Poughkeepsie arts commission hears pitch for 'Vets for the Arts' expo seeking $3,500

Doctor Felicia Watson, a longtime Poughkeepsie community organizer and former Poughkeepsie City School District board president, and Napoleon Tejeda, founder of Vets for the Arts and a member of the New York Army National Guard, asked the Poughkeepsie Public Arts Commission to endorse, promote and financially support a March 28 event at the Family Partnership Center.

Watson said the event — billed from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and designed to showcase seven artistic forms and veteran artists from Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties — aligns with the commission’s mission to "promote community engagement, artistic expression, and social impact." She asked the commission to consider a contribution because organizers are "short $3,500."

Napoleon Tejeda described founding Vets for the Arts to reduce barriers to entry for service members and to create training and employment pathways in creative fields. "Art therapy is huge," Watson said, arguing arts programs support veterans' mental health and community reintegration.

Commission Chair Mister McQueen told presenters the commission had discussed the event with the mayor and would "fast track it as much as we can," and that commissioners present supported moving quickly to review budget details and possible sponsorships. Commissioners asked for a simple budget and sponsor sheet to expedite any funding decision.

Organizers said the 40 second Infantry Division Band (as referenced at the meeting), student artwork from the Poughkeepsie City School District, and vendors and artists across multiple disciplines would participate. Organizers asked the commission to endorse the event as part of city public arts initiatives, promote it on commission channels, and assist with artist connections and modest direct funding to cover talent and production costs for a free public expo.