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Poughkeepsie arts commissioners mourn colleague, advance youth program and event partnerships
Summary
At its Oct. 16 meeting, the Poughkeepsie Public Arts Commission honored the late commissioner Arthur Jones, discussed a plan to recruit junior commissioners from local schools and colleges, and reported on several community arts events and partnerships.
The Poughkeepsie Public Arts Commission met Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, and opened its session by noting the death of commissioner Arthur Jones and sharing updates on youth engagement, partnerships and upcoming events.
The commission memorialized Arthur Jones for his recent service and contributions. Chris Burney, treasurer of the commission, read notes from Commission Chair Tim McQueen and said of Jones, “He will be deeply missed.” Burney and other commissioners said Jones played a leading role in shaping the commission’s arts policy and served recently as its secretary.
Commissioners used the meeting to report progress on several initiatives. The commission is in early planning for a junior-commissioner program intended to bring high-school and college students into the commission’s work; Burney said the commission expects upcoming meetings with the Poughkeepsie School District administration, Marist College, Vassar College and Dutchess Community College to develop the program. The commission described the effort as “early in the process” and did not set firm dates or enrollment numbers at the meeting.
Commissioners also said they are pursuing a collaboration with the Bardavon (the Bardavon 1869 Opera House) to develop public-arts projects; speakers said more details will be shared as the partnership progresses. The commission thanked Stacy McDonald, assistant to the mayor, for coordinating progress on a separate Chamber Art initiative with the city finance department.
Local arts activity received positive attention. Commissioners pointed to an ongoing exhibition at Arts Mid-Hudson that opened Sept. 18 and noted a closing reception scheduled for Oct. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. They also reminded the public that weekly Wednesday-night arts meetings at 40 Cannon Street continue as a community hub for artists and collaborators.
Commissioners praised recent public events, including the Cal Rock concert series. Commissioner Tom Johnson and others reported strong public turnout, diversity of ages and vendors, and thanked organizers and participating artists. Members noted that the concert series receives city support.
One commissioner said she is working on a new downtown gallery project likely to open around Thanksgiving; she said she will provide more information at the commission’s next meeting. The commission also reported ongoing work to plan projects for the next fiscal year.
The commission opened the floor for public participation and reminded listeners that regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month; it announced the next meeting for Nov. 20, 2025. The session closed with a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting and a motion to adjourn; both were seconded and recorded as approved and adjourned, respectively. Specific vote tallies and the names of motion makers and seconders were not specified in the meeting record.
The commission encouraged artists and community members to contact commissioners and to attend future meetings. With several initiatives described as “early” or “in development,” commissioners said they plan to return with more detailed proposals and timelines at upcoming meetings.
