Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Websites
Timeline
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Raul Joseph Africa

Minneapolis,MN

Summary

Versatile visual artist with 30+ years of experience in captivating illustrations and themed oculars. I specialize in multi media creations that are inspirational, aesthetically engaging and humanitarian. I have dedicated my art to be benevolent in every way, so much so that I donate at least 40% of what I make per annum. Be it storytelling, inspirational or philanthropic, my works have exuded superlative positivity in venues ranging from The United Nations to Hospitals, wineries and galleries around the world.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef de Tournant

Purpose Restaurants
Minneapolis, Minnesota
01.2022 - Current
  • Prepared and plated diverse menu items for high-volume service.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations during busy shifts.
  • Assisted in inventory management and supply ordering for food items.
  • Performed assigned cooking tasks to float and relieve chefs throughout kitchen.
  • Communicated effectively with front-of-house staff to coordinate service timing.
  • Executed culinary trends and cultivated creativity by developing innovative daily specials.
  • Modeled proper culinary techniques and delivered mentoring to train new employees.
  • Maintained accurate records of inventory, orders and deliveries.
  • Designed creative dishes that meet customer expectations while staying within budgetary limits.
  • Maintained accurate inventory of food supplies and equipment.
  • Conducted regular assessments of dish presentation aesthetics prior to serving customers.
  • Provide guidance and assistance to junior chefs in developing their skillset.
  • Coordinated catering services, including menu planning and staffing needs.
  • Trained and supervised kitchen staff, ensuring quality standards are met.
  • Implemented working guidelines to maintain hot and cold items properly.
  • Analyzed data from daily sales reports to determine best selling items and adjust menus accordingly.
  • Prepared detailed monthly budget estimates for review by executive chef.
  • Organized and maintained all food storage areas, including dry goods, refrigerators, freezers and walk-ins.
  • Planned weekly work schedules for kitchen staff based on business volume projections.
  • Maintained clean and organized storage areas for food items, enabling easy accessibility to heavily used products.
  • Checked quality of incoming produce deliveries against order specifications before accepting them into the restaurant's inventory.
  • Supervised kitchen food preparation in demanding, high-volume environments.
  • Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
  • Established and maintained regular maintenance schedule, keeping kitchen tools and equipment in operable condition.
  • Helped staff adhere to tough restaurant requirements through practical discipline and motivation.
  • Maximized customer satisfaction and team operations by executing command-based structure and staff performance oversight.

Artist

Self-employed
Minneapolis, Minnesota
01.1997 - Current
  • Created original artwork with at least 40% of income went to philanthropy and humanitarian projects and foundations such as Make A Wish Foundation, Children's Hospital, M Fairview Children's, Aspiritech, Inspiration Corporation, Youth for a Better Future, Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, Healing to Action, Boys and Girl's Club of Chicago, Project Hope, Hurricane Harvey fund, Lahaina Fires, MAarfan Foundation,Schaaf-Yang Foundation, Off the Streets club, Folds of Honor, North Shore Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Eve's Angels,WineFest,American Heart Association, Christ Advocate Medical Center, Fishers Youth Initiative, Suicide Hotline, and so much more
  • Managed art exhibits and showcased work in local galleries (Stola Contemporary Art Gallery, Mars Gallery, 210 Design House).
  • Developed marketing materials to promote art shows and events.
  • Collaborated with clients to fulfill custom art commissions.
  • Conducted workshops to teach art techniques to aspiring artists (Inspiration Corporation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Youth for a Better Future)...
  • Researched art trends and integrated them into new projects.
  • Built an online portfolio to showcase artwork and engage audiences.(ArtbyJoeyAfrica.com, Instagram, Facebook)
  • Maintained organized studio space for efficient workflow and creativity in Chicago and Minneapolis
  • Collaborated with clients to develop custom artwork that met their needs such as charities and private collectors
  • Organized and participated in art exhibitions to showcase work, doing least 2 solo shows per annum
  • Created original artwork in a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints, pencils, charcoal, pastels, and markers.
  • Utilized various painting styles such as realism, abstract expressionism, impressionism.
  • Researched artistic trends and techniques to stay up-to-date with industry standards.
  • Developed new concepts for paintings or sculptures based on client requests and themes such as WineFest gala for M Fairview Children's Hospital, Make a Wish Foundation
  • Addressed client concerns and worked together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
  • Developed logos for businesses based on customer specifications (Advocate General Hospital Trauma Division)
  • Promoted artwork through online platforms such as Instagram, Facebook
  • Provided guidance and technical assistance to other artists when needed as my studios have an open door policy in which anyone can see me create
  • Led classes in community to help individuals embrace creativity and develop artistic skills.
  • Instructed classes on drawing basics such as shading techniques and color theory.
  • Managed social media accounts for the studio by creating content and responding to inquiries from customers as I post new, original art every 2 days
  • Created promotional materials such as brochures or flyers for upcoming events or classes.
  • Participated in critiques of other artist's work within the community.
  • Prepped areas and set up supplies prior to beginning artistic sessions.
  • Negotiated contracts and agreements with galleries, museums, and private collectors.
  • Drafted sketches for prospective projects to present to clients.
  • Conducted research to incorporate historical and cultural accuracy into artworks.
  • Received and incorporated feedback from clients and peers to improve artistic outcomes.
  • Collaborated with art directors to ensure project visions were accurately brought to life.
  • Curated art exhibits, selecting pieces that complemented each other for public display.
  • Analyzed trends in the art world to stay current and relevant in artistic expressions.
  • Maintained an organized studio space, ensuring a conducive environment for artistic creation.
  • Utilized digital tools and software for graphic design and digital art creation.
  • Provided art consultations and recommendations to clients based on their needs and preferences.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to enhance artistic and business skills.
  • Sourced and purchased materials, maintaining a budget for art supplies and expenses.
  • Managed multiple art projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and delivery.
  • Ensured compliance with copyright and intellectual property laws in the creation and distribution of art.
  • Fostered productive, professional working relationships with fellow craftspeople, vendors and media representatives.
  • Applied various finishing techniques to protect and enhance the appearance of artworks.
  • Studied different techniques to apply to artistic endeavors.
  • Transformed artistic concepts into characters, environments and other objects to reflect artist's vision.
  • Applied learned color theory and lighting techniques into designs to add dimension and depth.
  • Maintained portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests and abilities.
  • Nurtured relationships with artists and other internal partners to create positive rapport for future projects.
  • Devised illustrations that complied with customer specifications, company standards and mathematical formulas to fulfill customer project requests.
  • Integrated and developed visual elements to produce illustrations of ideas, emotions or moods.

sommelier

Tavern on Rush
Chicago, Illinois
01.2000 - 03.2020
  • Curated an extensive wine list reflecting diverse regions and varietals, with an annual budget of $900,000, making it to $3.5M in sales
  • Conducted wine tastings to enhance guest dining experiences.
  • Advised guests on wine selections to complement menu items.
  • Trained staff on wine service and proper presentation techniques.
  • Managed inventory of wines, ensuring optimal stock levels.
  • Collaborated with chefs to create harmonious food and wine pairings.
  • Monitored wine quality and storage conditions for optimal preservation.
  • Organized special events featuring exclusive wine selections for patrons.
  • Conducted staff training sessions on proper wine service procedures.
  • Recommended bottles from the cellar based on customer preference and budget constraints.
  • Assisted customers with selecting appropriate wines for their meals or special occasions.
  • Maintained accurate records of all inventory and purchases.
  • Organized regular tastings and educational seminars in order to promote new products to customers.
  • Advised clients on how to properly store and serve wines at optimal temperatures.
  • Shared wine knowledge with employees, encouraging team to develop wine knowledge through regular training sessions.
  • Memorized menu choices and major ingredients in food, predominate flavors and textures to answer guest questions and recommend wine choices.
  • Directed day-to-day operations of bar and wine programs, minimizing cost wherever possible without compromising quality.
  • Sorted beverages upon receipt, storing wines on shelves on sides to keep corks moist and refrigerating white and sparkling wines.
  • Searched, selected and purchased wine from around world in conjunction with restaurant manager and purchasing.
  • Performed routine maintenance on refrigeration units used for storing wines.
  • Planned events such as dinners, tastings, and festivals featuring different types of wines.
  • Researched new vineyards, wineries, varietals, and vintage releases for potential selection additions.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by responding quickly and efficiently to inquiries regarding wine selections.
  • Engaged guests through conversation about the various styles of wines available.
  • Created detailed reports of food pairings and suggested wines for menu items.
  • Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations in accordance with local laws.
  • Developed extensive knowledge of wines, including flavors, aromas, regions, and winemaking techniques.
  • Reviewed wine labels and vintages to recommend the best options for customers.
  • Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
  • Responded to ad hoc cleaning duties at end of shift.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts

Illinois Institute of Art
Chicago
01-2001

Bachelor of Science -

Northwestern Business College
Chicago, IL
12-1999

Bachelor of Science - Theology

Vincent Palotti Institute of The Laity
Rome, Italy
03-1995

Skills

  • Philanthropy
  • Wine expertise (advanced sommelier)
  • Prolific visual artist
  • Food inventory management
  • Menu planning
  • Kitchen operations
  • Dish presentation
  • Customer relationship management

Languages

French
Limited
Tagalog
Native/ Bilingual
Italian
Full Professional
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Professional

Timeline

Chef de Tournant

Purpose Restaurants
01.2022 - Current

sommelier

Tavern on Rush
01.2000 - 03.2020

Artist

Self-employed
01.1997 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts

Illinois Institute of Art

Bachelor of Science -

Northwestern Business College

Bachelor of Science - Theology

Vincent Palotti Institute of The Laity

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