PKX Festival 2024: Droppin’ Jewels
The 2024 PKX Festival, “Droppin’ Jewels” celebrated the richness of Poughkeepsie’s community, highlighting its assets, heroes, and the intergenerational creative energy that defines the city. Throughout the free, 3-day festival, families, friends, and the community participated in family-friendly art and media activities, teen art exhibition opening reception, short-film screenings, food trucks, vendors, and more. All components of the festival were free and open to the public. Click here to view the recap video and the digital program!
Teen Art Exhibition
The 3rd Annual PKX Festival presented the International PKX Art Exhibition. The International PKX Art Exhibition served as a platform for young artists to display their creativity from around the globe. This exhibition is a tribute to the extraordinary artistic talents of teenagers aged 14-19.
Click here to view the virtual gallery
Film Showcase
The International PKX Short Film Festival is a captivating showcase featuring high-quality short films produced by youth from countries including Portugal, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, and Japan. Following the showcase, Poughkeepsie youth and featured artist Hezues R., filmmaker, media entrepreneur and Poughkeepsie High School alumnus, debuted their collaborative film, The Last String.
Community Festival
More than just an event, the PKX Festival embodies the essence of community and unity while celebrating the diverse talents of Poughkeepsie. The festival day included many community partners offering family-friendly activities, art-making, food trucks, music, demos, performances, and a public art sculpture unveiling with The Art Effect’s MADLab Youth Artists.
“Dutchess County has a lot of jewels and The Art Effect certainly shines brightly among them. What joy to see young people empowered to pursue their passions and create change. I was glad to catch the “Droppin’ Jewels PKX festival” this weekend and to see so many community organizations come together at the event” -Lisa Kaul – Dutchess County legislator, District 6
Special THANK YOU to
Bjorn Qorn, Dulce Café, Hannafords – Highland, Hannafords – Wappingers, North River Roasters,
Rosendale Theater, Stop and Shop, The Dutch Crown, The Movie House (Millerton Theatre), and Upstate Films
for your very generous donations and support!
Check Out Our Partners!
About the theme’s inspiration: The festival’s theme “Droppin’ Jewels,” is an embodiment of the influence of Keli Faircloth’s (pictured above) grandmother. As an active participant in various programs at The Art Effect, Keli has been an important member of the PKX Festival Committee and the Youth Curatorial Team. Inspired by her grandmother’s wisdom, found in the phrase, “Child, I just dropped some jewels on you,” Keli has evolved into a knowledge keeper, sharing her wisdom with those around her. This personal connection increases the significance of the festival theme, “Droppin’ Jewels,” as it becomes a celebration of Poughkeepsie’s creative energy across generations. As we anticipate the PKX festival, Keli’s familial influence will be infused in the event with a spirit of wisdom, creativity, and community empowerment.
“It’s real easy to get lost when fitting in with a crowd. You gotta work to love ya self n stand out. To be ya self n be proud
— Zolo
This program is partially funded by monies received from the New York State Council on the Arts and is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Art Effect empowers youth to develop their artistic voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change.
