This was a celebration of the beautiful diversity that exists right here in the Bay Area and beyond! Musicians, Painters, Poets and lovers of the arts came out to celebrate and assist artists in Hargeysa, Somaliland/Somalia with donations of their time, talent and art supplies. It was a beautiful turnout full of positive, progressive energy and joy!

Thanks to all participants, volunteers and a special thanks to Rajo Foundation and The Art of Living Black for partnering with Afrikanation Artists Organization to make this happen. It would not have without you. Thank you!

Opening

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Closing

Found online at: http://www.cca.edu/news/2010/07/20/alumna-ebony-iman-dallas-founds-afrikanation-artists-organization

Since graduating from CCA just one year ago, Ebony Iman Dallas (MFA Design 2009) has already done an immense amount of work promoting social justice through art. Her biggest and most important effort has been the founding of Afrikanation Artists Organization, based in Hargeisa, Somaliland, which empowers artists by building a more grounded foundation for the arts in communities lacking resources or opportunities to do so themselves.

Dallas has always been interested in exploring ways to build human relationships and connections through art and design. Her past projects have included C.L.O.U.D. Speak 3000 (investigating the loss of indigenous languages in the United States) and literally connecting CCA’s art and design buildings with ropes as part of a collective community-building effort.

The idea for Afrikanation Artists Organization stemmed from her CCA thesis project, which focused on unifying African immigrants, African Americans, and Afro-Caribbean people in the United States through art and design. “Economic, education, and health challenges disproportionately affect these populations,” she says. “By joining minds, solutions can be created. I believe that methods do exist to exploit current systems to create positive change in society. For example we can use the interconnectedness of our world to share voices that often go unheard, and to create opportunities for empowerment where they did not exist previously.

“CCA’s Graduate Program in Design does not limit itself to strictly-design courses. It forces students to think beyond the creation of new systems and objects, to the analysis of how they will affect our world in negative as well as positive ways.”

Dallas was motivated to establish Afrikanation Artists Organization when she was in Hargeisa last winter visiting family. Although the region hasn’t seen war in more than 20 years, the aftereffects of war continue to pose great challenges, including an astronomical unemployment rate (some reports say it has reached 85 percent). She hopes that her organization is the beginning of what will become an international network of artists and community supporters.

The unavailability of art supplies, limited opportunities to showcase and distribute artworks, and lack of educational opportunities in the arts are just some of the barriers that Afrikanation Artists Organization is working to overcome. Dallas is starting with public art workshops, and hopes that soon art will be an integral part of the country’s public school curriculum. She observes that there are very few female artists in the region, and that this is partially due to the discomfort of learning in a male-dominated art world. She has several ideas that will help level the playing field and create an educational environment that is conducive to learning and excellence.

Dallas is also working on expanding the organization to countries throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and North America. “This will help to build cross-border relations as well as increase opportunities through partnerships built,” she says. “We will create fair-trade economic-development opportunities by enabling online sales and working with individuals, organizations, and galleries internationally to showcase art.

“I believe that art has the power to change society because of its ability to reach the average person in an accessible way. Many people theorize and discuss social and global issues in a manner—and a medium—that is not understood by the majority of the people negatively affected. By educating as well as entertaining through diverse media, art provides an approachable platform that extends its reach to many. For example, Somali, the official language of Somalia, was not written until the 1970s. But through poetry, Somali history has been passed down orally from generation to generation and provided the people with a great foundation to build on. With the knowledge of a great past comes an irrevocable pride that poetry has preserved, even through periods of colonization and war.”

With the help of Defne Beyce (MFA Design 2010), Dallas organized an art-supply collection box at CCA’s San Francisco campus this past spring. The supplies were used for the youth art station at Afrikanation Artists Organization’s Celebration of Art and Culture as well as public art workshops.

Basic art supplies, including paintbrushes, are largely unavailable in Somaliland. Everyone’s help is needed to continue artist workshops there and begin art classes for at-risk youth and girls. Any support makes a huge difference! If you are interested in donating art supplies, please email ebonyiman@afrikanationartists.org.

Please click the following link to hear Ebony’s interview with Demetrious Thomas and Brother Lex on the Gospel Music Showcase, KTLV 1220 AM, Oklahoma City, OK:

http://eidart.com/EbonyImanDallasinterview1220am7-18-2010.m4a

It’s funny, enjoy!

Afrikanation is now an official NGO/Non-Profit Organization based in Hargeisa, Somaliland/Somalia. Afrikanation is designed to empower artists and their communities under the belief that art DOES have the power to change society and the world.

Museums and cultural relics destroyed during civil wars in Somali regions have erased important periods in Somali history. The massive loss of infrastructure now threatens yet another era of artistic contributions. Artists face great challenges that we plan to address through:

• Fair trade economic development initiatives
• Art classes specifically for girls and after school youth arts programs
• Reviving cultural art practices lost post-war
• Workshops and classes for artists and aspiring artists
• Make art supplies accessible
• Create a local art gallery which includes a group workspace

And ultimately unite artist with the community-at-large through awareness campaigns challenging social, health and educational issues.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!
In order to initiate these efforts we need your help. Basic art supplies must be obtained, most of  which are unavailable due to price and proximity.

Please, if you are able to donate any CHILDREN - PROFESSIONAL art supplies, please send them by Monday, April 12, 2010 to:

ISMAIL ISMAIL
HANSON BRIDGETT 24TH FLOOR
425 MARKET STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105

OR if you live in the Bay Area and/or need more time, please hand deliver them by Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 to:

California College of the Arts
1111 8th St. San Francisco, CA
The Donation Box located outside the Graduate Design Studio

All supplies will be delivered later this month.

Thank you! No amount is too small. Your generosity helps far more than you may realize!

Sincerely,
Ebony Iman Dallas
AAO Founder and CEO

When: Nov. 6th - Nov. 28th, 2009
Opening Night: Friday, Nov. 6th. 6pm - 9pm
Where: “Gallery 550″ - 550 2nd Street, Oakland (between Clay St. and Jefferson St.)

Inspired by the Days of the Dead and global transnational traditions that honor the ancestors, “Mi Tierra, Mi Corazón: A Diasporic Offering to the Ancestors” presents thirty artists representing cultures from the four directions, in a group exhibition of artworks and altars that pay homage to both the living and the dead.

Artists:
Aaron EzRa Ableman
Abba Yahudah
AndreasOne
Refa One
Khalil Anthony
Emily Butterfly
Ebony Iman Dallas
Ezra Li Eismont
James E. Gayles Jr.
Priya Assal Gheysari
Jocelyn Goode
Sakura Haru
Kwesi Hutchful
Marlon Sagana Ingram
Derick Ion
Lucy Kalyani Lin
Keba Konte
Yasmin Mawaz-Khan
crystal am nelson
Eesuu Orundide
Favianna Rodriguez
Karen & Malik Seneferu
Bayeté Ross Smith
Jeff Straker
Jennifer Tamez
Joël B. Tan
Scott J. Taylor
Jessica Tully
Githinji wa Mbire
Joshua Whitaker

Click here to view at FAIM Magazine

Artist and Designer, Ebony Iman Dallas

Throughout history, many artists have faced the challenge of applying their creative skills towards a tangible and relevant purpose. While art has the ability to evoke emotion and inspire action, it also can be devoid of direct meaning making it no more than a pleasurable yet superfluous commodity. Managing the freedom of expression against the purpose of resolution has been a balancing act that Ebony Iman Dallas embraces with her burgeoning project, Afrikanation Art Exchange.

In the Spring of 2009, Ebony completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in Design from the California College of the Arts. The Afrikanation Art Exchange began as her thesis project designed to unite all people of African decent and supporters through art for community activism. In a recent interview with FAIM Internet Magazine Ebony states, “many of the challenges among African descendants worldwide are very similar and by joining hands, solutions can be created to dissolve them.” The project is an organized collaboration between artists in Oakland, CA and artists in Burkina Faso and Mali.

Ebony in an interview with Poet Sarah Webb

On Friday, July 17, 2009 in Oakland, CA, emerging and established artists ranging from spoken word to musicians will share their art at the second Afrikanation event. Local community activists will speak and culinary masters will provide spicy jerk chicken and BBQ while raising funds for Art Esteem and Project Open Hand. Art Esteem is an organization that provides art therapy to over 3,500 Bay Area youth and Project Open Hand provides meals for over 2,500 people per year living with HIV/AIDS in the Bay Area. There is no cost to attend but donations will be taken to support these causes. Participating artists and vendors have agreed to donate 10% of sales to these organizations to continue their missions.

Poet Antoinette Cooper performs at the Pan-African Art•Food•Music Potluck Nov. 16, 2008

Ebony’s endeavors have already been received with success. The first Afrikanation event was entitled Pan-African Potluck and was simply an invitation for people to share artwork, food and music. This also took place at Coffee with a Beat in Oakland, CA with about seventy people in attendance. Local newspapers covered the event praising it for its originality and inclusiveness.

However, not everyone has been able to grasp the true purpose of Ebony’s project. It is not often that artists of the African diaspora are the center of artistic dialogues. Because the project has such a specific focus, some dissuaders feel left out. When asked about her challenges with Afrikanation Art Exchange, Dallas shares, “this project may seem “exclusive” to some. The point of this project cannot be defined in such simple terms. It is a challenge to unify all people of African descent as well as supporters in order tackle issues in these communities. One huge issue that I would like to address in a big way is the HIV/AIDS crisis. These problems will not simply disappear by not talking about them. Anyone desiring to help is gladly welcome. ”

"In His Footsteps" by Ebony Iman Dallas

So what motivates a young artist to take boldly commit to an ambition of this size? Ebony Iman Dallas, originally from Oklahoma City, OK, is of African-American heritage with her mother and stepfather from the US and her father from Somalia. She moved to Oakland in 2004 to work at an advertising firm and soon found herself grappling with deeper issues as a designer and artist. The following is an except from our interview where she reveals her personal journey as a creator and innovator.

"Contemplation" by Ebony Iman Dallas

FAIM: How would you describe yourself as an artist and your personal art?
EID: As an artist I am always looking for ways to challenge myself. I recently did my first live painting session at an open mic and I must say I was nervous at the thought! I did it because I knew that if I didn’t try it once that I would not know if I would a second time. Now I can say that I gladly would!

"Source of My Strength" by Ebony Iman Dallas

FAIM: What are your major influences and sources of inspiration?
EID: Progressive people and spirituality. I know that I am not in this alone and that is the only thing that keeps me going.

"In Progress" by Ebony Iman Dallas

FAIM: What is the difference between art and design?
EID: Design is about problem resolution and art is about expressing ideas in a personal way.

FAIM: How do they work together?
EID: I’ve been trying to figure that one out myself! In my personal experience, my most successful design pieces (print and web design) began with art. I usually use charcoal to create iconic images then scan them into the computer and alter them. I am more comfortable using this method rather that going directly into the computer to create. Some people are the opposite, but this is what works for me.

FAIM: What are your greatest lessons learned as an artist and designer?
EID: The art vs. design discussion can stir up fiery conversations but for me it’s about accepting both the artist and designer in me, and not being afraid to admit it.

FAIM: Any advice that you would like to offer?
EID: Take chances. You never know what lies around the corner if you don’t. If you are unhappy with your place in life as it involves a job, relationship or other, take a chance and don’t be afraid to change! What do you have to lose? The only scary part is knowing you will be in the same place if you don’t!

Coffee With a Beat • 458 Perkins Ave., Oakland, CA • Friday, July 17 • 6p - 10p

Please come out and celebrate the work of 12 dynamic artists who participated in my final thesis project entitled Afrikanation Interactive Art Exchange. The point of this project was to unify all people of African decent and supporters in order to join minds and create solutions to common problems through art. These collaborations took place around the topics of Family and Traditions as well as Goals and Dreams. This combination of musicians, painters, poets, and video production artists truly formed a rich experience that we would like to share with you. Please invite your family and friends.

Participants include:
Eesuu Orundide • Painter
Anthony J Hall • Poet
David Goodlett • Guitar Player
Tatek Kassaye • Video Production
Sarah Webb • Poet
Opesanwo I Fakorede Fadaaro • Painter
Oluyemi Thomas (of Positive Knowledge) • Bass Sax
Ijeoma Thomas (of Positive Knowledge) • Poet
Mosheh “Son of a Drummer” Milon • Drummer
Maria Ortiz • Curator/Visual Arts
Bush Mama Africa • Mixed Media Artist
Jinaki Bahati • Photographer

Ebony Iman Dallas • Afrikanation Community Organizer
Abdoul Diallo • Afrikanation Community Organizer

Also featuring guest artists and community activists

Please come out to support Bay Area Artists and non-profit community arts programs

COST
None, but accepting donations for non-profit community arts organizations such as Art Esteem, a local organization who provides art therapy for over 3,500 Bay Area youth including the “Self as a Super Hero” project. For more information about this organization, please visit www.ahc-oakland.org

?’s: For more information regarding this event and participation, please email Ebony at eid@eidart.com or visit eidart.com/afrikanation.

Please join us!

EBONY’s GOING AWAY PARTY
First of all, I love Oakland! In these clear times of change, chances must be taken. I am moving to Claremont, CA (30 miles from Los Angeles) at the end of July and I would like to party with you all 1 or 2 more times before I go. Please join me. I’m gonna miss you all very, very much.

Take care fam and I’ll see you soon!

Ebony Iman Dallas
Afrikanation Community Organizer
www.eidart.com

Please join me as I discuss inspirations and future possibilities for the Afrikanation Artist Project. It has been an amazing ride so full of discoveries. This is a community effort so please join me.

Graduate Design Thesis Events

Directions to the San Francisco Campus

The San Francisco campus is located at 1111 Eighth Street, between Hooper and Irwin. For parking, see Visitor Parking.

San Francisco campus map (PDF)

By Car from the East Bay. Cross the Bay Bridge. Take the Ninth Street exit, turn left on Eighth, and get into the lane second from the left. Turn left on Brannan, right on Seventh, right on Irwin, and right on Eighth.

By Car from the Peninsula/South. Take Highway 101 north. Exit at Vermont Street and turn right on Sixteenth, then left on Wisconsin.

By Car from Marin/North. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the Lombard Street exit, turn right on Van Ness Avenue, cross Market, and continue on South Van Ness. Turn left on Sixteenth and left again on Wisconsin.

By BART. Exit at Embarcadero station. Walk one block to First Street, turn left, and walk another block to the Muni bus stop (in front of the Transbay Terminal). Take bus 10 to Sixteenth and Rhode Island, and walk three blocks to Sixteenth and Wisconsin.

Or exit at Civic Center station (Eighth and Market Streets). Take Muni bus 19 south to Sixteenth and Rhode Island. Walk three blocks east to Sixteenth and Wisconsin, and turn left on Wisconsin.

Also, exit Sixteenth Street station (Sixteenth and Mission). Take Muni bus 22 east to Seventeenth and Wisconsin, and walk one block north to Sixteenth and Wisconsin.

http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2009/03/200937165612941763.html

You make me so proud Eedo!

This exhibition will take place at the Joyce Gordon Gallery on Friday, March 6th from 5:30 pm - 9 pm.

The address is: 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612
Gallery phone: 510-465-8928

A variety of artwork will be shared along with sweet tunes from some amazing local musicians. I hope to see you there! If you are unable to make it on the 6th please stop in an view the work anytime from March 6 - April 20 2009.

Also, please join us for the Panel Discussion and Poetry: Friday, April 3, 5:30-8:30 pm.

Take care and I hope to see you soon!

Ebony Iman Dallas