This exhibition is about deconstructing synthetic joy. Beyond the black mirror of Instagram-worthy moments and Snapchat filters, is our real life - our real smile. We are interested in the moments that never made it to social media. This exhibition deciphers sacred and treasured images of bliss from art where people are hiding behind their “happiness”. Social media is often a diffused and mellowed reality; a false reality of love, adventure, and interest. Help us understand the difference between the real and imagined highs of life. 

We are not only accepting photographic images but any visual representation of joy; based on fantasy or reality. The Highs of Life encourages artists to submit art in various media, including digital, film, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, video, and installation art. For our juried exhibitions, the Trolley Barn Gallery brings together an international roster of vital voices in art and culture, presenting thought-provoking artwork and ideas in a renovated industrial space that is the hub for the area’s thriving arts scene.

The Highs of Life is the most recent exhibition from the Trolley Barn Curatorial Team. This international juried exhibition will be held July 21 through August 11, 2023 at The Art Effect's Trolley Barn Gallery, 489 Main St, Poughkeepsie, New York, with an Opening Reception Friday, July 21, 6-8 pm.  

Artists of all ages are welcome, regardless of where they are from or how they identify.
Artists will be notified within approximately 2-3 weeks after the call deadline in an email about the selection status of their entries. 

Thank you to The Art Effect’s gallery sponsor, FastSigns of Wappingers Falls.

Submitting Entries:

General fee/non-members: $20 for the first three images plus $5 for each additional image. 15 images max, including up to 3 video submissions. 

The Art Effect Members (including members of Barrett Art Center): $10 for the first three images plus $5 for each additional image.15 images max, including up to 3 video submissions. (coupon code required)  

City of Poughkeepsie Residents (zip code 12601): $15 for the first three images plus $5 for each additional image. 15 images max, including up to 3 video submissions. (coupon code required) 

Current students of The Art Effect: $10 for the first three images plus $5 for each additional image, 15 images max, including up to 3 video submissions.  (coupon code required) 

Please email trolleybarn@thearteffect.org for the applicable coupon code.  To become a member, visit,  www.thearteffect.com 

Artwork specifications

We recommend a maximum of 7 feet in any direction; there is no minimum. 2D artwork should not weigh in excess of 65 pounds. Artwork must be exhibition ready with appropriate frames and hardware as applicable (we prefer wire hanging systems but any hanging mechanism is accepted). Please contact us at trolleybarn@feelthearteffect.org for consideration if your work exceeds these specifications or if your work needs special instructions – we may be able to accommodate your work. The Trolley Barn Gallery is suitable for a range of artwork sizes and media, and we are pleased to work with invited artists to ensure effective installation and presentation of their artwork. Site plan available on request. If you have less than three images or media, please create a blank image that reads "This page intentionally left blank" in order to meet the minimum of three uploads. 

Artists are responsible for transportation/delivery to and from the Trolley Barn Gallery. Artists must provide pre-paid, return shipping labels. 

About the Juror 

Dr. Kheli Willetts is a professional development expert and a Black art historian. Prior to starting her own firm, Dr. Willetts was Director of Professional Development at Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA) and cohort coaching and programming for small to midsize arts and cultural organizations as well as practicing artists. Before relocating to Texas in 2016, she was the Executive Director of Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) and Professor of Practice of African American Art History and Film in the Department of African American Studies at Syracuse University, in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Willetts has consulted with several organizations including, The Wallace Foundation, Black Box Press Foundation, The Bullock Texas State History Museum, Jazz Houston, and WolfBrown Consulting.

About the Jury Process
The artwork selection process for the exhibition is part of The Art Effect’s innovative youth curatorial program that brings together established arts professionals and local youth to present high-caliber art exhibitions and also open pathways for youth to consider careers in museums and professional art galleries.

Artwork Selection
The guest juror will work collaboratively with accomplished youth curators from The Art Effect to select artworks for the exhibition. Artwork selected for the exhibition will be shown in the Trolley Barn Gallery as well as in an online exhibition. 

Sale of Works
Exhibiting artists may specify a retail price for work that is available for purchase or not for sale. The Art Effect will retain a commission fee of 20% of the sale price for members of The Art Effect and current students; for non-members, the commission fee is 30%. 

IMPORTANT DATES:

Call Dates: April 3 - May 6
Notification of accepted artwork: May 26
Delivery and arrival of accepted artwork: June 6 - June 23 

Exhibition: July 21 - August 11, 2023

Opening Reception: July 21, 6-8pm
Reception and Prizes Announced: July 21

Return Shipping and pickup of accepted artwork: August 15 - September 1

 

About The Art Effect:

The Art Effect empowers young people to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change. The Art Effect (formerly Mill Street Loft + Spark Media Project) helps youth explore, experience, and excel in the arts, introducing them to visual arts and media, giving them the opportunity to develop real skills in these fields, and guiding them towards achieving their academic and career goals. We believe that the arts have the power to create a more vibrant, caring, and sustainable world led by a generation of youth who value creative thinking, diverse voices, and stronger connections between all people. The Art Effect directly serves over 2,000 young people throughout the Hudson Valley each year. 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. Exhibitions at the Trolley Barn are free and open to the public — so there are no financial barriers to access.

Application Requirements

We recommend a maximum of 7 feet in any direction; there is no minimum. 2D artwork should not weigh in excess of 65 pounds. Artwork must be exhibition ready with appropriate frames and hardware as applicable (we prefer wire hanging systems but any hanging mechanism is accepted). Please contact us at trolleybarn@feelthearteffect.org for consideration if your work exceeds these specifications or if your work needs special instructions – we may be able to accommodate your work. The Trolley Barn Gallery is suitable for a range of artwork sizes and media, and we are pleased to work with invited artists to ensure effective installation and presentation of their artwork. Site plan available on request. If you have less than three images or media, please create a blank image that reads "This page intentionally left blank" in order to meet the minimum of three uploads. 

Eligibility Criteria

We are not only accepting photographic images but any visual representation of joy; based on fantasy or reality. The Highs of Life encourages artists to submit art in various media, including digital, film, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, video, and installation art. For our juried exhibitions, the Trolley Barn Gallery brings together an international roster of vital voices in art and culture, presenting thought-provoking artwork and ideas in a renovated industrial space that is the hub for the area’s thriving arts scene.

Artists of all ages are welcome, regardless of where they are from or how they identify.