As any painter, photographer, or filmmaker knows, it takes years to build confidence as an artist. The spirit of exploration and experimentation that provides both personal fulfillment and professional achievement is often honed over decades, but can be sparked even in a child’s most formative years. For over 40 years, the Poughkeepsie-based nonprofit The Art Effect has been committed to this important pursuit, providing a strong foundation for the Hudson Valley’s youth to explore a passion for the arts, develop real world skills, and make meaningful progress toward their academic and artistic goals.
On Friday, November 14 from 6 to 9pm, the organization’s seventh annual Art After Dark fundraising gala will invite attendees to be co-architects of bold futures, not just showcasing transformation, but making it possible. This year, The Art Effect is especially excited to highlight the talent of local youth from three of its programs: an exhibition of curated works from the Art Institute, unique centerpieces at each table crafted by the Media/Arts/Design Lab (MADLab), and captivating images from the lenses of Spark Studios decorating the main event space.
“Art After Dark is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a community of arts and youth supporters while championing The Art Effect,” says Executive Director Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt. “At The Art Effect, youth become creative leaders that shape our community’s future. Support from this event goes directly to programs that give local young people the skills, confidence, and mentorship to reach their goals.”
This year’s event will be held at Locust Grove—the historic estate of artist and inventor Samuel Morse—offering arts advocates the opportunity to take in the sights of one of the area’s most prominent house museums and cultural institutions. Attendees will enjoy culinary delights from La Cabanita, as well as cocktails with a creative twist. Alumna Morgan Suter will also be on site creating live mini-portraits for attendees to take home and treasure for a lifetime.
As in years’ past, this November’s gala honors three local luminaries who embody The Art Effect’s commitment to fostering positive social change: Jodé Millman, author, philanthropist, and chair of Millman Harris Romano Foundation, Inc.; Politico editor and reporter Ester Wells, a Poughkeepsie native and Art Effect alumnus; and Marshall+Sterling, an employee-owned insurance and wealth-management firm headquartered in Poughkeepsie since 1864.
To purchase tickets to The Art Effect’s Art After Dark fundraising gala or make a donation in lieu of attendance, visit Thearteffect.org/tae-events/aad.
