The Art Effect Announces New International Exhibition Series and Permanent Management of  the Trolley Barn Gallery

The Art Effect is excited to share the launch of its first youth-led international juried exhibition at the historic, newly-renovated Trolley Barn Gallery on Main Street in Poughkeepsie, New York. Re-activating the iconic Trolley Barn through an innovative approach to youth empowerment through the arts, The Art Effect is putting youth in the driver seat of this incredible space, empowering them to engage community members and visitors in transformative arts experiences that they curate. 

The mission of The Art Effect at the Trolley Barn is to train youth as leaders who catalyze the community through the arts and re-energize downtown Poughkeepsie. The Art Effect’s permanent presence at the Trolley Barn will bring together youth and established art professionals to present impactful exhibitions that engage the wider community and acquaint youth with curatorial and exhibition practices. Click here to learn more about the curatorial, workforce training programs at the gallery.

Home Sick, opening on February 26, is the first in a series of exhibitions led by local youth at The Art Effect. The international, juried exhibition showcases 58 artists from around the globe, capturing how the tumultuous events of the past year have shaped personal experiences and artistic practices. 

“Home Sick serves as a core component of a pilot program to put youth in the “driver’s seat” of leading exhibitions and programming at the Trolley Barn.” says Executive Director Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt. Under the guidance of guest juror Mary-Kay Lombino, Deputy Director and Curator at The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College, youth at The Art Effect, including Nazir Scott, Jase Reeder, Gypsy Medina, Lilly Santora and Makayla Lanier, developed the exhibition theme, curated and selected 72 artworks from 610 submissions, and laid out the show. “It truly is a vision we are proud to see come to fruition.” says Nicole. 

The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting from 4-5pm and the opening reception and awards ceremony on February 26, 2021 from 5-7pm. To comply with Covid-19 safety regulations, please RSVP at: https://connect.thearteffect.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=18&noFullMsg=true. 

The community can expect a future calendar full of youth-led exhibitions and performances at the Trolley Barn, designed to strengthen our community and showcase the positive impacts of arts and arts education. 

Exhibition Dates and Gallery Hours
February 25 – April 1, 2021

Wednesdays – Fridays, 12-3pm and Saturdays 12-4pm

The Trolley Barn | 489 Main Street, Poughkeepsie

Free and open to the public.