Art After Dark 2025: Meet the Honorees
The Art Effect is proud to announce our 2025 Art After Dark honorees: Jodé Millman, Ester Wells, and Marshall+Sterling. These distinguished honorees will be celebrated at the sixth annual Art After Dark event on Friday, November 14 from 6:00-9:00 pm at Locust Grove on 2683 South Road in Poughkeepsie.
Individual Honoree,
Jodé Millman
Jodé Millman is the Board Chair of the Millman Harris Romano Foundation, Inc. which was formed to improve the quality of life in the native Hudson Valley. She has initiated such projects as Movies Under the Walkway, and has worked with other local non-profits like the Art Effect, the Greater Poughkeepsie Library District, and New York Stage and Film in her MHR capacity and as a Trustee of the Dyson Foundation.
Jodé is also the multi-award-winning author of her true-crime inspired “Queen City Crimes” Series. Her books and series have won The Clue Award, Independent Publisher Award, Independent Press Award, and American Fiction Award, and have been Finalists for the Silver Falchion and Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.
She’s an IP attorney, a reviewer for Booktrib.com, the host/producer of The Backstage with the Bardavon podcast, and creator of The Writer’s Law School. Jodé lives with her family in the Hudson Valley, where she is at work on her next legal thriller. Visit her website at www.jodemillman.com
Alumni Honoree,
Ester Wells
Ester Wells is an assistant editor at POLITICO, a Washington, D.C.-based news organization covering politics, policy and power across North America and Europe. She was previously a digital producer at POLITICO and production associate at ABC News’ “Nightline” in New York, and has reported for outlets in New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Ester graduated from Northwestern University in 2021 with her Master’s in video/broadcast journalism and Bachelor’s in journalism and political science.
Business Honoree,
Marshall+Sterling
Marshall+Sterling is one of the top 40 largest independent insurance brokerages in the country, providing personal and commercial insurance as well as risk management support and guidance, employee benefits, and retirement and wealth management services. Headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York since 1864, Marshall+Sterling have spent over 160 years protecting the people and businesses that shape our community.
They offer a tactical approach to tailored insurance, employee benefits, and wealth management — serving as a risk solutions partner at every stage. At Marshall+Sterling, trusted advisors bring deep expertise, personalized service, and a relentless focus on their client’s success to help them navigate uncertainty and move forward with confidence. Marshall+Sterling’s mission is to empower clients to predict, prepare for, and preempt risk—so they can focus on what matters most. Together, they aim to create a future that’s safer and more secure.
The Art Effect is proud to celebrate the work of these three honorees. Join us for a night to remember at Art After Dark on Friday November 14, 2025.
