What makes the Trolley Barn Gallery unique?

The Trolley Barn Gallery is unique as the only youth-led arts gallery in the world. The Art Effect’s students are intensively trained in exhibition design, art writing, gallery preparation, and installation. With guidance of a guest curator each exhibition, the Youth Curatorial Team are able to enhance their understanding of the contemporary museum environment and develop skills that will serve them and their communities as they continue their professional journey through the arts. 

How do I show my art in the Trolley Barn Gallery?

You can exhibit art in the Trolley Barn Gallery by submitting art through through each call for entry. Our youth curators and guest jurors select exhibition pieces that fulfill the requirements to further the conversation of arts empowerment in the Hudson Valley. The annual Member’s Show provides an opportunity for The Art Effect Members to exhibit their work in a non-juried exhibition. Click here to become a member.

How do I sell my art at the Trolley Barn Gallery?

Artists’ pieces are available for sale during Trolley Barn Gallery exhibitions. Exhibiting artists may specify a retail price for work that is available for purchase. The Art Effect retains a commission fee of 20% of the sale price for members of The Art Effect and current students and youth under 18 yrs old; for non-members, the commission fee is 30%. 

How do I host an exhibition in the Trolley Barn space?

The exhibition schedule for the Trolley Barn Gallery is planned two to three years in advance with an annual schedule of youth-curated exhibitions and an annual series of exhibitions featuring art created by youth. This unique mix is one piece of The Art Effect’s portfolio of programs designed to strengthen our community and showcase the positive impacts of arts and arts education.

I am a curator, how can I participate in Trolley Barn Gallery Exhibitions?

Every Trolley Barn Gallery Juried Exhibition is curated by the Trolley Barn Curatorial Team and guided by a guest curator. We offer an honorarium for working with the youth curatorial team through the exhibition jurying and gallery design processes. Recent guest curators/jurors include Allison Glenn (Public Art Fund), Alexis Lowry (Dia Art Foundation) and Jova Lynne (MOCAD). If you are a curator and would like to co-curate and jury an exhibition alongside our youth curators please fill out this survey and we will contact you when an exhibition theme generated by our youth aligns with your expertise. 

Can I host an event in the Trolley Barn Gallery?

The Trolley Barn Gallery may be rented for community-led, youth focused events, hosting anywhere from 10 to 150 guests when the gallery is not in use for art education programs or exhibitions. If you would like to find out more about Trolley Barn Gallery rental policies and rates, please call 845.452.5240 or email trolleybarn@thearteffect.org for more information. 

Where is parking for the Trolley Barn Gallery? 

On street parking is available on both sides of Main Street in front of the Trolley Barn. Off-street parking is available directly to the west side of the building. Additional parking is available at the public parking lot between the Poughkeepsie Public Safety building and the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory. 

Is the Trolley Barn Gallery handicapped accessible? 

We welcome visitors of all ages and physical abilities. The exhibition space at the Trolley Barn Gallery is fully accessible, and includes fully accessible restrooms. Please contact us at 845.471.7477 or trolleybarn@thearteffect.org if you have additional questions, we are happy to help make your visit as comfortable as possible. 

I have a space that needs artwork. Can you curate a show in my space?

Young people with successful prerequisite experience on the Youth Curatorial Team are happy to work with you to design curated artistic installations at your business, community organization, or gallery. Please contact us at trolleybarn@thearteffect.org for more information. We look forward to meeting your curating needs.