Senior Project

Ages 14-19


  • September 18, 2025 - December 11, 2025
  • 12 Thursdays, 6 Sundays, Thursday, 6-8pm, *No class Nov 27*
  • Location:
    Pershing Studios
    45 Pershing Avenue Poughkeepsie, New York

In this capstone course for advanced studio art students, participants 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.

Students will work in the medium of their choice, developing their unique artistic voice while spending significant time with each piece. Through in-depth critiques, students will engage in critical analysis and refine both their ideas and formal skills.

This course combines individual development with a collaborative studio environment, offering time to work both in the studio and at home. A minimum of 20 hours of at-home work is required in addition to class time.

Students will learn to manage timelines, prepare artwork for exhibition, communicate effectively, and document their work to a professional standard. Large and small group critiques, studio work sessions, and supplemental materials such as readings, films, or lectures will support students in building a portfolio that is both conceptually rigorous and technically strong.

Last year, Art Institute students earned more than $1.2 million in scholarships to top art schools.

This course runs for 12 weeks, with 6 Sundays available for two-hours of open studio time. Juniors, Seniors, and Gap Year students are welcome to apply!

Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Senior Project!
Deadline to Apply: September 7, 2025.

September 18 – December 11, *No class 11/27
Thursdays, 6-8pm + 6 Sunday Studio Days, 4:30-6:30pm @ 45 Pershing Ave.
Sunday Studio Days:  9/2, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/9, 12/7
Exhibition Install: December 12, 2025
Exhibition Opens: December 13, 2025

To apply: students should submit 10-20 work samples, a written theme proposal explaining what their Senior Project will be about, preferred working media, and two thumbnail idea sketches of works they’d like to create to hannarose@thearteffect.org or via the application link below by September 7th, midnight. A $775.00 tuition fee will be required upon application acceptance. If you are in need of a scholarship please reach out to info@thearteffect.org.

Virtual info session: Thursday, August 28th and September 4th, 7-8 pm. Students, teachers, and families will learn more about this year’s program, get important dates, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

 

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.
  • Member Pricing: Save an additional 5% by signing up for an Art Institute membership, click here to "Purchase an Art Institute Membership."
  • Scholarships: Scholarships are available to those in economic need, to apply please complete a Scholarship Application Form and send it to abby@thearteffect.org.
  • 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.
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