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.
Senior Project, Realistic Drawing & Painting, Portfolio Development, Drawing and Painting Human Figure, Adventures in Materials, and Digital Art & Illustration all started last week! The dynamic programming at The Art Effect combines both visual art and media art in immersive, experiential courses that allow youth to experience, explore and excel in the arts in Poughkeepsie and there’s still time to sign up for our other fall classes taking place later in the year. Click on any of the classes listed below for more information or to register online:
Art classes for youth and adults ages14 – 19+ Portfolio Development II: Fridays, 6 – 9pm (no class 11/23)
Full and partial scholarships are available to those in economic need. To apply for a scholarship, please complete a Scholarship Application Form and send it to cy@thearteffect.org.
The Art Effect is pleased to present the 24th annual Hudson Valley Regional PortfolioDay at the MJN (Majad J. Nesheiwat) Convention Center on Friday, October 4th, 2024, from 4:00–8:00 pm. 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.
“Portfolio Day gave me valuable critiques, including tips on how to photograph my work better and what I could tweak in my artwork. I am currently attending Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), which I first discovered during virtual college visits. At last year’s Portfolio Day I spoke with a college rep who really helped me get the application process started,” says Amya West, alumna of The Art Effect & a Portfolio Day attendee in 2021.
For more information on PortfolioDay click here or call 845-471-7477.
Posted September 1st, 2024 — Filed under Featured Events
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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.
