The Senior Exhibition
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Director, Development & Marketing, Arts Mid-Hudson for The Poughkeepsie Journal
The Senior Project Exhibition at the Poughkeepsie Trolley Barn Gallery commemorates the dedication of four young artists after a rigorous 12-week course offered at the Art Institute. It is modeled after a senior thesis college course and is the capstone of The Art Effect’s portfolio development program. It. Students work within the context of a theme and present new artwork each week along with adjustments made to previous work. Each student promises to dedicate 30 or more hours each week to this process, a challenge that has proven to increase their technical skills, level of conceptual and compositional awareness, color theory, and above all, give them a college-level work ethic. This year, Emily Dooley, Cora Fenichel-Hewitt, Ava Magaerle, and Benjamin Solliday have made it through the demanding yet incredibly rewarding program to exhibit their work.
The gallery is housed in a building that was constructed in 1873 on Main Street and has since been renovated into a transformative hub for arts and cultural events. This exhibit is no exception. When you walk into the space, the artwork immediately evokes a response. Emily Dooley from Kingston High School exhibits five pieces that give varying insights into her own personal grief. Dooley, who shares the loss of her sister to cancer in her artist statement, reveals sad faces and dark hues, yet illuminates her work with highlights of color and playful child memories.
Ava Magaerle from Arlington High School also draws inspiration from her family, especially her. brother who is affected by cerebral palsy and autism. Magaerle breathes compassion for those with disabilities into her work. “Perfect Boy,” created with oil and collage, represents the sweet innocence of a baby boy. Communication cards, which have been a staple in Magaerle’s home, can be seen layered in the tile floor that the baby grabbing a balloon is walking over.
Cora Fenichel-Hewitt, who is currently homeschooled, creates a series of works motivated by intuition. The seven pieces exhibited all convey self-portraits in one way or another except “Follow Your Gut,” where Fenichel-Hewitt challenges herself with creating a pun with actual intestines as a path through the forest guiding the way.
Benjamin Solliday, another Arlington High School student, centers his artistic practice around his biracial identity. Solliday, who created four paintings with sculptural elements, focused on his Filipino heritage by taking inspiration from Fernando Amorsolo and Sara Jimenez. In “American Dream,” Solliday depicts his grandmother when she first immigrated to the United States, seemingly reaching out of the painting into a golden dollhouse room, representing a golden opportunity and the American dream.
Each of these young artists have approached this challenging opportunity with extreme courage matched by their skill. Make sure to take the time to think about your own life experience during your high school years while taking in this exhibition and how these talented individuals give a glimpse into their minds, inspiration and experiences.
If you go:
The Senior Exhibition
Dates: December 17, 2021 – January 7, 2022
Time: Wednesday – Friday, 2–5pm
Saturday, 12–4pm
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info@feelthearteffect.org
Current COVID precautions will be observed