Art After Dark
Art After Dark 2025 Program
Presented by Marshall+Sterling
November 14, 2025 at Locust Grove
6–9 PM
Each year, The Art Effect honors inspiring community and arts leaders and a local organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Poughkeepsie and the greater Hudson Valley. This year, we celebrated Jodé Millman (Individual Honoree), Ester Wells, (Alumni Honoree), and Marshall+Sterling (Business Honoree) and their shared commitment to empowering youth.
Jodé Millman
Acclaimed Author, Philanthropist, & Friend of The Art Effect
Ester Wells
Editor, Reporter, & Alumna of The Art Effect
Marshall+Sterling
Employee-Owned Insurance & Wealth Management Company & Supporter of The Art Effect
Schedule of Events
6:00pm
Cocktail Hour
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks including the signature Sterling Ciderita, 2-minute sketches, shadow dancing, and illuminative art-making
7:00pm
Dinner by La Cabañita
Featuring chicken enmolado, stuffed poblanos, paella, salad, and fajitas
7:30pm
Welcome and Awards Ceremony
Ester Wells introduced by Kyle Bahl, The Art Effect’s former Director of Forge Media
Marshall+Sterling introduced by Loretta Spence, The Art Effect (formerly Barrett Arts Center) Board Member
Jodé Millman introduced by Rob Dyson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation & Board Chairman, The Dyson Foundation
8:00pm
Dare to Dream with Us
Raise your paddles high and become a co-architect of bold futures, where youth transform untapped potential into powerful voices and meaningful careers
8:45pm
Raffle Winners Announcements & Thank You
Find out who is taking home the fabulous raffle prizes, who will be named in Jodé Millman’s new book, and end the night with some delicious signature Dutchess Community Confections from La Cabañita
Art After Dark Event Committee
Sheba Abrahaim
Lorenzo Angelino
David Bloom
Roger Conner
Tiggy Friedman
Patrick Laffin
Katherine Lumb
Alex Tuller
Shadow Dancing
Enjoy a mesmerizing performance of light and movement with The Art Effect alumnus Nick Jackson, joined by Kaela Jackson and Zanyell Garmon. Nick is known in Poughkeepsie both for his green thumb and for his joyful, expressive dancing, an art form he has pursued passionately since his youth at The Art Effect (then the Children’s Media Project). He found a kindred spirit in his wife, Kaela, a multi-talented singer and dancer who shares his deep commitment to farming and community wellness. Together they are Rhythm of Water Dance company, which pioneered the performance of Shadow Dancing. They are joined by Zanyell of PsiFire, a dance collective the three are a part of that does firebase and LED glow dance flowart performances. At Art After Dark their unseen forms bring shadows to rhythmic life, creating an immersive experience that blends art and imagination while celebrating creativity, connection, and the daring spirit of dreams.
This manifestation of Shadow Dancing is inspired by a work previously performed by Rhythm of Water Dance company, “Shadow Dancing,” which took place at the Trolley Barn Gallery and was originally conceived and produced by FRANC. PALAIA (c) 2024.
Tantalizing Treats and the “Sterling Ciderita“
Sponsored by Marshall + Sterling
As you explore the immersive experiences of the evening before dinner, be sure to try our signature cocktail crafted by the renowned margarita makers on La Cabanita’s bartending team. The Sterling Ciderita puts a crisp fall twist on the classic margarita, blending apple cider with lime and agave for a refreshing, autumn-forward sip. And don’t miss the passed appetizers and a delicious buffet-style dinner from La Cabanita’s kitchen.
2-Minute Portrait Sketches
Figurative painter and alumna Morgan Suter invites guests to sit down for a quick take-home sketch of their own this evening. Morgan graduated from MICA in 2020 and then taught with The Art Effect in the Art Institute and MADLab before moving to Brooklyn, NY where she now lives and works.
Two minutes isn’t much time for a lengthy chat with Suter whose body of work is physically characterized by loud colors, thick marks, and pleasantly plump figures, but ultimately channels a crudely vast inner world. So if you would like to learn more about this accomplished alumni, who was featured last year in the New American Paintings issue juried by Amy Sherald, you can visit her website here.
Artwork on Display
Tonight’s artwork seen throughout the event showcases our many programs. Wander through a glimpse of the Teen Visions 2025 exhibition and enjoy large-scale prints from Spark Studios’ photographers adorning the walls in both rooms. Experience some of MADLab’s unique sculptures and 2D artworks on each table this evening.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the artwork, click here to fill out a purchase inquiry form. Teen Visions 2025 is a culmination of work completed in The Art Effect’s intensive summer program.
Art After Dark Raffles
Don’t miss your chance to take home one of these spectacular baskets tonight! Treat yourself to a spa day, plan a Yeti-equipped picnic, cheer on the Renegades with your family, or pamper your pup and receive a custom pet portrait from the Art Effect staff artist of your choice. Raffle tickets are available in person for $10–$250. The drawing will take place at 8:45 pm, so be sure to drop your tickets in before then!
Hand-Made Honoree Awards
This year’s awards were created by Ionni McKinney and Tally Mizell, two MADLab youth, guided through the pouring process by Teaching Artist and Art Effect alumna Chanel Reed, who, during her own time in programming, helped craft trophies for past Art After Dark events and the PKX Festival.
Rooted in the spirit of manifesting dreams, honoring hope, and celebrating those who inspire us, these awards and the process of making them offer youth a powerful entry point into community engagement. Through this hands-on experience, they not only learn what’s happening around them but also gain new artistic skills they can carry forward throughout their lives.
Art After Dark is presented by
Art After Dark Promoting Sponsor
Dutchess Community College | Dutchess Community College Foundation
Art After Dark Experience Sponsors
Choice Words ● James J Sullivan Corporation ● Resorts World Catskills ● Tinkelman Architecture ● Vanikiotis Group
2025 Sponors
Stay Tuned! Check back next week for some spectacular photos of the event!
The Art Effect Board of Directors
Shailee Johnson, Board Chair
Richard DuVall, Esq., Treasurer
Lorenzo Angelino, Esq., Secretary
David Bloom
Diane Cicatello, MD
Sybil DelGaudio
Dwayne Douglas
Michael DeCiutiis
Judy Elkin, LMSW
Tessa “Tiggy” Friedman
Aleria Gonzalez
William Hoynes
Christopher Kroner
Sharley McIver
Karen Michel
Teresa Quinn
Tahleeya Raphael
Loretta Spence
Dean Temple
Robert C. Watson Jr.
The Art Effect Staff
Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt, Executive Director
Velianna Catalano
Hanna Rose DeMarco
Abby Ellick
Ana Fiore
Amina Kearney
Cy Hinojosa
Mary Ellen Iatropoulos
Pamela O’Brien
Adam Reid
Molly Scott
Cory Spraker
Elle Stas
Mirabai Trent
Sarah Timberlake Taylor
Paul Thompson
