The Youth Arts Empowerment Zone (YAEZ) liaisons have revitalized the pavement outside the Trolley Barn Gallery with a vibrant mural, revamping the previous artwork. This project is part of their annual community engagement efforts, where local students organize workshops, art activities, and an arts festival.
The YAEZ liaisons collaborated on a lively, pop-inspired design. Through interactive workshops, they created characters and themes celebrating nature and Poughkeepsie’s landscape. The community embraced the project, with over 50 people participating in the painting process. The mural now serves as a joyful centerpiece, engaging residents and visitors with community spirit!
Meet Tamara Gentle, a dynamic and talented artist who graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2023. A proud alumna of Poughkeepsie High School, Tamara has impacted the art community over the past two years. She has dedicated her time as a teaching artist at The Art Effect, where she has played a role in assisting with residencies and co-teaching the MADLab youth workforce program. Her commitment to fostering creativity and skill development in young artists has made her an important figure among students.
One of Tamara’s standout achievements includes her involvement with the Color My Future Duchess County Career coloring book. Originally, she was part of the team that designed the original illustrations for this innovative project. More recently, she took the lead on updating the content, providing illustration support to ensure the book remains a valuable and engaging resource.
One of Tamara’s standout achievements includes her involvement with the Color My FutureDuchess County Career coloring book. Originally, she was part of the team that designed the original illustrations for this innovative project. More recently, she took the lead on updating the content, providing illustration support to ensure the book remains a valuable and engaging resource.
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 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
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.
The Youth Arts Empowerment Zone (YAEZ) and Trolley Barn Curatorial Team are collaborating to initiate a series of community clean-ups around the Trolley Barn Gallery on Main St., Poughkeepsie. The youth are calling on all community members to join in making a positive impact in the neighborhood. If your interested group has more than five volunteers please email info@thearteffect.org at least 3 days before the cleanup!
This last month it’s been an educational experience for me learning about the pollution prevention process. The clean up around the Trolley Barn Gallery along with the presentation/activities has made a sense of community and pride about our Earth. -Chanel Reed, member of the Trolley Barn Curatorial Team
In celebration of this community effort The Trolley Barn Gallery is hosting an international open call for artists to submit to be part of their upcoming exhibition, Earth’s Reflection. The gallery is interested in bringing together artists who specialize in work that brings attention to pollution prevention. The deadline to submit is April 22, 2024. This exhibition will be open from June 14 through August 9, 2024.
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:
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.
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.
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 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 schedulean early drop off/late pick up.
Discounts:
Save even more as a member of The Art Institute! Enjoy exclusive benefits while supporting The Art Effect’s mission to empower young people to develop their creative voice, shape their futures, and bring about positive social change through visual and media arts. Save an additional 5% on classes and Summer Arts Camps, early entry to meet with top arts colleges at Hudson Valley Regional Portfolio Day, and early access to registration for year-round art courses. Become An Art Institute Member Today!
Multiclass/Sibling Discount: Save 5% when registering 2 or more children OR when you sign 1 child up for two or more weeks of camp.
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
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.
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
