African Mask Painting with Artist DionJa’y
Join Arts’tination for an afternoon of creativity, culture, and artistic expression with resident artist DionJa’y Pollard.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore African mask traditions while creating their own painted works using color, pattern, and personal expression. Guided by DionJa’y, attendees will also experiment with color theory concepts in a relaxed and welcoming creative environment.
Whether you’re new to painting or an experienced artist, this workshop is designed to inspire creativity and cultural appreciation through artmaking.
What to Expect
Introduction to African mask traditions and symbolism
Guided painting instruction
Exploration of color theory and creative expression
A completed painted mask artwork to take home
Reserve your seat and spend the afternoon creating through color, culture, and self-expression.
👥 Ages 10+
🎨 All materials provided
🎟️ Limited to 20 participants
ARTIST PROFILE
DionJa’y Pollard
Dion J. Pollard, also known as the artist DionJa’Y, was born in Washington, D.C., into a life of poverty. He vividly recalls times when he and his brothers scavenged for leftovers in the Gino’s Chicken trash cans, as food was scarce at home. Dion often attended school with holes in his pants and shoes, which made him a target for teasing from his peers. However, the one thing that continued to inspire him was his artistic talent. DionJa’Y began drawing at the age of 7, but it wasn’t until he turned 13 that he truly honed his skills. One day, inspired by his brother's drawings from comic books, he decided to explore his own creativity.
DionJa’Y quickly excelled at drawing, transitioning from reproducing images to creating originals from his imagination with remarkable detail. Although he started with pencil, he soon explored various other mediums and discovered his passion for acrylic and oil paintings, pastels, as well as pencil and ink. He also dabbled in digital painting, using a digital stylus to express his artistry. DionJa’Y is captivated by the texture of oil and acrylic paint, the spontaneity of watercolors and inks, and the rawness of pencils and pastels. He eventually ventured into three-dimensional works that extend beyond the canvas.
