in 2010 and 2011.

  • Consulted for Anacostia Art Gallery and BZB International, improving operational efficiency by 15% through strategic process optimization and team collaboration.


CONSULTANT. Kerry S. Pearson, LLC. Washington, DC. 2010-2011. 

  • Researched construction materials, providing insights that improved project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

  • Analyzed market trends to recommend materials, enhancing project quality and reducing expenses.

  • Collaborated with a team to gather data, ensuring accurate and timely research results for decision-making.

CONSULTANT. DC COALITION FOR HOUSING JUSTICE, Washington, DC. 2010 – 2011. Assisted in fundraising activities, enhancing donor engagement and improving funding outcomes.


Guest Host. Summer is Magic Artist's Reception. The Martin Luther King Memorial Library, Washington, DC. July 17, 2003


Guest Host. Word of Mouth. Bossa Bistro Lounge, Washington, DC. March 13, 2003


Guest Host for “Open Mic”. John Nelson Gallery, Maryland. November 8, 2003


Guest Host. A Night of Poetry. Trinity College, Cullivy Lounge, Washington, DC. February 19, 2004


Host. Youth Poetry Open Mic. Kick Off Youth Poetry Week. Saturday, April 10, 2004. Mt. Pleasant Library 3160 16th St NW (Corner of 16th and Lamont St. NW) Washington, DC(basement). 


PROGRAM COORDINATOR. Esther Productions, Inc., Washington D.C.. November 2004 - March 2006. Designed and implemented community outreach programs for Esther Productions, Inc.. This involved developing program objectives, identifying potential audience, and developing outreach campaigns for the targeted population. With Esther Productions, Inc also helped create in school - programs that focused on middle school girls growing without their fathers.


Guest Host. The Poets Den (Kaffa House), Washington, DC. July 26, 2001


Host. 1st Thursday Poetry Open Mic Fest sponsored by Cultural Development Corporation and Starbucks, managed by Desho Productions. 2001 - 2002


Coordinator. Open Mic.Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, Washington, DC. 2001


Co-coordinator. Provisions Poetry Fest and Free the Peace.Provisions Library, Washington, DC. 2002


CONSULTANT. BLACK VOICES FOR PEACE, Washington, DC. 2001. Managed administrative tasks, ensuring smooth operations and timely project completion.


PROJECT DIRECTOR. Jubilee Enterprise of Greater Washington, DC. August 2001 - August 2002. Supervised overall activities of after school program staff at three sites. Reviewed weekly plans of Academic Activity Coordinator. Also was responsible for hiring and assigning other employees who served as after school tutors; developed and implemented training program for project tutors; maintained program field; collected weekly timesheets for program staff and implemented cultural enrichment and parental involvement activities; developed and implemented special event honoring student achievers; recruited staff; coordinated and implemented activities for the Building Upon Principles Summer Enrichment and Cultural Program.


PROGRAM MONITOR/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. DC Department of Parks and Recreation, Washington, DC. 2001 - 2001. Responsible for oversight of the Summer Arts Program. Duties also included maintenance of the database and general administration.


GALLERY ASSISTANT. Phillips Collection. 2000. Responsible for monitoring and keeping artwork safe during gallery hours.


AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHER. Academy for Ideal Education, Washington, D.C. 1997. Responsible for preparing materials, organizing activities, helping students with assignments, and reporting to management.


ART CURATOR. New Harlem Gallery, New York City. 1992 - 1993. Installed art for some of the exhibitions held at the New Harlem Gallery.


CONSULTANT. Varies. Washington, DC. 1992 - present. Designed and implemented media campaigns for several individuals, small businesses and nonprofit organizations, including the Malcolm X Dancers and Drummers, Esther Productions, Inc., African American Women's Resource Center, and Adams Morgan Day Festival. This involved identifying media contacts; writing press releases and other publicity materials, including posters and flyers; disseminating press kits; and interfacing with reporters and other journalists. Disseminated flyers, press releases, designed and implemented media campaigns for Esther Productions, Inc and Mr. Ralph Nader. Provided research,fundraising and typing services for Kerry S. Pearson, LLC and DC Coalition for Housing and Justice.


SELECTED PAST WORKSHOPS EXPERIENCE


Workshop Presenter | 05/2016 - 05/2016

Career Day Dance Workshop Presenter. May 2016. Roots PCS, Washington, DC. (invited by Principal Bernida Thompson).

Led dance workshops teaching West African dances, cultural context, and history to elementary students, engaged over 200 students in energetic dance sessions, developed a structured curriculum, collaborated with school principals to tailor workshops to student needs, and achieved measurable improvements in student engagement and cultural understanding.



Workshop Instructor | 01/2015 - 05/2016

Kuumba Expressions. Culture Coffee on January 31,2015 and Potter's House on May 16,2016 and May 23, 2016. Sponsored by Culture Coffee, Potter's House and Esther Productions, Inc Art Enablers. Designed to serve youth between the ages of 6 through 12, including those with developmental disabilities.


Workshop Presenter | 11/2011 - 05/2016

Career Day Dance Workshop Presenter. November 2011 - May 2016. H.D. Cooke Elementary School, Washington, DC. (invited by Ms.Olaminde Gbenro).Led dance workshops teaching West African dances, cultural context, and history to elementary students, engaged over 200 students in energetic dance sessions, developed a structured curriculum, collaborated with school principals to tailor workshops to student needs, and achieved measurable improvements in student engagement and cultural understanding.


Workshop Manager | 01/2003 - 01/2003

Enhancing Our Imaginations. Takoma Park Library, Washington,DC. 2003. Funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (Young Artist Grant Program). The workshop was geared towards young adults. Invited many poets and literary artists to be a part of the workshop. Some of them include Rebecca Bishophall, Judine Slaughter, Hank Okoro and many others.


Workshop Instructor | 01/1995 - 01/1998

Kuumba Arts and Crafts Program. 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). Conducted a free fine arts workshop for children ages 7 — 10. Taught students ages 7 to 10 techniques of drawing, finger painting,

sponge painting, abstract design, clay work, collage designing and monoprinting. Sponsored by Ms. Afrika Abney and funded by the D.C. Commission of the Arts, Arts Education Grant Program 


Workshop Presenter | 01/1996 - 01/1996

Career Visual Art Workshop Presenter. 1996. Calvin Coolidge High School (invited by Ms. Angela Cook)

  • Led visual art workshops

  • Engaged over 200 students in discussing the visual arts career

  • Collaborated with school principals to tailor workshops to student needs, enhancing learning outcomes.

  • Achieved measurable improvements in student engagement and cultural understanding.



No longer providing educational services. 

Popular posts from this blog

I paint

  I paint with either my hands or paint brush. Just ask questions if you do not know.  I paint because growing up in America as a black female was not easy for me. Therefore, I painted how I felt about my life, my experiences, and my world.  "The only thing I know is that I paint because I have the need to, I always paint what goes through my head without any other consideration. ” - Frida Kahlo        

Peacock

“The female peacock, also known as a peahen, can also represent inner beauty and self-love. Beauty: Peacocks' iridescent feathers can symbolize external beauty and capture attention. However, peacocks can also remind us that true beauty comes from within, and that nurturing our souls can enhance our outer appearance. Self-love: Peacocks can represent the importance of self-love and acceptance.” “Important qualities in the workplace include self-expression, optimism, individuality, personal reflection, being observant, and passionate. Self-expression can foster inclusivity and empowerment. Optimism involves expecting positive outcomes and growth. Individuality means bringing your whole self to work or fostering an individualist culture. Self-reflection aids personal and professional growth. Being observant helps notice details others may miss. Passion in the workplace involves finding meaning and approaching work with focus.” Dynamic and passionate individual with a strong focus on

NationHouse

  NationHouse Positive Action Center, private African - American school originally located at 770 Park Rd NW in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to attend this school from 1978 - 1991. Some of my teachers while I was a student at NationHouse include Baba Agyei Akoto, Mama Nkechi Taifa, Mama Afia Nson Bonsu and Baba Michael Anthony - Brown artist.  "Baba Agyei Akoto was a respected scholar, educator, institution builder and author. He was the principal of NationHouse Positive Action Center – which has provided a rigorous African-centered education to students ranging from pre-school through high school, for over thirty eight years." Baba Agyei recently passed on December 4, 2019.  "Mama Nkechi Taifa is a native Washingtonian and life-long resident of the District of Columbia. She is a social justice attorney, activist, author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur. She serves as a Senior Policy Analyst for an international foundation and convenes a W

Cheriss May and Zsudayka Nzinga @ BZB Holiday Gala Fine Art Show

 Cheriss May and Zsudayka Nzinga @ BZB Holiday Gala Fine Art Show Cheriss May " Cheriss May is a lauded portrait and editorial photographer based in Washington, D.C.  She is a member of the Board of Directors —  Focus on the Story , the immediate past president —  Women Photojournalists of Washingto n   (WPOW) , co-chair of photography —  The National Press Clu b , an  Adobe Education Leader , and an adjunct professor at   Howard University , her Alma Mater.   She is often commissioned to speak about inclusive storytelling, and trains and speaks to organizations, and educators around the world, including: Spotify, Adobe, Leica, The Financial Times, the Center for Creative Photography, and the International Center of Photography. Cheriss has been published in  The New York Times,  O Magazine, The White House website, People magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, ABC News, The Today Show, and other international publications.  She has a traveling exhibit and forthcoming book, "

Why Work with Women and Girls?

 " As women, we have been taught to always compete with each other and compare ourselves on the basis of the way we look and act. Working with each other closely kills that way of thinking, empowers us and helps us create together in an environment that we feel safe in." Therefore, working with women and girls not helps me to empower them to feel good about themselves, but to heal themselves from trauma and other experiences that they may encountered. Organizations such as Esther Productions, Inc and the African American Women's Resource Center allowed me to work with a diverse set of women and girls from different backgrounds and sexual orientation beliefs.  In 2004, I began to work with Esther Productions, Inc and from 2017 - 2018, I provided services for the African American Women's Resource Center.  Esther Productions, Inc. is dedicated to using a variety of vehicles—traditional and nontraditional—to develop communities throughout the United States and Europ

WRITING AND STRAWBERRY SHAKE SUNDAYS

  Join Stacey Clark, Joy Jones, along with Jonetta Barras and Dr. Tracie Renee Robinson on June 10, 2022. Photo found on the Internet Stacey Clark, MEd, CALD, is a Certified Authentic Lifestyle Design Coach who lives in Fort Worth, TX. She returns to The National Reconciliation Week, offering insight and information about the importance of forgiveness in the reconciliation process. A social entrepreneur and author, Clark is the executive director of a national nonprofit that provides coaching and consulting services. As a personal development coach and consultant, she combines her knowledge of IT, project management, communications, and training with her research in positive psychology, neurology, and wellness to offer women of all ages and from all walks of life the opportunity and access to grow, transform and thrive in their lives. The executive director and founder of Leap L

Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting Life

    Summer Blossoms. Acrylic on Canvas. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney ​ Summer Blossoms, abstract finger painting created on canvas using colors that represent the Summer. ​ Featured on the cover of a book and the painting is entitled: Summer Blossoms. It is entitled: Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting Life Feb 19, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST virtual event In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic a group of women gathered online to write and share poetry in a workshop launched by Esther Productions Inc. The event was titled  Women are Poetry In Motion. Participants continued to meet and the group evolved into the Kaleidoscope Writing Collective--seven women writers in various stages of their development exploring their creativity and sharing their vision.  Come on February 19 at 3 pm come experience Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting Life. Introduction to first book, Kaleidoscope by Joy Jones,  director of the performance poetry group, The Spoken Word and founder of the multige

African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition

 A frican Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition Mar 02, 2024, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM EST 125 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA COME LEARN THE STORY AND LEGACY OF WASHINGTON, DC’S AFRICAN AMERICAN AUTHORS OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE—Past and Present, including May Miller Sullivan, Sterling Brown, Maxine Clair, Gwendolyn Brooks, Daphne Muse, Lucille Clifton, Eloise Greenfield, Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, Jennifer Lawson, Courtland Cox, Adjoa Burrowes, E. Ethelbert Miller, Carolivia Herron, Aisha Rice, Tricia Elam Walker, jonetta rose barras, Sheila Crider, David Miller, Michelle Meadows, Leah Henderson , Michelle Green, Lakia Wilson and others.  This event is curated by award-winning author and public scholar jonetta rose barras in partnership with humanities scholar Bernard Demczuk Ph.D. ,The Black Student Fund, The Institute for African American Writing, Teaching for Change, Social Justice Books, Buck Wild Media, and Lesa Warrick. Major funding has b

LUNCH TIME CONVERSATION BETWEEN SHARON BELL MATHIS AND E.ETHELBERT MILLER at Trinity

 Join Sharon Bell Mathis and Ethelbert Miller for  LUNCH TIME CONVERSATION which is apart of the  African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition which is scheduled to take place on March 2, 2024 at Trinity Washington University. "Sharon Bell Mathis  has won numerous awards for her many children's books, including the 1974 Coretta Scott King Author Award for RAY CHARLES. Some of her most enduring books include The Hundred-Penny Box, a Newbery Honor Book, and Teacup Full of Roses, an ALA Notable Book. A full-time writer, Mathis lives in Ft. Washington, Maryland." Photo credit from Internet  Ethelbert Miller is a memoirist, award-winning poet and 2022 Grammy nominee for the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album--Black Men Are Precious-- will be the guest speaker for the workshop, providing insights and tips into memoir writing. Mr. Miller is the author of two memoirs and several collections of poetry. He also is the editor of three anthologies of poetry.

My Charter School Experiences

In 1992, I did not attend a charter school. I have had a wide range opportunities that took place at various schools. I have not provided any services for schools as a consultant for a while. Among them include when I served as a substitute teacher for Mundo Verde PCS in 2013, I can recall working with some of the students and staff and sharing my passion and extensive background in visual arts. Additionally, I can recall when I served as a substitute teacher for DC International School. I knew a little bit of Spanish, but as a professional visual artist, I really enjoyed sharing my love and extensive background in visual arts with the students and some of the staff members at DC International from 2016-2017. Also when I served as an art elective Summer Camp teacher for Higher Achievement in 2013, the program took place at Center City Capitol Hill Campus. Providing each of these services in the past were a great opportunity for me. However, since these experiences, I have directed my s