I would like to thank you for your interest in our program and take this opportunity to tell you about us. In the summer of 1995 The Art Farm opened its doors in an idealic setting on a hundred acre farm where the residents (ducks, horses, sheep and artists) lived and worked together filling the barn with artwork. From our first year and those three lucky children we grew into a family of 150 participants in seven years.

Our philosophy is simple: a farm atmosphere brings out the best in us. We feel every child should have the chance to experience this special environment, especially children living in an urban area.

In the summer of 2000 we added a Mommy & Me program for children under the age of three (my son Jonas, then 10 mo. old, began to enjoy Mom's dream with her). Together with Valentina Van Hise, a music teacher, we developed a music and art program suitable for little ones offering pony rides and a petting "farm". We offered the program to parents with other children in our summer camp and within a few weeks we were full. This past year we had a waiting list. That's when we decided there was a need for a farm in Manhattan and The Art Farm In The City was launched.

Valentina Van Hise holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Wagner College. She has always had a love for children and music especially singing. Studying voice, vocal activities and education were the perfect combination of interests and an excellent career choice for Valentina.

For the past two years she has been part of The New York City Board of Education teaching music in a public school in Brooklyn. While she was there, she taught general music to children in grades pre-K through sixth. She also organized and directed an upper and lower grade chorus.

Valentina's passion has always been teaching through music to early childhood classes. Although the Mommy & Me format was a new experience for her two summers ago, it proved to be a perfect compliment to her talents and interests.

Mommy and Me at The Art Farm and The Art Farm in The City are the perfect combination of incorporating the involvement of parents and friends along with stimulating the young mind with music, animals, and activity. She is looking forward to working with all of you and creating a wonderful experience for you and your child.

The Art Farm In The City offers:

Mommy & Me
Art Classes
Baking Classes
Animal Care
Birthday Parties