The Art Effect

Igniting Potential: Art is Just the Beginning

We kicked off this fundraiser this past Giving Tuesday December 3, 2023 with a drive that has us well on our way to $25,000 with the help of 47 intrepid supporters raising $10,331. Join them today in helping The Art Effect reach its goal this year!

At The Art Effect, art is more than creating—it’s a starting point for growth, connection, and transformation. We use the power of creativity to inspire and empower youth, reaching over 4,000 young people each year through hands-on programs in visual arts, media, film, and public art. These experiences become more than art—they become stepping stones to personal and professional success.

Through opportunities to explore their creativity, develop critical skills, and connect with mentors and peers, our young artists discover their unique voices and unlock a world of possibility. With every brushstroke, every film project, and every community art initiative, art becomes the beginning of something powerful.

This year, your support goes even further. Thanks to a matching gift, every dollar donated will be doubled, up to $25,000—amplifying the impact of your gift on the lives of thousands of young people.

Join us in making art the beginning of a journey that changes lives, shapes futures, and strengthens our community. Your donation today can make all the difference.

UPDATE: Due to high traffic volume on Giving Tuesday, our fundraising site experienced some stability issues. We have been told the issue was resolved, but if the donate button doesn’t load a page, CLICK HERE to be taken to The Art Effect’s internally-hosted donation page. All donations made on this page will count towards the fundraiser and be a part of the matching donation campaign.

Art After Dark Recap

We had a sensational night at Art After Dark 2024 in the Trolley Barn on Friday November 15. Guests mingled under starry lighting and took in the last moments of The Duo Show’s time in the gallery. Spettro passed delicious hors d’oeuvres, including an amazing Ricotta & Grape Crostini, while guests waited in line to get the Vassar Violet Bloom signature drink, a blend of Tito’s, butterfly pea flower tea, ginger, and lemon. For the younger crowd and the alcohol-free, the mocktail mimicked the same magical effect, where the blue butterfly pea flower tea turned purple with the splash of lemonade mixing in. 

Especially heartwarming were the speeches from the night’s honorees and the individuals introducing them. Franky Perez had a surprise reunion with Alumni Honoree and mentee Hezues R. Tahleeya Raphael introduced Karmen Smallwood with an anecdote that reminded us of how deep and long-standing Karmen’s commitment to the youth of the city of Poughkeepsie has been. And Mary Ellen got the room on its feet as we all stood together to acknowledge the widespread impact that honoree Dutchess Community College has on our community.

Marielena Ferrer helped guests develop a deeper understanding of the themes behind her work as they tore butterflies from tissue paper to join future iterations of her installation. YAEZ Curators guided attendees in engaging with Kimmah Dennis’ work through polaroid photos and chalk interactions. Young and young-at-heart alike delighted in helping us fill our chalk photo booth wall.

This event was also host to a couple monumental firsts! Staff member, Sarah Taylor, hosted Art After Dark’s first Paddle Raise for donations and by the end of the night we had raised over $9,000 dollars. Board Member and longtime friend of The Art Effect David Bloom and his wife Beverly Kaufman who were unable to attend, raised their hand remotely to give a $500, along with a few others who called in to participate with the paddle raise remotely. 

We also had an amazing announcement where we learned that board member, Kit Laybourne and his wife Gerry would be donating a $25,000 match to any donations that came in that night and subsequently to our annual appeal. 

To be a part of that change and impact, click here to donate today!

Check out photos from the event and learn more fun information about the gala.

Reel Exposure Photo Exhibition up at the Trolley Barn

Snag a digital program to learn more about all the amazing work in the festival!

Visit to see the winning pieces and juried show in person or check out our virtual gallery and screenings below to watch the show online.

Reel Exposure Winners

Photography:
First Place: “Audiophile” Risa Darlington-Horta
Second Place: “Frozen Over” Aaliyah Loverso
Third Place: “684” Andres Perez
Audience Choice Award: “Frozen Over” Aaliyah Loverso

Film:
First Place: Think Like A Filmmaker — by Eli Berliner
Second Place: Beth — by Ava Bounds
Third Place: Take heart! — by Lillith Jörg
Audience Choice Award: Cry About It – by Amani Jamal

Reel Exposure Opening Reception – Wednesday, May 4
@ The Trolley Barn Gallery, 5-7pm

Join us in person at 489 Main Street in Poughkeepsie for the first night of Reel Exposure. Kicking off with an opening reception for the photography exhibition side of Reel Exposure, we’ll celebrate live while live-streaming parts the event on Facebook and YouTube as well. The photography exhibition will remain on display in the gallery through June 19 and there is also a virtual gallery component for anyone who isn’t able to come view the work in person. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday from 2-5pm and Saturdays from 12-4pm at The Trolley Barn.

Reel Exposure is supported in part by monies received from the New York State Council On The Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Vassar Brothers Institute Donor Advisor Fund of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.