The Art Farm is a nature-focused childrens educational center offering a break from city life with art, music, and cooking-themed classes, playtime, drop-ins, birthday parties, and camps that your whole family will love! Home to New York Citys only indoor petting zoo, The Art Farm is a unique space to meet and interact with animals from bearded dragons to chinchillas and chickens! All of The Art Farms programs include time in our indoor petting zoo. Our philosophy encourages a childhood relationship with the natural world while engaging children in care and compassion of all living creatures. In the summer of 1999, Valentina Van Hise met Mari Linnman, the founder of The Art Farm in the Hamptons, when she came to work there as a toddler music teacher. Valentina brought with her a bachelors degree in music education and her unique talents as a music teacher. In 2002, Mari and Valentina decided to open The Art Farm in The City, on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. For the past 16 years, Valentina has been the director and works along with Mari to create innovative new programs. Initially The Art Farm in The City began offering Mommy & Me classes and birthday parties and has now expanded to a pre-school, gentle separation Play Group, summer camp, after school classes and drop in Play Time and Open House for children ages 6 months to 8 years. Mari and Valentina are proud mothers and enjoy working in a child-friendly environment. "It has been such a joy to create The Art Farm in The City and to grow along with the families that have participated in our programs over the past several years. I look forward to meeting you and your children." -Valentina Van Hise