Order Imakhu's
music/storytelling mp3s
 here.
Imakhu's Senior Citizen
African Sock Doll Class
in Queens, NY
Imakhu's African T-Shirt Art.
This image is based around a stylized
series of shapes. Design is one of
many created and taught by Imakhu.
African jewelry from imakhu's
"Molding African Beauty from Clay"
At Risk Youth class in Manhattan, NY.
Imakhu's "Recycled Percussion"
Parent / Child class in Princeton, NJ
This student's piece is a Cultural Collage
based on Outsider Art. From Imakhu's
Senior Citizen's class in Queens, NY.
Photo by Bear Photography
Imakhu teaching in Virginia.
Photos courtesy BJ Robey
VISUAL ART
"Inside Outsider Art"
Imakhu's favorite art form is Outsider Art. What is "Outsider" Art? A unique
folk tradition where society's "outsiders" (including African Americans,
immigrants, Women, prisoners) turned everyday objects into unique, edgy
to display in this fun workshop. Many tools include recyclable materials,
various paints, and much more!
Class length is 2 hours. Offered as a residency.


"Cultural Collage"
Imakhu's African-themed collage class incorporates mixed-media,
cultural images, and positive esteem messages. Imakhu also shares
pertinent info about African history and culture.
Ages 12 and up. 60 min., 90 min., or 2 hrs.


"African Wearable Art T-Shirts"
Imakhu teaches the right ways to use a T-shirt as a canvas with acrylic
paints and creative cultural design.
Ages 10 to Adult. 60 or 90 min.

"Molding African Beauty from Clay"
Making and shaping clay is a creative and therapeutic. Imakhu shares her
technique for making your own air-dry clay, and shares two projects:
African jewelry and African clay pots.
Great Parent/Child class, also for ages 10 through Teen, and for Adults.
90 min. or 2 hrs.


"Recycled Percussion"
Imakhu leads the class in making decorative, yet practical, usable
percussion instruments out of recyclable materials. Participants learn a
song at workshop's end and join Imakhu in a drum jamming session!
90 minutes. All ages!


"Teaching Art to Youth in the Juvenile Justice System"
Imakhu has taught visual and performing arts to At-Risk Youth throughout
much of her thirty year teaching career. Her experiences teaching New
York City youth in juvenile homes and the juvenile court system has given
her greater insights into how best to bring positive programming to this
special population which faces oft times grim circumstances.
This workshop guides participants through:

~ The reality of the Juvenile Justice system
~ Understanding art as therapy
~ Practical sensitivity training
~ Cultural awareness & communication
~ Creatively satisfying art projects that provide structure and latitude
~ Great projects on a tight budget (certain projects will be taught to and
recreated by workshop's participants)
~ Selecting a theme
~ Do's & Don't's of craft supplies
~ Consistent class objectives with transient populations
~ Learning the line between disciplinarian and affirming instructor

Can be presented as an eight hour intensive, residency, or eight week  
certification course. Certification course (two hour length) includes a
weekly craft project overview with instructions.
Ideal for artists, art teachers, volunteers, educators, administrators.


"African Sock Dolls"
Imakhu teaches how to make beautiful African dolls from a brand new
sock
! Great for Teens, Adults, Senior Citizens. - 2 hrs.
A modified version available for very young children. - 60 min.


"Create Your Reality: Art for Positive Life Change"
Imakhu opens the world of visual, performing, and literary arts to young
people, employing positive African-centered themes that emphasize the
individual responsibility of creating a positive reality. This multi-
disciplinary approach exposes students to various aspects of the art
world, including art as expressive therapy. Projects are challenging and
engaging. Imakhu guides with technical discipline, yet empowers the
student by allowing choice in various aspects of composition. She also
encourages students to "think outside of the box."
Class length is 2 hours.
Offered as a residency.


LITERARY ART

"The ART of Spoken Word"
Imakhu's  spoken word and poetry have moved audiences across the
country. Learn how to craft a good spoken word piece, how to present it in
front of an audience, and how to find and express your own voice. First
half of workshop focuses on writing a piece. Second half is class
performance
.
Pre-Teen to Adult. 60 min., 90 min., or 2 hrs


PERFORMING ART

"True Urban Legends"(TM)
“Renegade Storyteller”  Imakhu  presents  TRUE URBAN LEGENDS, a
fun, contemporary urban spin on classic fables, folktales, poems, and
true human interest stories in urban life. TRUE URBAN LEGENDS is  an
engaging, interactive, and successful vehicle for connecting urban youth
to the healing, artistic tradition of storytelling. Also ideal for adult
rehabilitation and therapeutic settings. Imakhu Mwt Shekemet guides
teachers and students use their creative juices as the group both
individually and collectively craft a new story.

Stories from Imakhu's recorded TRUE URBAN LEGENDS series are
currently heard on public radio stations around the world.


"Storytelling Techniques For Public Speakers"
Want to add memorable textures to your speeches and lectures?
Learn the art of a well told, well timed, well selected story.
Give the audience something to remember you by.
Increase your marketability, stage command, self-confidence, and public
speaking techniques in this master workshop by master storyteller and
lecturer Imakhu.


"The ART of Storytelling"
Every culture has a tradition of storytelling. Learn the art of weaving a
wonderful story and the artistry that goes into telling it from master
storyteller Imakhu.

Topics Include:
* Finding your own artistic voice as a storyteller
* Story selection
* Story development
* Building a good repertoire (and keeping it fresh)
* Professional courtesies (respecting other tellers'  turf)
* Vocal techniques to keep your listener attuned
* Finding your audience
* Sensitivity to your audience
* Is music essential?
* Rehearsal techniques
* Self-promotion
* Finding your marketable value
* Building a good professional reputation

"The Art of Comedic Acting"
Think comedic acting is easy? Believe it or not, it takes WORK to make a
humorous line, bit, or scene become funny. Learn the different categories
of Comedic Acting and their techniques in this fun, highly interactive
workshop based on scene study, interpretation, and ultimate performance
.
90 minutes. Pre-Teen to Adult.


"The Singer Owns the Stage"
Are you fronting a band? Leading a solo? Beginning solo singers often
have trouble effectively connecting with their audiences because of stage
fright, not knowing what to do with their hands, not being sure where to
look or move. Imakhu shares professional vocal and staging tips to
confidently own a performance. Imakhu has coached many vocalists to
award winning performances.
60 or 90 minutes. All ages.


"Mother Drum Healing"
Women's Groups, Black Cultural Groups and At-Risk Youth groups
Learn the history and application of the drum's original role as a healing
tool. African shamanic drumming techniques, healing methods, spiritual
& cultural history related to the significance of the African drum throughout
diaspora and the world.
Objective: Learning traditional African songs, the history, cultural origins,
and application of the instruments (includes relevance to today's popular
music). Intermediate and advanced students learn complex rhythmic
patterns and time signatures, and creative, multi-layered musical
arranging and composition with African instruments.
Special Education Groups
Students discover the basics of playing hand drums and percussion
through tactile, visual, and auditory learning. More challenging classes
offered to music students.
Objective: Clients feeling sense of accomplishment through the realistic
achievement levels and universal "feel good" connectedness to music &
rhythms.


"The Art of Choreography"
The discipline of dance has become popular with shows like "So You
Think You Can Dance?," "America's Dance Crew," and "Dancing with the
Stars." Are you a dancer who wants to understand the science of how to
create your own routines? Then this class is for you! Imakhu shares the
essentials of how YOU can create winning combinations and dance
numbers.
60 min., 90 min. or 2 hours. Pre-teen to Adult.


"African Dance"
Did you know all popular dances (with the exception of the Fox Trot) can
be traced to African dance? Imakhu leads a fun, energetic workshop
where participants learn African dance, try on African clothing, and learn
the how African dance and African culture has influenced the world.
60 min., 90 min., or 2hrs. All ages.


"Sacred Bellydance"
Learn the metaphysical application of this spiritual art form. Learn dance
prayers, rituals, dance techniques, and how to build a healing community.
More info
here.


"Making a Practical Living as a Working Artist"
Take control of your career by learning the essential business aspects      
of the performance, visual, and literary art field. Workshop covers:

* Don't quit your day job...yet
* Appreciating yourself as a commodity
* When Opportunity Smacks You Upside the Head...
* Building upon your artistic/creative strengths
* Creating a marketable show
* Becoming your own booking agent (includes tips for finding gigs)
* Creating & negotiating a contract
* Developing discipline
* Generating free publicity
* Working your connections
* Building a competitive publicity kit
* Protecting your artistic work
* Re-entering the market after a hiatus ( "The Comeback" )


SACRED ART

"The Sacred Artist: Practical Steps for the Divine Vessel"
An intensive, interactive workshop celebrating the artist as
The Divine Alchemist and Vessel. Practical application for the novice and
veteran visual, literary, and performing artist.
*  I CAN Change the World: Defining Sacred Art
* Understanding the Origins of Sacred Art
* Ancestral Rituals for Opening to The Divinity Within
* Ancient Echoes Creating New Voices
* Addressing the Fear of Artistic/Spiritual "Channeling"
* What's My Message? Ego Vs. Higher Calling
* Coming Up For Air: Serious Signs of Becoming a Slave to The Muse
* Visionary  or Chemical Abuser?
* Practical Tips for Staying Grounded
* Will My Art Pay My Bills? Knowing The Business of Art
* Lone Wolf or Artist Collective?
* Finding Courage in Uniqueness
* Maintaining Morality in a Morally Bereft World


"Creating Sacred Theatre"
Imakhu guides workshop participants in applying the arts to personal
spirituality.

* Choreographing Sacred/Liturgical Dance to music and sacred texts
* Spiritual Drumming
* Blending Music and Spoken Word
* Creating and Performing Sacred Monologues
* Creative Costuming

Throughout her thirty-five year career, Imakhu has performed
Sacred Theatre in settings ranging from theatres, outdoor festivals,
monument dedications, and churches. She has produced numerous
Sacred Art events. Known for putting independent spiritual expression into
the hands of multitudes, Imakhu Mwt Shekemet, Kemetic Queen Mother &
Elder High Priestess, Interfaith / Metaphysical ordained minister, sees all
aspects of life's work as Sacred Art.


"Water: The Path to Peace & Power"
Through sacred communal ritual, prayers, chants, drumming, dance, and
interactive discussion, Imakhu shares the peacemaking power of African
water traditions. Can be done as a Women's Healing Workshop, or as a
Co-ed Cooperative Workshop.

Imakhu Mwt Shekemet is initiated as a healer in the South African
Shona/Ndebele tradition. She is commissioned to build bridges to
individual and community  peace.

******************************************************************************
Imakhu teaching her drumming workshop in
upstate NY.