Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT) SoJam Program

"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 ​

Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT) SoJam Program was funded by YPT. Ms. Afrika Abney served as a Visual Arts Affiliated Teaching Artist.

She taught a group of first and second graders visual art for Young Playwrights' Theatre SoJam program held from October 2012 - May 2013 at Harriet Tubman Elementary School, Washington, D.C.. Ms. Abney was hired by Ms. Laurie Ascoli and Ms. Nicole Jost.

Students learned about basic color theory, texture, abstract art, pointillism and sponge painting. Additionally, they learned how to use traditional and non traditional materials to create beautiful art. Furthermore, they learned about well known artists such as Romare Bearden, Jackson Polluck, Sam Gilliam and Pablo Picasso were just to name a few.

Funded by YPT

Visual Arts Affiliated Teaching Artist: Afrika Abney

Ms. Afrika Abney taught a group of first and second graders visual art for Young Playwrights' Theatre SoJam program held from October 2012 - May 2013 at Harriet Tubman Elementary School, Washington, D.C..

Students learned about basic color theory, texture, abstract art, pointillism and sponge painting. Additionally, they learned how to use traditional and non traditional materials to create beautiful art. Furthermore, they learned about well known artists such as Romare Bearden, Jackson Polluck, Sam Gilliam and Pablo Picasso were just to name a few.

Cycle One: Introduction to Visual Art (Part One): October 16, 2012 - November 15, 2012

Students learned about basic color theory, texture, abstract art, pointillism, and sponge painting. Additionally, they learned how to use traditional and non traditional materials to create beautiful art. Furthermore, they learned about well known artists such as Romare Bearden, Jackson Polluck, Sam Gilliam and Pablo Picasson were just to name a few.

Cycle Two: Introduction to Visual Art (Part Two): November 27, 2012 - December 20, 2012

Students learned how to mix colors using paint and paper.

Cycle Three: Blending Art with writing (Part One): January 8, 2013 - February 14, 2013

Students learned how to incorporate creative writing with their art using paint, paper and their imagination.

Cycle Four: Blending Art with writing (Part Two): February 19, 2013 - March 28, 2013

Students learned how to use a wide variety of materials such as paper, paint, crayons, markers, and their imagination to create abstract masterpieces. Once they completed their masterpieces, they either spoke about their piece or choose a word selection.

Cycle Five: Collages : April 17, 2013 - May 29, 2013

Students learned how to produce wonderful collages using a wide variety of materials such as paint, paper, and their creative imagination.

Final Performances :TBD

Goals:

• To increase students cognitive and fine motor skills.

• Improve motivation through hands on activities.

• Increase their problem solving skills