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.
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.
Posted February 4th, 2022 — Filed under Junior Art Institute
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Junior Art Institute For ages 11-14
Learn new skills in drawing, painting, digital art, mixed media and more to turn your ideas into impressive finished work. Supportive instructors guide you on advancing your studio practices and developing a strong art making process to pursue your artistic goals. You will learn the basics of composition, color schemes, proportions, perspective, depth, and more through a combination of observational & conceptual art making.
Students can choose between two majors:
Fine Arts majors focus on introducing studio practices and developing techniques using various paints, pastels, charcoal, ink, and more during most of their day. Fine Arts majors will minor in Digital Art
Digital Arts Majors learn the foundations of photo manipulation, photography, animation, and digital illustration & painting while exploring different forms of technology and proper equipment usage. Digital Art majors will minor in Fine Art
