Dutchess County youth ages 14-19, come pick up an SYEP Universal Application Packet from The Art Effect’s main office at 45 Pershing Ave. Complete the packet including the TANF Form with parent/guardian signature and return it back to The Art Effect. This must be done physically, digitally completed packets and photocopies of packets will not be accepted.
Important: Include the name of the program you wish to join on your application form. Choose from the following 3 options:
MADLab (Media/Art/Design Lab) – Murals & Public Art
PK B.A.Y. (Poughkeepsie Board of Artistic Youth) – Event & Community Planning
Spark Studios – Film & Media Production
Selecting one of these options is the only way to get matched with The Art Effect for SYEP!
These programs are open to students age 14-19 with working papers who live in Dutchess County. Get your application in by May 29 to be part of the first window of acceptances for these programs. Applications received after May 29, 2026 will be considered as they come in, but programs fill quickly and youth may be offered alternate programming options or placed on waitlists for summer employment.
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.
For Hudson Valley Gives every gift was be matched dollar for dollar thanks to the extraordinary generosity of a $15,000 matching donation from Gwen Greene! That means the support The Art Effect received that day will go twice as far in opening doors to creativity, confidence, and opportunity for young people in our community.
We are deeply grateful to Gwen, a longtime supporter of The Art Effect, for her commitment to our youth and her belief in the transformative power of the arts. Help us continue to raise funds to provide scholarships to local students and ensure that access is never a barrier to artistic opportunity.
We had an amazing 2-Day Celebration at The Art Effect Featuring a Teen Art Exhibit & Film Showcase, Art-Making Activities, Hip Hop Performances, & Community Festivities!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 PKX FESTIVAL SPONSORS & FRIENDS
Ampact Alex’s Diner Boys & Girls Club of Poughkeepsie Brain & Body Coalition Celebrating the African Spirit Charlia Frank City of Poughkeepsie Community Matters 2 Crazy Over ART on tour Day One Dutchess County Pride Center Dutchess County Transportation Council Fall Kill Creative Works Forge Media Grand Canyon University Hip-Hop Healing Hudson Valley Justice Center La Cabañita Lemon Love Mama La’s Food for the Soul Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum Mr. Cool Ice Cream Truck Nubian Directions II New York State Council on the Arts Nubian Directions II Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet Poughkeepsie City School District Poughkeepsie Farm Project Poughkeepsie Public Library District Reggae Boys River Haven Youth Center Scenic Hudson SNUG Suprina Sculpture The Art Effect The Frances Lehman LOEB Art Center Vassar Brothers Institute Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park Woodstock Film Festival
Check out all the amazing artwork selected for PKX26’s art exhibition, which opened at the PKX Festival April 24 & 26, 2026. This peer-juried show is up in the Carole J. Wolf Gallery through May 22, with visiting hours by appointment, Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm. To schedule a visit or inquire about purchasing a work, please contact Ana Fiore by calling 845-471-7477 or emailing ana@thearteffect.org.
"Don't Worry Your Head Off", Lily Ahmed (17)
Oil paint and acrylic paint, 14" x 11", NFS
"Add", David Almendarez (14)
Charcoal, chalk pastel, acrylic markers, ink, and graphite, 10.9" x 10.9", $150
"Disorder", David Almendarez (14)
Colored pencil and acrylic markers, 12" x 9", $300
"Me, Myself, and I", Nanami Ayoma (18) *2026 PKX Art Honorable Mention Award*
Pencil, acrylic paint, and origami paper on drawing paper, 16" x 20", NFS
"Whispers Behind My Tongue", Nanami Ayoma (18)
Charcoal and white chalk, 24" x 17", NFS
"Lamp-Side Station", Phoenix Barra (16)
Watercolor and white oil pastel, 24" x 18", NFS
"An Odd Peninsula", Jonah Campbell Miller (17)
Monotype print and ink, 26" x 15", NFS
"The 'American Dream'", Ariana Chuni (17)
Mod Podge, magazine, paint, and sandpaper, 11" x 14", NFS
"The Final Bite", Danny Dempsey (15)
Watercolor, pencil, colored pencil, pen, staples, and yarn, 17" x 18", NFS
"Rest in Power", Danny Dempsey (15)
Watercolor, colored pencil, and acrylic paint, 24" x 18", NFS
"Unknown Perspective", Adelina Deryabina (16)
Pencil, pastel, and chalk on paper, 12" x 16", NFS
"Man In A Box", Alaina Falciano (17)
Digital photograph, 8" x 10", $300
"A New Set Of Jaws", Owen Goodwin (15)
Acrylic paint, 10" x 20", NFS
"A Woman On The Couch", Owen Goodwin (15)
Acrylic paint, 24" x 18", NFS
"Friendly's Self Portrait", Kennedy Gray (17)
Pen and gel block ink, 24" x 18", NFS
"Through The Smoke", Dahlia Haselton (18) *2026 PKX Art Grand Prize Winner*
Looking for a fun, engaging way to keep your K–5 student busy when school’s not in session? Boost their creativity with The Art Effect’s School’s Out Art Labs! Each session is filled with drawing, stop-motion animation, and hands-on art projects that keep young creators inspired.
The March 13 Art Lab will now be held at The Art Effect’s 45 Pershing Avenue location and is open to students from ALL school districts.
School’s Out Art Labs are not a part of the Art Institute programming model, Art Institute Membership discounts do not apply to these Art Labs.
Date:Friday March 13th Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (drop-off begins at 8:30 AM)
Cost:
$85 for one all-day workshop
March 13th Theme: Wonder in the Woods
Young artists will explore the outdoors through art by sculpting mushrooms, painting woodland animals, and creating animations of plants growing and coming to life.
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.
Looking for a fun, creative way to spend an afternoon your family?
Join The Art Effect’s teaching artists for a Mini Still Life Drawing Workshop! Experience the creativity of our Art Institute programs as you learn how to observe a still life, sketch your composition, refine shapes and details, and bring your drawing to life through thoughtful shading and line work.
All Family Members Welcome!
Event Details
Wednesday, February 25 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM (Drop in anytime until 5:30 PM)RESCHEDULED *New Date* Thursday, March 5 | 3:00-5:00 PM (Drop in any time until 4:30 PM) The Art Effect, 45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie
This is a FREE WORKSHOP open to all. We hope to see you in the studio for an afternoon of creativity and community!
Past Workshops
Embrace the season and spark your creativity at the upcoming FREE, winter-themed printmaking workshop, led by The Art Effect’s talented teaching artists. This workshop is perfect for young artists and families looking to try printmaking and experience the creativity of the Art Institute programs.
During the workshop, participants will learn the full printmaking process from brainstorming an idea to transferring it onto foam paper. Each participant will create their own beautiful, one-of-a-kind print! Whether you dream up snowflakes or festive patterns, this is your chance to experiment, create, and leave with original artwork you made yourself.
Event Details
Thursday, December 18 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM (Drop in anytime until 5:30 PM) The Art Effect, 45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie Open to Ages 5–19 | Parents/Caregivers Welcome!
This drop-in workshop is great for families, young learners, and anyone eager to make art. No experience needed. Come get inspired and learn something new!
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.
Take advantage of early bird pricing and plan for your spring. Early birds get 5% off classes until December 31st, 2025. You can even purchase spring and fall classes together for a multi-class discount as well, creating a year of savings!
Spring 2026 classes offer youth a variety of programming that allows them to hone their skills in their preferred mediums or explore exciting new materials.
Portfolio Development II April 3, 2026 – May 29, 2026 – 8 Fridays, 5:30pm-8:30pm, *No Class 4/24*
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 (Aquí en Español). Gift Certificates: To redeem a gift certificate to purchase this class please contact Art Institute Coordinator, Abby Ellick, 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.
