It was just a year ago that a quiet announcement stirred up the Hudson Valley arts community—two beloved organizations were merging. And so began, Mill Street Loft and Spark Media Project’s year-long process of preparation, innovation and exploration to become The Art Effect. They worked to develop new curriculum, courses and events that encourage youth to explore, experience and excel in life through media and art.
It’s no secret that an education in the arts is considered to be a luxury in this age of Common Core learning standards and standardized testing in public schools. While there’s no dispute that the arts are fun for kids, the value of arts in child development has been well established. From encouraging motor skills, language development, critical thinking and decision-making to establishing cultural awareness and empathy—the arts are crucial to promoting the next generation of thinkers and change-makers in our community.
“The Art Effect engages young people as creators,” says Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt, Executive Director. “Our students, from the youngest explorers in Dutchess Arts Camp to our high school seniors in The Art Institute’s Senior Project, all receive programming that rivals the best in the country. It opens doors to future learning, job opportunities, and in many cases, merit-based scholarships to schools.”
Adriana, one of the most accomplished youth producers, helps teach at an Open Studios event. Youth gain client-based work experience, further develop their filmmaking skills using professional-levelequipment and technology, and build both their portfolios and professional relationships by taking part in these events.
The Forge Media Youth Production House Apprenticeship program has provided advanced youth producers the opportunity to create for several community clients, helping to build partnerships with local organizations. In 2017 alone, emerging artists in The Art Effect programs received offers of more than $3 million in college scholarships; earned over $40,000 in arts and media youth employment programs: and received 150 awards (including showcasing a student-film, Santa Woman, at the Tribeca Film Festival).
Director of Education, Mary Ellen Iatropoulos, adds, “The merger has shown us all the worlds of media and art are interdependent, so we’ve reorganized our community programs—DROP TV, Project ABLE, Habilidad, and Media Magic—to reflect that synchronicity. These newly designed programs, now named MADLab and Spark Studios, offer a program sequence for youth in both media and visual arts, from the introductory level right on up to getting internships, college acceptances and professional work.”
But what happens to your favorite Mill Street Loft and Spark Media Project programs?
“They aren’t going anywhere” assures Director of The Arts, Todd Poteet. “Programs like Dutchess Arts Camp, The Art Institute and the Junior Art Institute are going to expand their reach and exposure as we infuse new media and visual arts throughout the curriculum. We want to enable students to excel in new skills and tools as they build their artistic voice.”
Junior Art Institute student, Natalie Frankel, works on her organic composition piece. The Junior Art Institute is a program for arts-interested students ages 11-14. Students are encouraged to build their skills while becoming well-roundedand diversified in the visual arts.
From arts and media courses for all ages, to extended sessions of our renowned Summer Art Intensive, and even more paid opportunities to create art and media projects--there has never been a better time for young people to join The Art Effect.
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