Programs

The Art Effect provides youth with a comprehensive core program sequence that benefits from cross-disciplinary visual and media arts education. Our programs are arranged into three overlapping branches: Explore, Experience, and Excel. Explore focuses on providing immersive introductory-level experiences in visual arts and media for students ages 4-11. Experience engages with students ages 11-18 using art as a hands-on tool for self-discovery, life skills development, and early job experiences. Excel provides youth ages 14-24 with advanced art programs to prepare them for entrance into higher education or career.

The Art Effect facilitates educational programming, community building and youth leadership at three locations within Poughkeepsie; 45 Pershing Ave, the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory at 8 N. Cherry St, and the Trolley Barn Gallery, 489 Main St.

youth workforce

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.

College/Portfolio Development

The Art Effect provides advanced 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.

Media Arts

Media Arts programming teaches film, photography, radio and other media arts to empower young voices, help youth build workforce development skills, provide paid work experience, and help them get on a path to college and career success.

Arts In Schools

The Art Effect’s in-school programming expands student and teacher creativity in the classroom through arts-integrated learning and the needs of our partners.

Arts for Healing

Arts for healing programming supports emotional, physical, and psychological healing through art and creative expression events and workshops throughout the Hudson Valley and virtually.

Curatorial Programs

The Art Effect’s curatorial training programs are composed of youth who make high level exhibition curation decisions, are mentored by experts in the field and work within the community to implement two annual arts festivals in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Summer Programs

Professional artists and certified teachers help young artists explore and excel in their artistic abilities and creativity at summer camps for kids ages 5-19.

Community Development

Building a stronger community, The Art Effect partners with impactful organizations in the Hudson Valley to offer students paid training opportunities through workforce development and arts for justice programs.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts programs supports the personal and professional development of youth and provides them with the tools necessary to explore the arts, gain meaningful experiences, and acquire merit-based scholarships throughout the year.