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 our Dutchess and Ulster Arts Camps, 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!
DUTCHESS AND ULSTER ARTS CAMPS (AGES 5-11)
Creativity will flourish as campers explore their artistic abilities, play games, and make lasting friendships at Dutchess & 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 Dutchess & Ulster 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.
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, 9:00am – 4:00pm. 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, 9:00am – 4:00pm 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
Early drop-off available for an additional $25/day (no earlier than 8:15 AM) Late pick-up available for an additional $25/dau (no later than 5:15 PM) Please email abby@thearteffect.org or call 845-471-7477 to schedulean early drop off/late pick up.
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.
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.
The PKX Festival was a great success this year! From music performances to inspiring showcases, the energy was vibrant throughout the event. We are happy to relive these moments of creativity and community with these stunning photos from the event!
Thank you to all who made the PKX Festival unforgettable!
The Art Effect empowers youth to develop their artistic voice to shape their futures by giving them the opportunity to develop real skills, and guiding them towards achieving their academic and career goals. The Art Effect’s youth workforce programs build workforce development skills, provide paid work experience, and help students get on a path to college and career success! Each program offers different skills from film and photography to public art, to place keeping and curation.
Spark Studios
PUF Studios: 8 N. Cherry St, Poughkeepsie
Spark Studios teaches film and media arts to empower youth voices, build workforce development skills, provide paid work experience, and help students get on a path to college and career success. This 8 week program will teach students ages 14-19 cutting-edge media production techniques, how to create original films and/or content, give industry exposure, and develop skills for entry into advanced level Art Institute courses to develop film portfolios.
MADLab is an “earn while you learn” arts-based career and skills training program that trains youth ages 14-19 in visual art, media art, and design careers. This session, youth will work on visual arts and graphic design projects while developing skills that could include painting, sculpture, public speaking, leadership, workplace etiquette, presenting, and critiquing.
Youth Arts Empowerment Zone Curators
The Art Effect’s Youth Arts Empowerment Zone (YAEZ) curatorial training program is composed of teens ages 14-19 who make high level exhibition curation decisions and are mentored by experts in the field. This session, learn community engagement and curatorial skills while developing each youth curator’s individual creative voice. YAEZ curators lead the ongoing activation of the Youth Arts Empowerment Zone in and around the Trolley Barn Gallery. Build skills in public speaking, collaboration, art handling, and marketing while participating in mentorship discussions with accredited local curators, artists and community leaders. This is a great opportunity to learn how the arts can guide community development and strengthen civic participation. The youth curators decide what is showcased at the Trolley Barn Gallery and design complimentary public events and workshops.
The upcoming PKX Festival, themed “Droppin’ Jewels,” is deeply rooted in the wisdom and influence of Keli Faircloth’s grandmother, a beloved figure in her life. As an active member of The Art Effect’s programs and a vital part of the PKX Festival Committee and Youth Curatorial Team, Keli embodies the theme through her role as a knowledge keeper, inspired by her grandmother’s wise words: “Child, I just dropped some jewels on you.” This personal connection will fill the festival with a spirit of wisdom, creativity, and community empowerment, celebrating Poughkeepsie’s creative energy across generations.
MADLab students, Mahogany and Kierra Thomas embarked on a visionary project during a May sculpture intensive. Inspired by the theme of “Droppin’ Jewels,” they developed an idea of crystal-like trees to symbolize imparting wisdom. Under the guidance of artist Suprina Kenney-Troche, the students brought their vision to life. The outcome is an incredible gem tree, ready to captivate visitors at PKX Festival.
The gem tree serves not only as an inspirational piece of art but also as an interactive installation. Festival attendees are invited to participate by hanging pieces of wisdom or advice on the tree, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Join us at the PKX Festival, April 20, for the unveiling of this special creation, where art, collaboration, and inspiration converge to create a truly memorable experience.
Last week, the CONVEY/ER/OR Gallery hosted a successful closing of the Senior Project Exhibition. The local gallery provided the space for these emerging artists to showcase their talents and share their perspectives. This event marked the conclusion of a 12-week program completed by local high school seniors and gap year teens, who dedicated their time and creativity to produce high-quality, portfolio-ready art pieces.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the CONVEY/ER/OR Gallery for hosting this exhibition. Their support and commitment to fostering local talent has provided our young artists with a platform to connect with the community, and their support has contributed to the success of the Senior Project Exhibition.
As the exhibition comes to a close, we’ll continue to encourage and celebrate these emerging artists. CONVEY/ER/OR Gallery remains a space for artistic expression, and we’re excited about future collaborations that spotlight the creativity of our youth!
PK B.A.Y. stands as a platform dedicated to bring youth leaders together to help shape afterschool and summer programs. This initiative is designed to cater to the preferences, interests, and passions of the youth, fostering an environment where their voices are heard and valued.
Participants have the unique opportunity to collaborate with artists in crafting and executing art projects that effectively convey their priorities and goals. Prior art experience is not required; however, individuals are expected to possess qualities such as creativity, leadership, and advocacy. Through PK B.A.Y., young minds are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the development of programs that resonate with their collective vision for a vibrant future!
Job Description:
Select Artist to collaborate with on designing/creating art project
Implement city-wide youth assessment to identify youth priorities and barriers to afterschool/summer programs and opportunities
Think through a public art project and soliciting community participation to work with art project
Identify location of public artwork in Poughkeepsie
Present designs to the City Council, Children’s Cabinet and Public Arts Commission
Apply for a winter workforce intensivein entrepreneurship or public arts where you earn a stipend to learn and work! Open to students ages 14-19 who live in Dutchess County.
Arts & Entrepreneurship Intensive December 4 – 15, 2023 Monday – Friday | 3:00 – 5:30 PM PUF Studios: 8 N. Cherry St, Poughkeepsie
In this business start-up workshop, young entrepreneurs will receive support in generating their business ideas and clientele.
Students will get the resources they need to establish: • Business branding (names/logos/mission statements) • What services they can & will provide • Generating Price Points for those services • Generating leads for target customer for their business • How to draft and pitch client proposals and general agreements
Students ages 14-19 who participate and successfully complete all 25 hours of the workforce intensive will earn a $125 stipend and a chance to make a business ‘elevator’ pitch to a panel of business professionals.
Street Art Intensive December 4 – 14, 2023 Monday – Thursday | 3:00 – 5:30 PM Pershing Studios: 45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie
Bring art to the world by taking it to the streets! In this intensive, you’ll explore the world of street art from Graffiti and stenciling to sculpture, public painting, and more! Receive $100 stipend upon completion of the program!
Students ages 14-19 who participate and successfully complete all 20 hours of the workforce intensive will earn a $100 stipend!
PKX Festival Intensive December 4 – 14 Monday – Thursday | 3:00 – 5:30 PM Trolley Barn Gallery: 489 Main St, Poughkeepsie
Join us in crafting an unforgettable festival experience!
This Winter Intensive is for young creatives who want to shape the identity of the 3rd annual PKX Festival under the theme “Droppin’ Jewels.” Teens will immerse themselves in a dynamic and collaborative environment, honing design and marketing skills while contributing to the festival’s vibrant branding.
Program Highlights:
Establish Festival Branding
Unleash your creativity to craft a captivating color palette that embodies the spirit
Develop a visual identity that resonates with the festival’s theme
Design Festival Poster
Dive into the world of graphic design as you collaboratively create the festival’s poster.
Generate Community Engagement
design and distribute eye-catching flyers relating to the festival
Cultivate Design and Marketing Skills
Gain hands-on experience in graphic design, applying principles to real-world projects.
Sharpen marketing skills by crafting content that effectively communicates the festival’s theme and encourages community involvement.
November 7 – December 12, 2023 Tuesdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Class via Zoom, link will be provided at signup
Cost $234
In this art portfolio development course, homeschool students ages 14-19 will develop a unique, dynamic portfolio while expanding on fundamental drawing and painting skills. Primarily working from observation, you will learn to balance life drawing with imaginative and photo based references. This class is virtual on Tuesdays from 1-3 PM with instruction via Zoom. Recommended for ages 14-19.
The Art Effect’s Art Institute provides artistic youth ages 14-24 with experiential learning opportunities in essential portfolio development and college preparatory skills through high-level art training, mentoring, and advanced educational experiences. The Art Institute inspires and motivates students, preparing them for successful careers and acquiring merit-based scholarships to the nation’s best art schools in the visual and media arts. Art Institute is a year-round, intensive, pre-college portfolio development program for motivated teens ages 14-19. Graduates generate an impressive portfolio of original work that demonstrates their pre-professional skills in the visual and media arts. See current and upcoming courses HERE.
To register: Please fill out the registration form here, and mail to: The Art Effect at 45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie or email cy@thearteffect.org
NAHS members are seen as leaders in their field and often receive priority treatment when applying to college. Membership in the NAHS gives you access to college scholarships from the NAEA (National Art Education Association) that are not available to other students.
To be considered to be a member, you must fill out the application as well as submit a WEIGHTED high school transcript to The Art Effect, both by September 30, 2023. Your weighted transcript must demonstrate a cumulative average of 87 or higher to be considered. Transcripts can be submitted as attachments and emailed to hannarose@thearteffect.org
This year, NAHS will be holding meetings on the first Thursday of every month, starting October 5 and ending June 6. If you are chosen as an officer, you will also attend an additional meeting a month on the second Thursday of each month. Our first officers meeting will take place on October 12.
NAHS students will organize, plan, and host various art projects to benefit the surrounding communities, including public art murals and events like Hudson Valley Portfolio Day. These activities promote art to the community, and look great on an individual’s college application resume!
If selected, you will be expected to be actively involved in The Art Effect’s programming, pay the one time annual dues of $25, and to maintain a GPA of 87 or higher in your enrolled school.
We look forward to receiving your submitted transcript and virtual application form by September 30, 2023.
We will reach out with acceptance decisions by October 2, 2023.
The Art Effect Launches New Initiative for Hudson Valley Youth to Earn Visual And Media Art College Credits While in High School! Learn more here.
Hudson Valley youth will earn college credit for participating in The Art Effect’s visual arts and media programming. In partnership with Dutchess Community College, students enrolled in the ArtsBridge, fall 2023 program will earn college credit, free of cost to students. Click here to apply.
ART 100/ Introductory Visual Art Seminar is an introduction to the visual art programs to academic and career opportunities in the visual arts. Learn all about how to begin creating, preserving and documenting an art portfolio; career opportunities and internships; transfer opportunities; career options; student services; study skills including time management, research, writing, note and test taking, and presentation skills.
Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:00 pm September through December 7, 2023 (1-credit class) Room 129 Poughkeepsie High School, 70 Forbus Street, Poughkeepsie NY 12601.
ArtsBridge, The Art Effect’s college preparatory program for first-generation youth, addresses how to begin creating, preserving, and documenting an art portfolio; career opportunities and internships in the arts; and study skills including time management, research, writing, note and test taking, and presentation skills. With an equity focus, the course also provides SAT prep, one-on-one mentorship, assistance applying for financial and merit-based scholarships, and support applying to colleges and negotiating financial offers. The Art Effect’s partnership with Dutchess Community College allows those youth enrolled in ArtsBridge to earn an introductory visual art seminar college credit focused on academic and career opportunities in the visual arts. Across all of its programs, high school seniors at The Art Effect were offered nearly $1.4 million in scholarships in 2022 to attend colleges or universities.
