The Art Effect’s summer programs will light the creative spark in young artists and help them dive deeper into various art mediums! Each fun-filled summer program will have your child explore new materials, master artistic skills, and create works of art they can be proud of. Professional Teaching Artists are ready to guide your student on their creative journey. Whether your child is a messy, experimental maker or more seriously pursuing the arts, there’s something for everyone this summer! At Dutchess Arts Camp and Ulster Arts Camp, your child will paint, perform, tie-dye, paper mache, and play! Students in the Summer and Junior Arts Institute will experiment with printmaking, hone their fine arts skills, and create digital masterpieces to elevate their portfolios!
JUNIOR ART INSTITUTE (AGES 11-14)
The Junior Art Institute is a 2-week skill-building program meant to take art lovers and make them into future artists! During this session, students will learn to use complex fine art and digital art techniques to develop their very own body of work. Students will receive feedback from working artists in the industry, create a community of peers, and explore new materials while expanding their artistic knowledge! Monday – Friday, 9:30am–4:30pm Dutchess Community College – Allyn Washington Center for Art & Science, 37 Gallery Circle, Poughkeepsie.
FINE ARTS TRACK
Fine Arts students will explore drawing, painting, introductory figure drawing, and stop motion animation in this 2-week summer session! These intensive art courses will teach students the various concepts of 2D and 3D art while showing them the many possibilities and outcomes these techniques and materials offer. The Junior Art Institute Fine Arts track is perfect for students serious about fine art and developing their skill set!
The Junior Art Institute’s Digital Arts track will include instruction in digital arts and illustration, stop-motion animation, and experimental printmaking. Students will learn fine art skills such as value, color theory, composition, and 3D modeling to create original digital artworks. They will also learn how fine art elements enhance character designs and narratives! This track is great for students interested in animation, character design, and illustration.
The Summer Art Institute is an intensive portfolio-building program that takes your talented student’s skills to the next level! During each session, students will be educated in advanced fine art and digital art-making techniques, as well as contemporary concepts that will help them develop unique and engaging works of art. Students will receive feedback and guidance from a diverse staff of working artists, participate in portfolio reviews with college representatives, and create a network of like-minded peers while exploring new materials, and expanding their artistic knowledge!
Monday – Friday, 9:30am–4:30pm Dutchess Community College – Allyn Washington Center for Art & Science, 37 Gallery Circle, Poughkeepsie
FINE ARTS Track
The Summer Art Institute’s Fine Arts Track includes courses in Painting & Drawing, Color & Human Figure, and Experimental Printmaking to expand on their artistic knowledge and develop an authentic, refined, and mature fine art portfolio. This comprehensive fine arts track is perfect for young artists interested in creating a strong portfolio that includes impressive 2D artworks. Working from intricate still lifes and live models, students will learn contemporary art elements and explore experimental techniques.
The Summer Art Institute’s Digital Arts Track includes courses in Digital Illustration, Mixed-Media Animation, and Color & Human Figure. Students will use their artistic knowledge to develop an authentic, refined, and mature digital art portfolio.This comprehensive track is perfect for young artists interested in creating a strong portfolio that includes impressive digital artworks and animations. Projects include working with clay for stop motion animations, creating original characters, developing contemporary narrative artworks, and exploring experimental techniques
DUTCHESS ARTS CAMP AND ULSTER ARTS CAMP (AGES 5-11)
Creativity will flourish as campers explore their artistic abilities, play games, and make lasting friendships at Dutchess Arts Camp & Ulster Arts Camp! Your young artist will enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces, ceramic kilns, a theater, art studios, and other creative spaces!
Our experienced and friendly Arts Camp counselors and teaching artists will support fun, hands-on art-making with various mediums including painting, sculpture, collage, animation, and performance, based on engaging weekly camp themes. The pieces created at camp will portray your child’s individuality, tapping into each camper’s specific interests.
Daily schedules include opening and closing circles, structured art instruction, snacks, lunch, and outside play. A weekly showcase will occur at the end of each week and is an opportunity for your camper to shine! All of their work from the week will be on display during the showcase and they’ll get to show off their learned performances to family and friends.
Dutchess Arts Camp – Poughkeepsie
Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm Oakwood Friends School – 22 Spackenkill Rd, Poughkeepsie Week 1: June 29 – July 3 Patterns & Pirates
Early drop-off available for an additional $25/day (no earlier than 45 minutes prior to summer program start time) Late pick-up available for an additional $25/day (no later than 45 minutes past summer program end time) Please email info@thearteffect.org or call 845-471-7477 to schedulean early drop off/late pick up.
Gift Certificates: To redeem a gift certificate to purchase this class please contact Art Institute Coordinator, Abby Lessick, at our office 845-471-7477 or via email at abby@thearteffect.org. If you’d like to buy a gift certificate or gift this class, click here.
Q: Can my student re-take a class they’ve already taken?
A: Yes! Our courses are designed to teach essential skills through various project objectives. Each session, the assignments will change, ensuring anyone retaking the class is not creating the same content twice.
Q:Is my student ready to move up to a more advanced course?
A: That depends! If your student has taken a class at their current level two or more times, is the right age, and/or has work that demonstrates their skill level, they are likely ready to advance to the next level course. If you have questions about your students’ next steps or class pathway, please contact our Artistic Advancement Director at hannarose@thearteffect.org.
Q: What is the difference between your year-round class offerings and Summer Art Institute?
A: During the school year, we offer two sessions of courses: Our Fall Session runs September through December, and the Winter/Spring Sessions run February through June. Students can enroll in one or more classes in their preferred discipline each session. Classes are held 1x a week for 8 weeks.
During the Summer, The Art Effect’s Art Institute and Junior Art Institute are intensive programs for 11-19-year-olds. These programs are not summer camps, but are advanced portfolio-building programs where students learn crucial skills in their preferred discipline. For these programs, students will choose a “track”, either in Fine Art or Digital Art, that determines the classes they take.
Summer/Junior Art Institute is an all-day art-making program consisting of three-four classes and a lunch break. Summer Art Institute runs for 2 or 3-week sessions (every weekday, no weekends), and Junior Art Institute runs for 2-week sessions (every weekday, no weekends).
A: An Art Institute Membership is a yearly payment of $50 that gives families a 5% discount on all Art Institute classes and Summer Arts camps for ages 5-19, as well as early entry to Hudson Valley Regional Portfolio Day, where students can show their work and meet with representatives from top arts colleges. Membership discounts may be combined with other promotions, including early bird and multi-class discounts. Click here to purchase a membership.
Q: Does The Art Effect offer financial assistance or scholarships for families?
A: Yes! The Art Effect offers scholarships every session. Applications are received on a rolling basis up until the scholarship deadline for each session (end of January for Winter/Spring, mid-April for Summer, and beginning of September for Fall). Scholarships are either awarded in partial or full payments toward yearly courses and summer programs (including Dutchess and Ulster Arts Camps).
Q:What does my student need to bring with them to class? Are supplies included?
A: Unless noted in the class description, Art Institute students are required (or strongly encouraged) to bring a sketchbook so they can draft ideas and plan out their projects (sketchbooks can be any size). All other supplies needed for class are provided by The Art Effect.
Q:Where do your classes take place?
A: Year-round courses take place at 45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie. We have a studio/gallery space equipped with everything students need to feel comfortable and focused on their art-making.
Summer program locations are subject to change. 2026 locations are the following:
Summer and Junior Art Institute at Dutchess Community College
Dutchess Arts Camp at Oakwood Friends School
Ulster Arts Camp at SUNY New Paltz, Smiley Art Building
Q: What is The Art Effect’s refund policy?
A: Cancellations up to 30 days prior to the first day of program will receive a full refund. If you cancel more than a week, but less than 30 days before the first day of program, there is a 25% non-refundable deposit for spring and fall classes or $100/week/student for summer programs. Cancellations less than 7 days prior to a program will receive no credit and no refund.
Q: What is Senior Project?
A: Senior Project is the most advanced course we offer, and is only offered during our fall session in September. This capstone program allows participants to define, research, create, and present an original and cohesive body of work. The emphasis is on deep conceptual exploration and technical development to produce a competitive portfolio for college or career opportunities. Senior Project students work in the medium of their choice, developing their unique artistic voice while spending significant time with each piece at home before weekly critiques over the course of 12 weeks. There is an application process to participate, and the course culminates in an exhibition.
A: Official dates and sessions for Summer Camp and programming will be announced in early February on our website. Families will be able to register for their preferred week(s) of camp online or by calling 845.471.7477. For registration questions, you can also email info@thearteffect.org.
Q:Who teaches your courses?
A: The Art Effect employs working artists and creatives with expertise in their field to lead our classes. To view our current teacher roster, please visit: https://thearteffect.org/about/our-teachers.
Q: Is there a way for Art Institute teachers and parents to communicate directly?
A: Yes! The Art Effect uses an application called Bloomz to make class announcements, keep families informed of class cancellations or weather closures, and communicate with your students’ teachers. Teachers may also upload pictures from the class so you can see the projects your student is working on.
Information will be sent home on the first day of class to download/sign up for Bloomz. Any questions or concerns, please email info@thearteffect.org or call 845.471.7477.
Q:What if my question wasn’t answered here?
A: Let us know! The Art Effect has a contact form for questions just like yours. To ask your question visit: https://thearteffect.org/contact-us.
Posted January 14th, 2026 — Filed under News, Art Institute
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The Art Effect’s Art Institute inspires and motivates students ages 5-19, allowing young artists to explore materials, and their imaginations while preparing more advanced students for successful careers and acquiring merit-based scholarships to the nation’s best art schools in the visual and media arts. Graduates who complete the tracks of the Art Institute generate an impressive portfolio of original work.
Take advantage of early bird pricing and plan for your spring. Early birds get 5% off classes until December 31st, 2025. You can even purchase spring and fall classes together for a multi-class discount as well, creating a year of savings!
Spring 2026 classes offer youth a variety of programming that allows them to hone their skills in their preferred mediums or explore exciting new materials.
Portfolio Development II April 3, 2026 – May 29, 2026 – 8 Fridays, 5:30pm-8:30pm, *No Class 4/24*
Additional Discounts
Multiclass/Sibling Discount: Save 5% when registering 2 or more children OR when you sign 1 child up for two or more courses. Member Pricing: Save an additional 5% by signing up for an Art Institute membership, click here to “Purchase an Art Institute Membership.” Scholarships: Scholarships are available to those in economic need, to apply please complete a Scholarship Application Form (Aquí en Español). Gift Certificates: To redeem a gift certificate to purchase this class please contact Art Institute Coordinator, Abby Ellick, at our office 845-471-7477 or via email at abby@thearteffect.org. If you’d like to buy a gift certificate or gift this class, click here.
Alumni Katie O’Keefe’s work featured in National Portrait Gallery Exhibition
Katie O’Keefe’s Entwined Repose is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery in DC as a part of “The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today” Exhibition. Taína Caragol, curator of painting, sculpture and Latin art and history for the National Portrait Gallery, and Charlotte Ickes, curator of time-based media art and special projects for the Portrait Gallery, co-organized the exhibition. The seven-person jury chose 35 portraits (by 36 artists) to go on view as part of the exhibition. The selection, which was drawn from more than 3,300 entries, includes artist contributions from 14 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Katie is a 2010 alumni of The Art Effect and graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in 2014 with a BFA in Fiber Arts. After volunteering at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) to help mount a Maren Hassinger exhibition, her fiber skills led to being asked to assist on another project, then more work there, and eventually a preparatorship position. It was during her time at BMA that she first heard about the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition from her coworkers, a discovery that reminds her of advice she got at The Art Effect, back when it was still Mill Street Loft.
“One thing that Todd Poteet said to me when I was in Senior Project, I think the best advice he ever gave me, was to make friends. I think that holds true. You’ve got to find your support network, and you’ve got to also surround yourself with people who are also interested in similar things. I’m saying that because when I was working at the BMA I was working with other art handlers who also worked at the Smithsonian and that’s where I found out about the competition. It didn’t get me through the door, but it told me about the competition. I would not have known to even search for that, I would not have known there was a museum that had a competition that anyone could apply for, let alone a competition as big as it was.” ~ Katie O’Keefe
The first-prize winner of the competition receives a cash award of $25,000 and a commission to create a portrait of a living person for the museum’s permanent collection. Additional prizes in the amounts of $10,000 and $7,500 will be awarded to second- and third-place winners, respectively, for the 2025 competition. Past prize-winners whose commissioned portraits now reside in the museum’s collection include 2006 winner David Lenz (sitter Eunice Kennedy Shriver); 2009 winner Dave Woody (sitter Alice Waters); 2013 winner Bo Gehring (sitter Esperanza Spalding); 2016 winner Amy Sherald (sitter former First Lady Michelle Obama); and 2019 winner Hugo Crosthwaite (sitter Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.). From the exhibition’s opening through April 5th, visitors—in person and online—can vote for their favorite artwork to receive the People’s Choice Award.
At The Art Effect, we believe that every child should have access to the arts. We’re excited to offer scholarships for our upcoming 2026 programs and courses, which include everything from painting to digital animation. Scholarships are available for students ages 5–19, and we encourage families to apply!
2026 Scholarship Application Deadlines: Spring apply by January 26th, 2026 Summer apply by April 13th, 2026 Fall apply by September 7th, 2026
Explore our courses, discover the possibilities, and give your child the gift of creativity this year! To apply, please complete a Scholarship Application Form (Aquí en Español) and send it to abby@thearteffect.org. Or call 845-471-7477 to learn more about The Art Effect’s scholarship process and application.
Take a look at the amazing work produced by 2025’s Senior Project Cohort. To inquire about purchasing artwork from the show, email hannarose@thearteffect.org.
"All at Once: Black Swan" – Chanel Reed
Charcoal, gel prints, beads on paper | 24x18” $350
"Hormonal Swell: White Stork" – Chanel Reed
Fabric, acrylic, on panel | 20x20” $250
"Our Place: Zebra Finch" – Chanel Reed
Fabric, cardboard, acrylic, nature elements, on canvas | 20x16" $250
"I & U: Regent Bowerbird" – Chanel Reed
Yarn, cardboard, acrylic | 14" x 48" $280
"Something Raw: Barn Owl" – Chanel Reed
Fabric, watercolor, beads | 14" x 14” $275
"Tough Itch: Greylag Goose" – Chanel Reed
Charcoal, gel prints, craft feathers | 12" x 12" $255
"Tough Pluck: Greylag Goose" – Chanel Reed
Charcoal, gel prints, craft feathers | 12" x 12" $255
"Gloss" – Sadie Pomerantz
Gouache and fine silver glitter on canvas | 7x14"
"Talk Talk Talk" – Sadie Pomerantz
Gouache and fine silver glitter on canvas | 7x14"
"The Spill" – Sadie Pomerantz
Gouache and fine silver glitter on canvas | 24x18"
"Highlight Your Day" – Sadie Pomerantz
Gouache and fine silver glitter on canvas | 24x36"
"DRIP DRIP" – Sadie Pomerantz
Gouache and fine silver glitter on canvas | 24x18"
"The Mess" – Sadie Pomerantz
Gouache and fine silver glitter on canvas | 12x16"
"Almost Edible" – Sadie Pomerantz
Gouache and fine silver glitter on canvas | 14x11"
"Radio Ghost Issue #1" – Kenny Gray
Digital Print | 28 pages, 11x8.5" $25
"Radio Ghost Page 2" – Kenny Gray
Digital Print | 11x17" $65
"Radio Ghost Poster" – Kenny Gray
Digital Print | 11x17" $10
"Radio Ghost Page 16" – Kenny Gray
Digital Print | 11x17" $50
"Concept Art: Milo's Dorm" – Kenny Gray
Pen and ink, watercolour markers, on paper | 12x19" $80
"Concept Art: Blackwood House II" – Kenny Gray
Pen and ink, watercolour markers on paper | 12x19" $80
"Concept Art: Blackwood House" – Kenny Gray
Pen and ink, watercolour markers on paper | 12x19" $95
"Maine Creek" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor, white gouache on paper | 9x12"
"Outside of Town" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor, colored pencil, white gouache on paper | 9x12" $100
"Railway in Winter" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor, white oil pastel on paper | 12x16" $150
"Quiet Snowscape" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor, white oil pastel, colored pencil on paper | 12x16" $150
"Thumbnail for 'Perpignan Station'" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor on paper | 4x6" $50
"Thumbnail for 'Rockland Harbor'" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor on paper | 4x6" $50
"Thumbnail for Work in Progress" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor on paper | 4x6" $50
"Ireland Thumnail" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor, colored pencil on paper | 4x6" $50
"Thumbnail for 'Railway in Winter'" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor on paper | 4x6" $50
"Snowstorm Silhouette " – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor, white oil pastel on paper | 4x6" $50
"Perpignan Station" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor, white gouache, white oil pastel, frisket on paper | 18x24"
"Rockland Harbor" – Phoenix Barra
Watercolor, white gouache on paper | 18x24"
"Concept Art #1" – Virginia Zengen
Ink, ink wash, white gouache on paper | 7x10" $100
"Concept Art #2" – Virginia Zengen
Ink, ink wash, white gouache on paper | 8.5x11" $100
Come celebrate the incredible works of The Art Effect’s Senior Project artists at their exhibition opening reception on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Carole J. Wolf Gallery @ 45 Pershing Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY. The opening reception is free and open to the public and takes place from 4:30-6:30pm.
Senior Project is the capstone course for The Art Effect’s most advanced students, you can learn more about this cohort and the program here. This exhibition highlights their achievement in completing the most rigorous course offered by the Art Institute.
Featured Artists: Phoenix Barra-Greenmyer, Kenny Gray, Sadie Pomerantz, Chanel Reed, and Virginia Zengen
If you are interested in seeing the show, but can’t make it to the opening reception, the exhibition will be on view through January 10, 2026. Viewings are by appointment only Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm. To schedule a viewing call The Art Effect at 845.471.7477 or email Hanna Rose DeMarco, Director of Artistic Advancement and Senior Project Instructor, at hannarose@thearteffect.org.
The Art Effect is pleased to present the 25th annual Hudson Valley Regional PortfolioDay at the MJN (Majad J. Nesheiwat) Convention Center on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 pm. Become a member todayand be the first in line at the 2025 Portfolio Day with early access at 3:30pm! Over 30 admissions representatives from top art colleges across the nation will talk to students and review their portfolios for scholarship eligibility to major art schools and universities.
This event is FREE to students, teachers, guidance counselors, parents, and interested members of the general public. Students should bring 10-20 examples of original, recent artwork. During the four-hour event, students have the opportunity to meet and speak with representatives from over 30 art schools and colleges. Students obtain catalogs, admission policies, and information on scholarship opportunities directly from their preferred schools. Students also bring their art portfolios for review and evaluation, giving them a true advantage in developing a strong college application. Many Hudson Valley youth and students at The Art Effect have discovered their future college at PortfolioDay and gained an advantage in the college application process.
For more information on PortfolioDay click here or call 845-471-7477.
Posted August 15th, 2025 — Filed under Art Institute
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Click on any of the classes listed below for more information or to register online:
You can even purchase fall and spring classes together for a multi-class discount creating a year of savings! Take advantage of spring early bird pricing, get 5% off classes until December 31st, 2025.
Adventures in Art: November 9 – December 28 – 8 Saturdays, 10:30am-12pm for youth ages 5–8
More classes mean more art! Students will learn to use and apply materials for drawing, painting, paper mache, clay, printmaking, and so much more to their imaginative artworks! Big shape self-portraits, collaborative paintings, funky food sculptures, multicolor printmaking projects, and other fantastic artworks are all possible in this 8-week class!
Illustration + Animation: November 8, 2025 – December 27, 2025 – 8 Saturdays, 1-3pm for youth ages 11–14
In this 8-week animation class, students will learn to animate and illustrate their own creatures and characters! Students will be guided through designing and building a stop-motion puppet, and animating on programs like Procreate while building creative confidence! Young artists will walk away with 2-3 projects and new fine art and animation skills! Students are required to bring a sketchbook.
Portfolio Development II: November 14, 2025 – January 16, 2026 – 8 Fridays, 5:30pm–8:30pm, *No class 12/12 and 12/26* for youth ages14–19
Boost your portfolio in this 8-week drawing and painting class. Learn to gather and use reference images, create unique and engaging contemporary artworks, and hone crucial skills and techniques. Students will walk away with 5-6 portfolio ready pieces that will be sure to impress future employers and college representatives! Students are required to bring a sketchbook.
Additional Discounts
Multiclass/Sibling Discount: Save 5% when registering 2 or more children OR when you sign 1 child up for two or more courses. Member Pricing: Save an additional 5% by signing up for an Art Institute membership, click here to “Purchase an Art Institute Membership.” Scholarships: Scholarships are available to those in economic need, to apply please complete a Scholarship Application Form (Aquí en Español) and send it to abby@thearteffect.org. Gift Certificates: To redeem a gift certificate to purchase this class please contact Art Institute Coordinator, Abby Ellick, at our office 845-471-7477 or via email at abby@thearteffect.org. If you’d like to buy a gift certificate or gift this class, click here.
Posted July 3rd, 2025 — Filed under Art Institute
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Take advantage of early bird pricing and plan for your fall. Early birds get 5% off classes until August 15th. You can even purchase summer and fall classes together for a multi-class discount as well, creating a year of savings!
Click on any of the classes listed below for more information or to register online:
Art classes for youth ages 5–8 Adventures in Art: 8 Saturdays, 10:30am-12pm
Art classes for youth and adults ages14–Adult Advanced Human Figure: 8 Sundays, 1pm–4pm
Additional Discounts Gift Certificates: To redeem a gift certificate to purchase this class please contact Art Institute Coordinator, Abby Lessick, at our office 845-471-7477 or via email at abby@thearteffect.org. If you’d like to buy a gift certificate or gift this class, click here. Multiclass/Sibling Discount: Save 5% when registering 2 or more children OR when you sign 1 child up for two or more courses. Member Pricing: Save an additional 5% by signing up for an Art Institute membership, click here to “Purchase an Art Institute Membership.” Scholarships: Scholarships are available to those in economic need, to apply please complete a Scholarship Application Form (Aquí en Español) and send it to abby@thearteffect.org.
