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MEET ADDISON SWITZER at WOMEN BLOSSOMING

MEET ADDISON SWITZER at WOMEN BLOSSOMING  ADDISON SWITZER is a professional actor who has been on most of the local stages, including Arena, Shakespeare Theatre, African Continuum Theatre and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He has appeared on popular television programs like The Wire, and SWAGGER. Mr. Switzer has most recently been seen with Julia Roberts, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle in The Kennedy Center Honors Awards in Washington, DC. Mr. Switzer is also co-chair of the board of directors of Esther Productions Inc. and its visual director. A native Washingtonian who currently resides in Cheverly, MD., Mr. Switzer is president of Buckwildmedia.com at 4:00 pm during the Women Blossoming Celebration will present an original dramatic monologue. Esther Productions, Inc presents Women Blossoming: A Traditional Tea & Celebration to Inspire and Empower May 06, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT Trinity Washington University 125 Michigan Ave NE Washington, DC 20017, USA IT'S F...

MEET ANA R. HARVEY, BUSINESS AND CULTURAL LEADER EXTRAORDINAIRE AT WOMEN BLOSSOMING

MEET ANA R. HARVEY, BUSINESS AND CULTURAL LEADER EXTRAORDINAIRE WHO WILL KEYNOTE "Women Blossoming: A Traditional Tea & Celebration to Inspire and Empower" May 6, 2023 from 3-5 pm at 125 Michigan Ave. NW (on the campus of Trinity Washington University). It's free BUT tickets are required. Get them at https://www. estherproductionsinc.com/ events-1/women-blossoming-a- traditional-tea-celebration- to-inspire-and-empower-girls- and-women-16-and-older Ana R. Harvey  is president / CEO of HarveyHudson Group and  Chief Executive Officer of the Dupont Underground, an arts organization committed to developing a multidisciplinary platform for creative expression. She is a former director of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). For four years, she served in the administration of  President Barack Obama as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Assistant Administrator for Office of Women's Business Ownership, managing a budget of over $50 ...

MEET CREATIVE WELLNESS EXPERT JENNIFER Y. OKOSUN AT WOMEN BLOSSOMING

  A creative writer, author of the blog Power upWell, speaker and creative entrepreneur,   Jennifer taught herself as a child to use the arts to cope with trauma. As an adult she   used them to heal. Jennifer has facilitated several workshops locally and nationally on self-care and   healing from trauma. ON MAY 6 at 3:00 pm during the WOMEN BLOSSOMING, she   will share her expertise, teaching you what she knows while helping you as you move   on your path to greater empowerment. COME CELEBRATE YOURSELF! YOU DESERVE IT! Register at   www.estherproductionsinc. com/events-1/women-blossoming- a-traditional-tea-celebration- to-inspire-and-empower-girls- and-women-16-and-older Esther Productions, Inc. is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization. Founded in 2004, it is dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls and women. It is supported through generous contributions from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Emmanuel Bailey, Veterans Services Corp, Pepco, an...

MEET AFRIKA ABNEY at WOMEN BLOSSOMING

MEET AFRIKA ABNEY at WOMEN BLOSSOMING  An award-winning visual artist and art consultant, Afrika Abney holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from the prestigious Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC. She has received numerous grants from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. She has been nominated several times for a “Mayor’s Arts Award.” Ms. Abney’s abstract paintings and collages have been exhibited widely across the east coast, including at Emma Mae Gallery (Washington, DC), The New Harlem Gallery (New York City, New York), Wisteria ArtSpace (New York City, New York), Corcoran Gallery of Art (Washington, DC), Market 5 Gallery (Washington, DC), The Phillips Collection (Washington, DC) and Dupont Society (Washington, DC). Come and see a few of her latest abstract paintings on May 6th at 3pm as Esther Productions, Inc presents  Women Blossoming: A Traditiona...

THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: FOR SELF & FAMILY 2023

  THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: FOR SELF & FAMILY 2023 June 5-June 9, 2023 Virtual Event  "Reconciliation Week Created by Esther Productions Inc.the National Reconciliation Week: For Self & Family has been designed to: Raise awareness about the importance of family in developing whole, healthy children and adults;   Raise awareness about the importance of family to developing strong communities and a healthy society;   Provide specific information and techniques for strengthening the family, whether traditional or blended;   Provide specific information to help young single mothers and fathers understand their roles as parents;   Provide tips to enable single mothers and fathers to become more expert at parenting while juggling other external responsibilities   Encourage more parents who do not live in the same household to embrace co-parenting as a process improve emotional, spiritual and healthy outcomes for their children and themselves;...

Women Blossoming

  Women Blossoming: A Traditional Tea & Celebration to Inspire and Empower  is the event of the spring season that features fantastic speakers and creatives: Business and cultural leader  Ana R. Harvey,  a former senior executive in President Barack Obama's administration and current director of Dupont Underground, a dynamic cultural hub national and international in the nation's capital, will provide information and guidance to help women lean in--whether creating their own business or lifting and amplifying their voices.  Jennifer Y. Okoson,   reminds us that "our capacity to create is where we begin to live more fully, experience transformation, and embark on a journey of healing." In a mini-workshop she will help participants "explore Creativity as a Wellness Practice!" Come and enjoy a creative activity to enhance your personal self-care. Speaking of creativity, the members of the  Kaleidoscope Women's Writing Collective  will share ...

Summer Blossoms

  During May 2022, I created Summer Blossoms, abstract finger painting created on canvas. Summer Blossoms. Acrylic on Canvas. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney ​ Summer Blossoms is featured on the cover of the book entitled: Kaleidoscope. For more information about the book, contact Esther Productions, Inc at estherproductionsinc@gmail.com. www.estherproductionsinc.com/product-page/kaleidoscope-women-of-color-reflecting-on-life https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/product-page/summer-blossoms

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...

Esther Productions Inc. is proud to be working in partnership with Afrika Abney

  For Immediate Release  Contact: Esther Productions, Inc at estherproductionsinc@gmail.com Esther Productions Inc. is proud to be working in partnership with Afrika Abney (Washington,DC) - Esther Productions Inc. is proud to be working in partnership with Afrika Abney in presenting select pieces of her work for public viewing and sale. Among them include Summer Blossoms, Pandemic, Isolation #1 and Isolation #2. Available now at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/shop About Ms. Afrika Abney  Ms. Afrika Abney has been a consultant to Esther Productions Inc from its inception in 2004. A native Washingtonian, she graduated from the prestigious Corcoran School of the Arts. For more than 20 years, Ms. Abney has used her formal training and background in the arts to successfully provide services to artists, nonprofits, corporations, small businesses, community centers, churches, individuals, and schools. She is proud to be working with Esther Productions Inc in presenting se...

Youth Art Month

  Ms. Afrika Abney attended Bell from 1991-1993. She graduated in 1993 and was 16 at that time. Years later, Ms. Abney donated the painting shown in the above photo. Additionally, she gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photo above. Ms. Abney's art teacher when she was a student was Mr. Jorge Somarriba. Ms. Afrika Abney attended Bell from 1991-1993. She graduated in 1993 and was 16 at that time. Years later, Ms. Abney donated the painting shown in the above photo. Additionally, she gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photo above. Ms. Abney's art teacher when she was a student was Mr. Jorge Somarriba. Ms. Afrika Abney attended Corcoran from 1993-1997. She graduated in 1997. Years later, Ms. Abney donated the charcoal drawing shown in the above photo. Additionally, she gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photo above. When I was a youth, I studied visual art at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Corcoran School of the Art...

Canvas Panel Boards

                                                  I attended Bell from 1991-1993. I graduated in 1993 and was 16 at that time. Years later, I donated the painting shown in the above photo. Additionally, I gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photo above.   When I was a student, I often painted on canvas panel boards. "Canvas boards are made of cotton canvas, primed to absorb paint, then stretched over and glued on a stiff backing (usually medium-density fiberboard, or MDF). Boards are ideal for beginners looking to practice the basics, or professionals interested in quick studies." Abstract Painting created on canvas panel. Afrika Abney 

March is Women's History Month - featured book

March is Women's History Month and I have had the opportunity to have one of my abstract paintings featured on a book cover. The book is entitled: Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting on Life. Summer Blossoms. Acrylic on Canvas. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney ​ Summer Blossoms, abstract finger painting created on canvas using colors that represent the Summer. For more information about the book, contact Esther Productions, Inc at  estherproductionsinc@gmail.com . https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/product-page/kaleidoscope-women-of-color-reflecting-on-life

Working in Museums/Galleries

  I had the opportunity to work in many museums and art galleries in the past. Some of them include: The New Harlem Gallery (1992-1993) and the Phillips Collection (2000). Additionally, I provided services for the Anacostia Art Gallery and Boutique from 2010 – 2011 and I have exhibited my artwork  widely throughout the East Coast at such places as Emma Mae Gallery (Washington, DC), The New Harlem Gallery (New York City, New York), Wisteria ArtSpace (New York City, New York), Corcoran Gallery of Art (Washington, DC), Market 5 Gallery (Washington, DC), and The Phillips Collection (Washington, DC). I believe that working in a museum and gallery as a professional visual artist is both inspirational and frustrating. “Most museum people will tell you that they love their jobs. Some especially enjoy working with the public. They enjoy giving programs, explaining exhibits, and answering questions. ... Working across the street at a company would not give them the respect and place wit...

MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: KALEIDOSCOPE WOMEN'S WRITING COLLECTIVE

  MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: KALEIDOSCOPE WOMEN'S WRITING COLLECTIVE Mar 04, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM VIRTUAL EVENT KALEIDOSCOPE WOMEN’S WRITING COLLECTIVE is a monthly writing club for women 18 and older. This is a multi-generational, multi-ethnic, multi-racial group of women who  share their in-progress writings. Occasionally, the convenor, jonetta rose barras, or a guest author provides a writing prompt to instigate new creations. The group just published its first collection of poetry. More is expected as it grows.   It’s all free and virtual! REGISTER NOW! for more information:  estherproductions inc@gmail.com www.estherproductionsinc.com/ events-1/membership- announcement-kaleidoscope- womens-writing-collective- 2023-03-04-10-00  

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 Spok...