The Art Effect empowers young people to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change.


The Art Effect empowers young people to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change.










From in-school residences to art immersion summer programs; from one day workshops to professional apprentice programs; and from diverse summer programs in the arts to year-round art explorations, we have it all. Here are just a few:
Forge Media (www.ForgeMedia.org) is The Art Effect’s production house apprenticeship program, the first of its kind in the Hudson Valley. Forge employs advanced youth apprentices to work alongside experienced producers in creating high quality, unique media products for businesses and organizations. Youth gain client-based work experience, further develop their filmmaking skills using professional-level equipment and…
Learn MoreThe Art Institute is a pre-college portfolio program for artistically motivated and career-minded teens ages 14-19. We help them develop their ideas and master skills in the visual and media arts. Excellence is, after all, built on a firm foundation. Students will strengthen their portfolios by exploring advanced art techniques, presentation, critique, composition, emotionalism, and…
Learn MoreResidencies For over 25 years, we’ve worked with schools throughout the Hudson Valley. The Art Effect collaborates with faculty and educators on short- and long-term residencies tailored to creatively engage students in diverse subject areas, reinforcing skills and content they are learning in the classroom through media production and artmaking. School Residencies: The Art Effect…
Learn More
Dutchess & Ulster Arts Camp At The Art Effect’s summer Dutchess and Ulster arts camps, children ages 5-10 will explore their artistic abilities and have fun working on creative projects in person, socially distanced and outside whenever possible this summer at our Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie locations or at SUNY New Paltz’s beautiful campus. Dutchess Arts…
Learn More
Liz is a multi-disciplinary Art Director specializing in boundary-pushing digital creative for gen-z and millennial audiences. Extensive experience defining brands’ visual identities and telling 360-degree stories that engage and empower consumers.
Currently Art Director @ Sweet
Clients include: TBS, School of Doodle, The Georges Malaika Foundation, No Big Deal PR, Clover Letter,Time Out Magazine, Hard Candy, Reebok, Smuggler Films, Greencard Pictues, Eyeball Records
lizriccardi.com

MC Wolfman (aka Dan Betro) is a New York born artist working as an Illustrator and Background Artist, creating work for clients like Red Stylo Media, Print Syndicate, SBC Advertising, Viceland, Thrillist, McGarryBowen, MC CHRIS, and Cartuna.

Domino Bliss is an illustrator and tattoo artist currently working at Revenant Gallery in Hopewell Junction, NY.

Currently located in New York, Trent Taft is a sculptor in the special effects industry. Inspired by films with
credible imaginary characters and nature itself, He brings his creations to life in a public space through artistry.

Joe Cassanova graduated from the Art Institute before attending Maryland Institute College of Art for his BFA and then School of Visual Arts for his MFA. He is a digital and traditional illustrator with extensive experience.
Our students get a lot of incredible work done in our studios.
A collection of some of the best work created by our students






Our students are pretty amazing. Here are just a few things we like to brag about.
Are you a recent college graduate or young professional looking for a transformative work opportunity to make a difference in Poughkeepsie? Apply to be a Lead for Poughkeepsie Fellow! Serve on two-year full-time public service placements with social impact organizations, including The Art Effect in the City of Poughkeepsie! Fellows will join a national network of young leaders from across the…
Join The Art Effect’s National Art Honor Society for an afternoon of art at the R.E.A.L Skills Network’s 1st Annual Memorial Event honoring Theodore “Tree” Arrington and the end of slavery in the United States. Mansion Square Park Saturday, June 19 1-6pm
The Art Effect’s National Art Honor Society Chapter #2242 is excited to partner with The Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary to raise funds for their no-kill shelter. Members will be collecting donations now through June 4, 2021. Donations of $80 or more placed on or before May 28th can choose to receive an original…


