2024 PKX Festival Program

About The Art Effect

The Art Effect empowers young people to harness their creative voice in order to shape their future and bring about positive social change. Formerly Mill Street

Loft and Spark Media Project, The Art Effect helps youth in the Hudson Valley explore, experience, and excel in the arts, introducing them to visual art and media, giving them opportunities to get their hands dirty, and guiding them towards achieving their academic and career goals.

For more information, visit thearteffect.org.

Welcome friends of The Art Effect!

I am delighted that you can join us this weekend for the third annual PKX Art Festival! PKX has three main interweaving goals: to encourage youth creativity, to invigorate our local community through the arts, and to showcase the remarkable work done by emerging youth artists from around the globe, all while ‘Droppin’ Jewels’ of inspiration.

The PKX Festival is a manifestation of The Art Effect’s commitment to empowering youth to harness their creative voices. This year it features ambitious artworks and engaging short films created by emerging artists from all over the world, alongside esteemed professional artists, like our featured artist Hezues R. Together with many incredible community organizations, these creatives are making a profound impact on the City of Poughkeepsie — all led by local youth.

Throughout the year, students in our workforce education programs have learned the tactics of

creative place-making // place-keeping and put them into action planning this festival. This includes creating and unveiling a public art installation, creating a day of engaging art activities, a PKX music video, jurying youth films, and curating and installing the Teen art exhibition here at the Trolley Barn Gallery. PKX is a testament to their talents and dedication.

Throughout this three-day festival, I invite you to immerse yourself in a diverse lineup of art and media activities, and delicious food, meet our engaging community partners, and attend one-of-a-kind events like a pop-up fashion show, scavenger hunt, film festival screening, and performances by local talents. We hope you leave feeling inspired by the art, the youth in our community, and the power of what we can accomplish together!

Here’s to a weekend filled with shining moments,

Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt Executive Director

THURSDAY

April 18  6 – 8 PM

FRIDAY April 19  6 – 9 PM

6:00 PM Festival Kick-Off & Refreshments

6:30 PM PKX Art Scavenger Hunt

7:00 PM Opening Remarks

7:15 PM Pop-Up Fashion Show

7:40 PM Youth Art Exhibition Awards

 Vote in Audience Choice Awards!

SATURDAY

April 20  2 – 6 PM

2:00 PM Community Partner Tables

2:00 PM Music by DJ BLVD

2:30 PM Performance by L51Swazzy

3:00 PM Public Remarks

3:30 PM Creative Writing Performance by Daniel Villegas from TMI Project

4:00 PM Public Sculpture Talk with MADLab

4:30 PM Performance by Jaydee Great

5:15 PM Performance by En.J.inn Arts

5:45 PM Closing Remarks

6:30 PM PKX Music Video Premier

6:40 PM Welcome & Refreshments

6:45 PM Featured Artist Film Premier

6:50 PM Film Showcase

8:00 PM Award Ceremony

 Vote in Audience Choice Awards!

8:15 PM Q&A with Hezues R. & Youth Filmmakers

Saturday’s All Day Activities

 Food Trucks

 PKX Teen Art Exhibition

 Art Scavenger Hunt in the Gallery

 Outdoor Art & Clay Activities

 Art Swap & Coloring Groups

 Jewel Painted Rocks with Brain & Body Coalition

 Jewlery Making with Celebrating the African Spirit

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK!

SCAN QR CODE FOR

 AUDIENCE CHOICE VOTING

 FESTIVAL SURVEY

 YOUTH MADE FILMS

 Gardening & Seed Exchange with Pershing King Organics

 Tea Tasting with Poughkeepsie Farm Project

 Map Your Poughkeepsie with POK Open Studios

 Podcast Station with T.R.A.C. Youth

 Digital Photobooth with The LOEB Art Center

And MORE from Ampact, Dutchess County Pride Center, HV Charm, Planned Parenthood, Poughkeepsie High School Art Club, The Art Effect’s National Art Honor Society, Nubian Directions II, and the Boys and Girls Club!

BY

BEHIND THE THEME

“DROPPIN’ JEWELS”

The upcoming PKX Festival, with the theme “Droppin’ Jewels,” is an embodiment of the influence of Keli Faircloth’s grandmother. As an active participant in various programs at The Art Effect, Keli has been an important member of the PKX Festival Committee and the Youth Curatorial Team. Inspired by her grandmother’s wisdom, found in the phrase, “Child, I just dropped some jewels on you,” Keli has evolved into a knowledge keeper, sharing her wisdom with those around her. This personal connection increases the significance of the festival theme, “Droppin’ Jewels,” as it becomes a celebration of Poughkeepsie’s creative energy across generations. As we anticipate the PKX festival, Keli’s familial influence will be infused in the event with a spirit of wisdom, creativity, and community empowerment.

OPENING RECEPTION EVENTS

6:00 PM

Festival Kick-Off with iHeartMedia!

7:00 PM

Opening Remarks

7:15 PM

Pop-Up Fashion Show

7:45 PM

GALLERY HOURS

Thursday – Friday

2:00 – 5:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 – 4:00 PM

April 18 to May 17

Uzziah Archie Baltimore, MD

Ollie Barker-Duncan Poughkeepsie, NY

Intl. Teen Art Exhibition

Art Exhibition Awards The Art Effect is proud to present this juried exhibition as part of the annual PKX Festival, a building block to the development of the Youth Arts Empowerment Zone — a youth-led arts district in Poughkeepsie, NY. This show features 23 young painters, sculptors, photographers, and digital artists aged 14–19 as a vibrant testament to the transformative energy of youth creativity and community impact. The PKX Festival is a symbol of community and unity while celebrating the creativity and talent in and around Poughkeepsie. During this three-day festival, carefully curated films take the spotlight in a compelling showcase, thoughtfully selected 2-D and 3-D artworks grace the walls of The Trolley Barn Gallery, and artistic activations from local businesses and artists empower guests to incorporate placekeeping into daily adventures. The PKX Festival is created by youth for everyone.

Visit PKXFestival.org for more information and to vote for the Audience Choice Awards.

Sienna Baron Syracuse, NY

Lola Brown Lawrence, KS

Juliana Chavis Scarsdale, NY

Angelica Doble Ossining, NY

SELECTED ARTISTS

Caragh Elizabeth Mahopec, NY

Henry Farthing Lawrence, KS

Shreya Golleonda Highland, NY

Caelin Hatcher Washington, DC

Leroy Zackary Manrique Poughkeepsie, NY

Elena Nygard Omaha, NE

Jolyn Prescott Poughkeepsie, NY

Anouk Sethi Brooklyn, NY

Kacey Thurman Baltimore, MD

Nicholas Vazquez-Ponce Wingdale, NY

Audience Choice Awards

Vote for your favorite artwork!

ABOUT THE PKX YOUTH ART EXHIBITION YOUTH CURATORS

Isabel Klish Lawrence, KS

Luna Liriano Boston, MA

Ollie Barker-Duncan | Tahleeya Raphael | Chanel Reed

Keith Reed Jr. | Crystal Serino | Joshua Walker

TrolleyBarn.org Current Exhibitions

Chanel Reed Poughkeepsie, NY

Tyler Ripel Brooklyn, NY

Crystal Serino (PalmSun) Poughkeepsie, NY

Selah Wolfe Lawrence, KS

Juliana Woods Warwick, NY

Juliana Woods, Teddy Uzziah Archie, Student Portrait

Anouk Sethi, Look Back and Remember to Fly

The International PKX Short Film Festival is a captivating showcase featuring high-quality short films produced by youth from countries including Portugal, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, and Japan. Following the showcase, Poughkeepsie youth and featured artist Hezues R., filmmaker, media entrepreneur and Poughkeepsie High School alumnus, will debut their collaborative film, The Last String.

On Friday, April 19 at 6:30 PM the film festival kicks off with incredible short films produced by youth from around the country, as well as from the City of Poughkeepsie. Following the showcase, Poughkeepsie youth who participated in The Art Effect’s winter break workforce training intensive with featured artist Hezues R., filmmaker and media entrepreneur and Poughkeepsie High School alumnus, will debut their collaborative film, The Last String. The evening will culminate with an awards presentation and Q&A with the youth filmmakers.

GUEST FILM JUROR & FEATURED ARTIST

HEZUES R.

Featured artist, Hezues R., from Poughkeepsie, NY, stands out as a prominent figure in the world of media entrepreneurship and creativity. His collaboration with the youth takes on a special significance as their project discusses prevalent issues taking place in Poughkeepsie. He also showcased his expertise as a panelist last year at the PKX Reel Exposure Film and Photography Festival, further contributing to the discussion on media and creativity.

Hezues R. is an award-winning creative, recognized by the White House in 2014 as a Champion of Change for his work. His creative abilities extend to crafting globally acclaimed brands such as Boadicea the Victorious. Additionally, Hezues R. founded S.I.C. Film School, an education platform focused on social impact. Through this initiative, he works directly with youth affected by social issues, empowering them to create content that addresses those concerns.

In a weeklong winter intensive, eight youth participants address critical social issues affecting them or their community today. The concept of the video revolves around hidden messages designed to bring attention to homelessness and pollution. Together, they worked on a video to shed light on these societal concerns.

The youth participants’ film, The Last String, will be unveiled at the PKX Festival on Friday, April 19 at 7:00 pm at the Trolley Barn Gallery. Join us to view this compelling film and hear from Hezues R. and selected youth to discuss the project and their work.

Audience Choice Awards

Vote for your favorite film!

YOUTH ARTISTS & FILMMAKERS

Rochael Douglas

Sagiv Baker

Tyrone Swain

Demitri Volmar

Roderick Porter

Malika Oszip

Gary Burgess

Yusef Baker

FEATURED SPARK FILM:

THE LAST STRING

Runtime: 0:02:52

Frank, a drug dealer, sells drugs to Zeke. However, a haunting encounter with Zeke makes Frank question his chosen path in life.

Filmed in Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

FILM SHOWCASE

Chrysalis

Runtime: 0:01:36

Being colorblind, a man is now trapped in an unfulfilling job after he failed to become a pilot, searching desperately for unattainable happiness that makes him dependent on psychosis that erases the line between reality and his imagination.

Filmmaker: Cherilyn Audelia

Age 20

Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia

Anna McGee’s Wild Ride

Runtime: 0:01:36

A teenager on the cusp of adulthood flies through her entire future while stuck in a traffic jam.

Filmmaker: Ava Bounds

Age 18

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK

For All That Was Lost

Runtime: 0:04:46

For All That Was Lost follows two brothers and their wives separated by war; examining the power of human connection, love and healing.

Filmmakers: Will Hemphill & Nolan Crane

Age 16

Newport Beach, CA, USA

Wake Up Call!

Runtime: 0:03:42

A college student gets an unwanted visitor in her dorm.

Filmmaker: Sarah Gleixner

Age 20

Marysville, PA, USA

Excoriation

Runtime: 0:03:22

A series of events envelop Theresa in an emotional journey of descent through the consequences of the OCD she suffers. In this process, Theresa battles her own monsters to regain self-control and return to the world.

Filmmaker: Eva Iglesias Lorenzo

Age 20

Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain

Dunkin’

Runtime: 0:08:32

Determined to match up to his idol, Tim Duncan, an underachieving teen with a Napoleon complex organizes a slam dunk contest.

Filmmaker: Soly Gutierrez

Age 18

San Antonio, TX, USA

Visit PKXFestival.org for more information and to access viewer choice polls, virtual photo exhibition and live screenings.

The Man

Runtime: 0:03:54

A fantasy about a cycle where hunter tracks down a wolf and, after eating it, becomes one himself.

Filmmaker: Maria Dmitrieva

Age 18

Russian Federation

Reflection

Runtime: 0:02:19

Through a series of heartfelt reflections and intimate moments, the protagonist discovers the beauty in slowing down to appreciate the fleeting wonders of the world around them.

Filmmaker: Jay Lau

Age 20

The Gouda News

Runtime: 0:05:14

DA little girl in efforts to sell cheese for a school fundraiser stumbles upon an ingenious marketing approach.

Filmmaker: Chatham Rigsby

Age 18

Savannah, GA, USA

The Last Wipe

Runtime: 0:05:10

The Last Wipe is a student short film about a struggling university student trying to go through life and washing cars for a living.

Filmmaker: Yaseen AlAradi

Age 20

Isa Town, Bahrain

DoMi

Runtime: 0:08:02

In a modern-dystopian short film, a new social media app creates a descent into madness for kids, teenagers, and adolescents. This app attracts Friend, an aspiring influencer hoping to reach the top as soon as possible, and the protagonist is brought along for the ride.

Filmmaker: Johan Hernandez

Audience Choice Awards

Age 18

Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

Heart of Pearls (Hati Manek)

Runtime: 0:04:05

A young Peranakan girl rejects the traditional art of Kasut Manek for modern trends, machinery and industrialization. She only learns the importance of her culture after a fight between her and her mother, and takes the first steps to embracing her tradition after apologizing.

Filmmakers: Alessandra Low & Age 17 Margaret Feliciano Singapore

Vote for your favorite film! AUDIENCE

Scan to watch

“WHO

more!

Inspired by Droppin’ Jewels...

This year in our Spark Studios MVP program students learned how to create an original song and produce a music video. They practiced lyric writing, song recording, sound mixing, filming, video editing, on set etiquette and all around production skills.

WEEK 1

Learning to use cameras and lighting equipment

Understanding how music is composed through lyrics

Learning to use engineering apps like Garageband

Becoming proficient in taking photos/recording videos

WEEK 2

Exploring music components such as rhyme schemes, slant rhymes, and elements of a hit song

Creating a treatment for the music video

Making a beat pack for the artists to choose from.

WEEK 3

Pre-production planning

Writing the shot list and storyboard

Creating a prop list that was within budget

Learning about lighting control

WEEK 4

Scouting and securing location for filming

Setting up space for filming

Filming the main scene and b-roll shots

Editing and syncing music with film

PKX MUSIC VIDEO TEAM

Rochael Douglas | Sagiv Baker | Tyrone Swain | Demitri Volmar

Roderick Porter | Malika Oszip | Gary Burgess | Yusef Baker

“WHO WE ARE” Lyrics

I like my confidence

I walked in head high, feeling amazing

Through the rain, we’re destined to shine

No what they say i’m sure we’ll be just fine

I like

Who we are

There’s nothing wrong with

Who we are

[I am alright with being who we are]

Can’t nobody tell me

Who we are

Don’t let them separate

It’s who we are

Who we supposed to be?

Who am i?

Who is u?

Similar eyes tho we lookin out of a different view

You got your hustle on little brother make a move

Don’t let them play u a fool

Keep it calm and keep it cool

I’ll drop a gem so u can catch it

I know u thinkin’ about these habits

I know things are tragic

U stronger moving past it

Go get at it

U the driver in the life hope ur [seat] belt is fastened

Movin too fast [so] you’ll end up crashing

Take yuh time [move it slow] enjoy yuh life just embrace it

I see the shine in yuh face u shine like u famous

Black and latin faces

Born across [thee] nation

Can’t be voiceless can’t be nameless

Feel what’s experience, express what u see

Snakes hide in the grass [so] u got the blessin to be

Something great but don’t take a message from me

That spark awaits deep inside just let it be free

When you young,

You wanna be like everybody else

Pick someone to idolize,

Then you start to lose your yourself

But if you someone else,

Who does that leave to be you?

Who is left to tell the world your story

From your point of view?

You holdin pain in your heart,

But you was taught not to cry

N it hurts to hold it in

So you party n you get high but

All the drinking and smoking

Is never good for your body and

When you’re young I know

You try to be the life of the party

But I been down that road before,

It doesn’t go far

Had to learn to get the life you want

You gotta [got to] work hard

Don’t ever do what they do

To get people to like you

There’s other ways to cope

And heal that empty feeling inside you

It’s real easy to get lost

When fitting in with a crowd

You gotta work to love ya self n stand out

To be ya self n be proud

I know how hard it is

Growin up surrounded by strife

But just remember every choice

Has an effect on your life

Dont let them separate from who we are,

Cause we go hard (now)

Dont let them separate from

Who we are

Who we are

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS PROGRAMMING POSSIBLE

SPONSORS

Adams

Central Hudson

Chronogram

Dutchess Community College

FASTSIGNS® of the Husdon

Valley

iHeartMedia of the Hudson Valley

Karen and Nevill Smythe

LaVoz

Marist College

Marshall & Sterling

McCabe & Mack

Prime Print

Rhinebeck Bank

Tinkleman Architects

Ulster Savings Bank

Vassar College

Visit Vortex

CONTRIBUTORS

Moviehouse

Rosendale Theatre

Upstate Films

Fanelli’s Food

La Pollas Empanadas

Thailicious

Bjorn Qorn

Dulce Café

North River Roasters

The Dutch Crown

Youth Arts Empowerment

Zone Liaisons are part of The Art Effect’s curatorial training programs at the Trolley Barn Gallery. Students focus on the impact of the community in and around the Trolley Barn Gallery. Each year, youth plan and implement community events, including workshops, art activities, and an annual arts festival. Youth employees earn a stipend as they learn the tactics of creative placemaking, marketing, outreach, event planning, and more. YAEZ Liaisons are equipped with skills in community organizing, festival planning, civic engagement, and arts-advocacy. YAEZ Liaisons are assisted by The Art Effect’s other workforce programs; Media, Art, & Design Lab (MADLab), Spark Studios, and the Trolley Barn Gallery Youth Curatorial Team.

2023 Liaisons:

Keima Worme

Ashley Lewis

Tahleeya Raphael

Shandrela (Zizi) Williams

PKX Festival serves as a building block to the development of the Youth Arts Empowerment Zone (YAEZ), funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant — one of only 63 Our Town Grants in the nation. YAEZ establishes a youth-led arts district in and around the Trolley Barn Gallery, by integrating art, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and social outcomes; ultimately laying the groundwork for sustainable system changes. This year’s festival theme, Reel Exposure, features a photography exhibition, film screening, 24-hr film race, an industry panel brunch, and community art-making activities all created by young artists from within the community and around the globe.

“We are so excited by the community’s enthusiasm and our partnerships for the annual PKX Festivals— combining the teen film and photography showcase with family-friendly community events for PKX is an amazing opportunity to celebrate an international network of young artists and hyper-local creativity,” —

Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt, Executive Director

Thank You to our 2024 Partners:

upcoming events 2024

MAY 22, 5–6 PM

STATE OF THE ART EFFECT

Guest Speaker + Annual Report Release

JUNE 14, 6–8 PM

Susan Miller Spirit Rising

EARTH’S REFLECTION

Juried Exhibition Opening

JUNE 1, TIME TBD

PUBLIC ART UNVEILING

PK Board of Artistic Youth

JUNE 15, 5–7 PM

POSTERS FOR CHANGE

Juneteenth Celebration

GALLERY HOURS : THURS-FRI 2-5 PM • SAT 12–4 PM

(during exhibitions only)

Special thanks to The Art Effect Board of Directors, the 2024 Youth Arts Empowerment Zone Liaisons, The Art Effect staff, volunteers and students who have graciously devoted their time, resources, and talents to making the third annual PKX Art Festival a success!

YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL JUDGES

Youth Jurors

Sage Webb

Johan Hernandez

Rohael Douglas

Yusef Baker

Malika Oszip

Guest Juror

Hezues R.

ART EXHIBITION YOUTH JURORS

Ollie Barker-Duncan

Crystal Serino

Tahleeya Raphael

Chanel Reed

Keith Reed Jr

Joshua Walker

PKX MUSIC VIDEO CREDITS

Rochael Douglas

Sagiv Baker

Tyrone Swain

Demitri Volmar

Roderick Porter

Malika Oszip

Gary Burgess

Yusef Baker

PKX COMMERCIAL CREDITS

Sophia Martinez

Johan Hernandez

Liv Arnfield

Chikezie Robinson

Jada Wimberly

Shandrela Williams

STAFF

Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt, Executive Director

Velianna Catalano, Marketing & Communications Assistant

Hanna Rose DeMarco, Director of Artistic Advancement

Ana Fiore, Programs Director

Cy Hinojosa, Programs Assistant

Mary Ellen Iatropoulos, Director of Special Programs

Micah Jumpp, Trolley Barn Fellow

Destiny Kearney, Community Arts Engagement & Social Media Manager

Abby Lessick, Studio Manager & Teaching Artist

Pamela O’Brien, Managing Director & Director of Communications and Marketing

Jaime Ransome, Trolley Barn Gallery Manager

Adam Reid, Media Programs Manager & Teaching Artist

Molly Scott, Development Associate

Cory Spraker, Operations Manager

Paul Thompson, Director of Forge Media

Sarah Timberlake Taylor, Systems Administrator

Mirabai Trent, Marketing Design Assistant

David Wong, Community Art & Design Programs Manager

THE HUDSON VALLEY’S ONLY APPRENTICE BASED MEDIA PRODUCTION COMPANY

Forge Media specializes in creating video content that stands out from the crowd and brings our clients’ concepts to life.

WHAT WE DO

• Virtual Events

• Web Content

• Documentaries

• Educational Videos

• Commercials

SERVICES WHEN YOU NEED THEM

All of our services — pre-production, production, and post-production — are available individually.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Shailee Johnson, Board Chair

Richard DuVall, Esq., Treasurer

Lorenzo Angelino, Esq., Secretary

David Bloom

Diane Cicatello, MD

Michael DeCiutiis

Sybil DelGaudio

Dwayne Douglas

Judy Elkin

Christopher Kroner

Kit Laybourne

Sharley McIver

Karen Michel

Teresa Quinn

Loretta Spence

Dean Temple

Robert C. Watson Jr.

ABOUT US

Forge Media is the Hudson Valley’s first and only apprenticeship production house, producing cuttingedge video content and empowering aspiring filmmakers. We work with you to capture your vision, produce customized, compelling media, and revolutionize your marketing. As an extension of The Art Effect, Forge Media employs advanced young film producers to work alongside experienced producers.

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“Creativity takes courage.”

– Henri Matisse We’re here to help.

Family • Home • Business

mccm.com

63 Washington Street, P.O. Box 509

Poughkeepsie, NY 12602-0509

845-486-6800

That’s why we’re proud to support The Art Effect and the PKX Festival. The arts make our community better.

845.338.6322

UlsterSavings.com

MEMBER FDIC

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

2022

Our community is proud to support The Art Effect community.

Learn more about how we support our communities.

Summer ART PROGRAMS 2024

DUTCHESS & ULSTER ARTS CAMPS

Ages 5 – 11

Become a member for exclusive benefits!

Scholarships Available!

Call 845.471.7477 or email info@thearteffect.org for more information

SUMMER & JUNIOR ART INSTITUTE

JUNIOR ART INSTITUTE

Ages 5 – 11

Week 1: July 8 – July 12

Week 2: July 22 – August 2

Week 3: August 5 – August 16

SUMMER ART INSTITUTE

Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm

Week 1: July 8 – July 26

Week 2: July 29 – August 16

Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie

Adams celebrates The Art Effect for creatively empowering and showcasing the vibrant potential of young people in our community. adamsfarms.com

Dutchess Arts Camp – Poughkeepsie

Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm

Oakwood Friends School  22 Spackenkill Rd, Poughkeepsie

Week 1: July 8 – July 12

Week 2: July 15 – July 19

Week 3: July 22 – July 26

Ulster Arts Camp – New Paltz

Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm

SUNY New Paltz  1 Hawk Dr, New Paltz

Week 1: July 29 – August 2

Week 2: August 5 – August 9

Allyn Washington Center for Art & Science

Become a member for exclusive benefits!

Debbie “Pepsi” NYC, Bobby Grossman

The PKX Art Festival’s young artists as well as all the youth who put together this year’s festival!