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!
Get Paid to Create This Summer! Ages 14-19
Get Your Working Papers Ready Now & Get Paid This Summer!
Contact your school nurse or counselor for more information on working papers.
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.
Choose the program right for you below and Fill out the form here!
MADLab (Media, Arts & Design Lab)
July 8 – August 25
Monday – Thursday, 10am – 5pm
$15/hr
MADLab is an arts-based career & skills development program that
trains youth in:
• Visual art, graphic design, and aesthetic development skills
• Creating public art projects with professional artists
• Leadership and communication skills through public outreach
Spark Studios
July 8 – August 25
Monday – Thursday, 10am – 5pm
$15/hr
Spark Studios is a media-based career and skills development program that trains youth through community client projects and original creative film. Training includes:
• Video production, camera operation, filmmaking techniques
• Working with clients on commercial video
• Video editing software including sound mixing
Youth Arts Empowerment Zone Summer Workforce Development Program
July 10 – August 16
Part-time, (3-4 days/week, Wednesday – Friday/ Saturday)
10am – 5pm (with special hours for trips and events
This six-week summer intensive program is designed to teach community engagement and curatorial skills while developing each youth curator’s individual creative voice. Youth curators lead the ongoing activation of the Youth Arts Empowerment Zone in and around the Trolley Barn Gallery. This summer, teens will build their skills in public speaking, collaboration, art handling, and marketing while participating in field trips, studio visits, and 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.
This is a part-time position for Hudson Valley youth between the ages of 14-19 in which youth receive a stipend of $1,200. Click Here to Apply
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.
Instructors:
David Wong
Suprina Kenney-Troche
MADLab Youth:
Aiden Colby
Ilyssa Waite
Jurenei Favours
Antonio Carrera
Anderson Casco
Skit Lucca
Jaslene Johnson
Salahdeen Hamira
Sanai Leary
Yani Gaskin
Phylea Clarke
Anayi Twyman
Nyhkaii Tissiera
Oneka Hall
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!
Instructor:
Morgan Suter
Artists:
Sirena Fitzgerald
Julie Woods
Jessica Byars
Dutchess and Ulster Arts Camps allow children to imagine, discover, create, and have fun each summer. Young artists explore fine art, digital media art, and performing arts while strengthening their self-confidence, creative thinking, and art making techniques both individually and in a collaborative setting. Professional artists and experienced teachers support hands-on art experimentation with a wide variety of artistic mediums including painting, sculpture, collage, and animation. The pieces created at camp will portray original narratives connecting to each camper’s interests and lives. Finished artwork and performances will be displayed in a final showcase each Friday in an open exhibition setting for campers to share with family and friends. Creativity thrives as campers explore and play! Click on a week below to register:
Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
Oakwood Friends School – 22 Spackenkill Rd, Poughkeepsie
Week 1: July 8 – July 12
Week 2: July 15 – July 19
Week 3: July 22 – July 26
Week 4: July 29 – August 2
Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
SUNY New Paltz – 1 Hawk Dr, New Paltz
Week 1: July 29 – August 2
Week 2: August 5 – August 9
The Art Effect’s Junior Art Institute takes young artists on a deep dive into their chosen medium while building a foundational knowledge of techniques, elements, and principles of fine or digital art.
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 this summer will explore drawing, painting, introductory figure drawing, and stop-motion animation! This intensive art course teaches students the various concepts of 2D and 3D art while showing them the many possibilities and outcomes these techniques and materials can offer. This Junior Art Institute track is perfect for students serious about fine art and developing their skill set.
Digital Arts Track
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. Learn how fine art elements enhance character designs and narratives! This track is great for students interested in animation, character design, and illustration.
The Art Effect’s Summer Art Institute takes high school-aged artists on a deep dive into their chosen medium while building on a foundational knowledge of techniques, elements, and principles of fine or digital art while creating a strong portfolio. High school students interested in pursuing a degree in the arts will meet with college representatives and receive portfolio critiques each session.
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Dutchess Community College – Allyn Washington Center for Art & Science, 37 Gallery Circle, Poughkeepsie
Drawing and Painting Track
The Summer Art Institute’s Drawing and Painting track is recommended for high school students with a love of art who want to grow their skills and experience this summer. Create an impressive fine-art portfolio with classes including Drawing and Painting, Experimental Printmaking, and Color and The Human Figure. Students will tackle color theory, composition, content, materiality, and value to enhance their 2D art-making skills. This Summer Art Institute track is recommended for students looking to improve their technical skills while making unique and original art that can go into their fine art portfolios.
Digital Arts and Illustration Track
The Summer Arts Institute’s Digital Arts & Illustration track is recommended for high school students who are interested in exploring and refining skills in animation, digital painting, narrative creation, concept design, and illustration. Students in this track will take classes including Digital Illustration, Mixed Media Animation, and Human Figure. Students will elevate their artistic knowledge, technical skills, and unique artistic style this summer by learning the power of mark-making, color theory, narrative creation, character design, animation, and contemporary artistic technology. Students will master their skills using various technology including iPads, and professional programs such as Procreate, Adobe Suite, and beyond!
Advanced Drawing and Painting Track
Advanced Drawing and Painting is the Summer Art Institute’s most comprehensive portfolio track for students with fine art experience and a desire to create a strong portfolio. Classes include Advanced Drawing and Painting, Color and The Human Figure, and Digital Arts and Illustration. Working from intricate still lifes, live models, contemporary art elements, and experimental techniques, Advanced Drawing and Painting students will spend three weeks this summer using their artistic knowledge to develop an authentic, mature, and edited fine art portfolio. Students enrolling in this summer program must already have an understanding of formal art techniques, color theory, value, key/tone, and composition.
Early drop-off available for an additional $25/day
Late pick-up available for an additional $25/day
Please email cory@thearteffect.org or call 845-471-7477 to schedule an early drop off/late pick up.
Discounts:
Full or partial scholarships may be available to those in economic need, to apply please complete a Scholarship Application Form and send it to info@thearteffect.org.
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:
Spark Studios: Photography in Action
April 9 – April 20, 2024
WEEK 1: Tuesday – Thurday | 3:00 – 5:30 PM
WEEK 2: Tuesday – Saturday | 3:00 – 5:30 PM
PUF Studios: 8 N. Cherry St, Poughkeepsie
This round of Spark Studios will focus on the art of photography, highlighting the techniques of capturing movements of live models in action. Spark Studio Students will gain hands on experience, learning camera settings and angles to achieve high quality images and the opportunity to be a paid photographer during the PKX festival, documenting the fashion show and activities.
APPLY HERE
Media, Art, & Design Lab: Sculpture Mania Intensive
April 9 – April 19, 2024
Tuesday – Friday | 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Pershing Studios: 45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie
Students can unleash creativity in our April intensive workshop!
Participants will engage in hands-on exploration with fabric, clay, sewing kits, and sculpture tools to craft awe-inspiring 3D artworks. The creations will be showcased for all to admire at the upcoming PKX festival.
APPLY HERE
Trolley Barn Youth Curatorial Team
February 7 – June 15
NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Trolley Barn Gallery: 489 Main St, Poughkeepsie
The Art Effect’s curatorial training program is composed of youth taking part in the Trolley Barn Gallery Curatorial Team who make high level exhibition curation decisions and are mentored by experts in the field. Teens ages 16-19 earn a stipend for working on two exhibitions, The Exhibition Where a Gallery Exhibits Anime Art, a pollution prevention exhibition (title TBD), cleanups in and around the Trolley Barn Gallery and the 2024 PKX Festival, Droppin’ Jewels.
Youth Arts Empowerment Zone (YAEZ)/ PKX Festival
February 5 – May 8
NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Trolley Barn Gallery: 489 Main St, Poughkeepsie
YAEZ Liaisons are part of The Art Effect’s curatorial training programs at the Trolley Barn Gallery. YAEZ Liaisons focus on the impact of the community in and around the Trolley Barn Gallery. Youth employees earn a stipend as they learn the tactics of creative placemaking, marketing, outreach, event planning, and more while planning and running the 2024 PKX Festival, Droppin’ Jewels on April 18-20, 2024!
Please reach out to cy@thearteffect.org or 845.471.7477 with any questions.
Apply for a winter workforce intensive in 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:
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 and even meet with college representatives.
Spring 2024 classes offer youth a variety of programming that allows them to hone their skills in their preferred mediums or explore exciting new materials.
Classes include:
(Ages 5-8)
Adventures in Craft
Adventures in Song and Music
Adventures in Painting
Exploring Painting
(Ages 8-11)
Exploring Materials
Exploring Painting
Exploring Stop Motion Animation
(Ages 11-14)
Realistic Drawing
Diving into Short Films
Experimental Sculpture
Thinking in Color
Digital Illustration and Animation
(Ages 14-19)
Portfolio Development
Plein Air
Contemporary Human Figure
Digital Character and World Building
Narrative Illustration
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
