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 idyllic setting on a hundred acre farm where the residents (ducks, horses, sheep and artists) lived and worked together, filling the barn with artwork.  In just 7 years we grew from 3 campers to a family of 150 children. 

Our philosophy is simple: the farm 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 my dream with me).  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 children already attending our summer camp and within a few weeks we were full. The following year we had a waiting list and 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 parent involvement along with music, animals, and stimulating activities for little ones.  Valentina is looking forward to working with all of you and creating a wonderful experience for your child.