About Us

Mari Linnman, founder of The Art Farm grew up in the Swedish countryside and after moving to the states discovered the need for American children to experience the farm atmosphere. This realization materialized into a desire to create a summer day camp where children could learn to care for animals and respect the farm culture in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere.

Nine years ago, Mari started her first eight week summer camp program for children age four to ten and three children enrolled. With each passing summer the enrollment grew and programs expanded. One of the first expansions was a program created for younger children. The desire for classes where children and parents could participate together came from the birth of Mari’s own son, Jonas. She wanted the opportunity for Jonas to enjoy the summer with her and from her wish Mommy & Me classes were born. These Mommy & Me music and art classes allowed parents to participate in activities with their young children, broadening the scope of The Art Farm curriculum while still maintaining the influences of a farm atmosphere.

Shortly after the inception of these Mommy & Me classes, and the success that accompanied them, including a waitlist after the first year, a second location in Manhattan was opened. For three years The Art Farm in the City has been giving children in Manhattan the same opportunity to share the experience of caring for animals and the sense of accomplishment that accompanies it. To date, The Art Farm Camp has over 500 campers enrolled throughout the course of the summer.