Art After Dark: Meet the Honorees
The Art Effect is proud to announce our 2024 Art After Dark honorees: Hezues R., Karmen Smallwood, and Dutchess Community College. These distinguished honorees will be celebrated at the fifth annual Art After Dark event on Friday, November 15 from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Trolley Barn Gallery on 489 Main St. in Poughkeepsie.
Alumni Honoree,
Hezues R.
Hezues R, a first-generation American, grew up in a single-parent home in Upstate New York alongside his two siblings. Despite his humble beginnings, he demonstrated a remarkable drive to excel and make a difference in his community. His self-taught skills in film and TV production, advertising, and marketing laid the foundation for a career marked by creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Hezues R’s journey in the creative industry is nothing short of inspiring. As an established Creative Director and Entrepreneur, he has created successful brands such as Boadicea the Victorious, earning him international acclaim and numerous awards. His innovative vision and creative prowess have made him a sought-after figure by industry icons like Russell Simmons and Jay Z.
Latin Nation aptly described Hezues R as a “Latino Mogul in the making,” a testament to his influence and potential within the industry. His work spans various major brands, shows, productions, and products, solidifying his reputation as a high-level creative force.
Hezues R’s contributions extend beyond the creative sector into public service and community activism. He served as a consultant under President George W. Bush’s “Council on Financial Literacy” and was honored by President Barack Obama in 2014 as a “Champion of Change” for his efforts to eliminate gun violence from the streets.
As a two-time ambassador for the United Nations, Hezues represented the USA in 34 countries across the western hemisphere, showcasing his commitment to global advocacy and social impact. In 2019, Hezues R founded the S.I.C. (Social Impact Content) Film School in Yonkers, NY. With a motto of “Healing Humanity One Voice at a Time,” the school aims to empower individuals through film and storytelling, fostering a new generation of socially conscious creators.
Hezues currently chairs the Hip Hop Education Center and the Westchester County Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce. His leadership in these roles reflects his dedication to education, community development, and violence prevention.
Beyond his professional achievements, Hezues R is a devoted father to three beautiful children. He values family and places a strong emphasis on community enrichment and development.
Individual Honoree,
Karmen Smallwood
Ms. Smallwood currently serves as Dutchess County’s Assistant Commissioner for Youth Services charged with leading the Path To Promise initiative. She has more than 15 years of experience working in the non-profit sector as a program director, grant manager and youth advocate. In her current position, she works to enhance community assets by bridging research with practice and aligning efforts to provide the best array of resources, services and supports for children, youth, and families.
Prior to assuming her current position, she served as a law enforcement officer initiating programs to increase justice involved individual’s access to resources and opportunities. Her Interactive Journaling program and research study developed in partnership with Marist College was featured at the New York State Pretrial Services Conference and Siena Colleges’ Engage for Change Conference. She is currently spearheading local initiatives to address violence in schools and communities through her involvement in the Dutchess County Youth and Police Initiative.
As a pragmatic leader with experience in program and leadership development, she is committed to making positive sustainable contributions in her community. She is an active volunteer, serving as a trustee at Beulah Baptist Church and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Iota Alpha Omega Chapter, and the Mid-Hudson Ivy Foundation.
Karmen Smallwood earned her bachelor’s degree from Howard University in psychology and holds a master’s degree in Counseling and Community Psychology from Marist College. In 2023, she received R.E.A.L. Skills Network Incorporated Community Icon Award. She is a parent, visionary and change-maker who strives to inspire and empower others with kindness, compassion, and humility.
Business Honoree,
Dutchess Community College
Dutchess Community College (DCC) is a beacon of educational excellence and a pillar of the Hudson Valley community. Established in 1957, DCC serves more than 7,000 students each year, providing affordable and accessible education with a strong emphasis on student success. Remarkably, two-thirds of DCC students graduate debt-free, reflecting the College’s commitment to reducing financial barriers and empowering students from all backgrounds to pursue their academic and career aspirations.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Peter Grant Jordan, DCC has expanded its reach and impact, not only through its academic programs but also by forging vital partnerships that enrich the cultural fabric of the region. The College’s ongoing collaboration with The Art Effect highlights its dedication to the arts, ensuring that students can explore their creative passions while contributing to the community’s vibrant cultural scene.
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 15, 2024. Tickets for Art After Dark are on sale now.
