1980′s

Mill Street Loft is a multi-arts educational center based in downtown Poughkeepsie serving thousands of Hudson Valley residents and their families. A summarized history is listed below. (a brief video of our 30 years)

Mill Street Loft History: The 2000′s • The 1990′s • The 1980′s

The 1980′s

  • Mill Street Loft was established in 1981 in a 7,000 square foot space on the fourth floor of the former Bond Clothing Factory building at 366 Mill Street in Poughkeepsie where founder Carole J. Wolf and eleven other working artists had opportunities to create, exhibit, teach, and share ideas.
  • They established the Dutchess Arts Camp in 1982 for their children, as well as children of neighbors and friends at the loft. This was the first arts program of its kind in Dutchess County dedicated to “building self-esteem while learning through the arts” and has received several awards. Currently, Dutchess Arts Camp is held at sites in Poughkeepsie and Millbrook.
  • A Summer Enrichment program for high school juniors and seniors interested in drawing, painting, print-making and portfolio development and parent and child workshops was developed in 1982-84.
  • In the mid-1980’s the Visions for Peace international youth art exchange program was initiated, as well as the Educational Center for The Arts at the loft offered workshops and adult classes in a variety of media.
  • In 1985 Mill Street Loft joined forces with the Mid-Hudson Institute of Community Design. Following the untimely death of the Institute’s innovative Executive Director David Aaron the organizations merged.
  • Quickly outgrowing the loft on Mill Street, a Barn Renovation Capital Campaign was begun in 1985 at the Maplewood Senior Citizens Complex.
  • Intergenerational programs developed in 1986 offered innovative arts and enrichment activities to people of all ages and abilities on a year-round basis in a variety of locations, including: local schools, senior housing, community centers and nursing homes, helping to build a renewed sense of pride and community.
  • In 1987, in cooperation with the Council of Native American Indian Advisors, Folk Art Programs were created and focused on the contributions of the Hudson Valley’s Lenape and Iroquois people and their culture.

For more information about Mill Street Loft And its programs contact the Program Coordinator, 845-471-7477 x 18.

45 Pershing Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601,
(845) 471-7477, FAX: 471-7507