Programs
Explore community arts programs for families, educators, and creative youth
A creative home for arts education in South Jersey
At Appel Farm, everything we do is rooted in four simple values: safety, community, personal growth, and fun. These values spark creativity and help us better understand ourselves, one another, and the world – through the process of art-making.
Appel Farm is a year-round multidisciplinary regional arts center and home for arts education programs
We bring together young artists, families, educators, and professional teaching artists in one shared space.
Since 1960, Appel Farm Arts & Music Center has been building arts education programs that focus on connection and personal growth through creativity. Our programs open the door to new experiences and creative exploration. Through partnerships with schools and communities, we bring meaningful arts experiences to more people every day!
Our Community Arts Programs
Check out our program offerings – all of which are welcoming and deeply engaging. Some happen right here on campus, while others meet students and communities where they already are.
Arts Labs
Arts Lab classes are for creative kiddos, teens, and adults, suitable for artists of all levels of experience and abilities. These classes and workshops run throughout the year, and are a great way to explore something new or spend more time with an art form you already love. We offer multiple-session courses, as well as short seasonal workshops!
Festivals & Retreats
We open our beautiful campus up to our community for celebrations throughout the year, including festivals, performances, and overnight retreats. These events bring a different kind of energy that’s as joyful as it is memorable. Families often tell us these events become traditions, giving them a chance to slow down and spend time with the people they love most.
School Programs
Appel Farm is thrilled to partner with regional and national programs that highlight young artists. Through our partnerships, we create arts experiences that support classroom goals while giving students space to think creatively and express themselves.
Residencies in Schools
Over several sessions, students work alongside professional artists who guide them in developing their skills and exploring ideas in more depth. We offer in-school and after-school options!
Residencies in the Community
Our residencies in the community bring arts education directly into neighborhoods, libraries, and local organizations. Designed for people of all ages and backgrounds, these programs and one-time workshops welcome anyone who wants to experience art.
Professional Learning
We work with educators nationwide to help them bring more creativity into their teaching. Through collaborative, professional learning workshops, teachers learn creative strategies and fresh ideas they can bring straight into the classroom.
What you’ll experience across every program
Every program’s a little different, but they are all rooted in the same core values. These are the things you can count on every time you join us!
Guidance from experienced artists
Our teaching artists are active professionals who bring valuable experience into every session. More importantly, they know how to meet students where they are. They listen and adapt their approach so each participant feels supported. That kind of mentorship makes a lasting impact!
Safe and supportive spaces
Creativity flows in places where people feel comfortable being themselves. At Appel Farm, our programs encourage you to relax into the artistic process, try new things, and grow at your own pace. Over time, that builds resilience and a genuine love for creating!
This approach was recognized statewide. Appel Farm was selected as one of just three organizations featured in the NJ State Council on the Arts’ guide, The Transformative Power of Art, highlighting our commitment to building spaces where young people can truly belong.
Growth that goes beyond the arts
While participants are learning artistic skills, they’re also developing their confidence and problem-solving abilities. They learn how to work through challenges, adjust their ideas, and keep going even when something does not turn out the way they expected.
An inclusive community that welcomes everyone
Appel Farm is a radically supportive and inclusive community that welcomes people of all identities and abilities. We use collaborative, restorative practices to help build strong, respectful communities. Through the process of artmaking, participants create connections, building a culture where everyone feels valued.
Who are these creative programs designed for?
One of the things people appreciate most is how flexible Appel Farm’s programs are. Through participant-centered program design, there are plenty of options for you to explore your interests and build your creative skills. Differentiating for individual needs and goals – there isn’t a single way to participate!
Families and Young Artists
If you’re a caregiver looking for creative opportunities for your child, or an adult looking to spend more time on your artistic craft, Arts Labs are a great place to start! There’s a lot of variety here, so you’ll be sure to find something that works for you perfectly.
And of course, any family will have a blast at our music festivals and events!
Schools and Educators
For schools, our programs offer a meaningful way to integrate arts education into everyday learning. Residencies, workshops, and professional learning all support student engagement and teacher growth through fun, artistic practices.
Educators often share that students who struggle in traditional settings find new ways to succeed through the arts!
The Wider New Jersey Community
For the broader community, our festivals, events, and community residencies create space for connection. People of all ages come together to make and share in creative experiences.
It becomes less about learning art in isolation and more about being part of something shared.
Why families, schools, and communities choose Appel Farm
Most families, educators, and community partners are looking for experiences that help young people grow and connect with each other, rather than passively learn about the arts. At Appel Farm, that’s exactly what our community arts programs are designed to do!
We believe art can truly change how people grow and see the world. So, we focus on making sure every child, teen, and adult gains something lasting from their experience, such as:
- Creative confidence: Kids and teens build confidence just by showing up and trying. They get to test out ideas, make decisions, and see what they’re capable of. Eventually, they start trusting themselves more and feeling proud of what they create.
- Social-emotional growth: Art gives people a way to express what they’re thinking and feeling, even when it’s hard to put into words. Through different activities in a safe, inclusive space, they learn more about themselves and how to connect with others.
- Collaboration and communication skills: A lot of our programs involve working together, which means sharing ideas, listening, and figuring things out as a group. Sometimes that’s easy, sometimes it takes practice, and that’s part of the learning. Along the way, participants get better at communicating and building strong connections with others.
- Access to high-quality arts education: We want as many people as possible to have access to the arts, no matter their background or experience level. Our programs are led by working artists and offered in schools, communities, and on our campus. That way, more kids, families, and educators can take part in something meaningful and creative.
Testimonials
The impact of our community arts programs is best seen through the people who take part in them. Hear directly from the people who’ve joined our programs before:
Find your place at Appel Farm!
Curious about which program is right for you or your students? We’re here to help you explore your options and get started!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the community arts programs at Appel Farm?
Our community arts programs include art classes, festivals and events, school programs, residencies in schools and communities, and professional learning programs. Each one is designed to bring people together through creative expression and meaningful arts education.
Are Appel Farm’s programs available year-round?
Yes! We offer arts education programs throughout the year, including Arts Labs, school partnerships, and seasonal events and festivals. We recommend checking out our calendar to stay up to date with our programs and events! You can also follow us on Facebook for real-time updates.
How do school partnerships with Appel Farm work?
We collaborate with schools to design programs that fit their goals and schedules. These can take place during the school day or as after-school enrichment, depending on what works best! If you’d like more details, please reach out to our Arts Programming Specialist at smiller@appelfarm.org.
How can I find summer arts programs for kids in South Jersey?
A great place to start is by looking at local arts organizations that offer dedicated youth programming. At Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, we offer a well-established summer arts camp in South Jersey where kids can explore visual arts, music, theater, dance, and more! You can visit our website to explore session options and program details, or reach out to our camp staff at camp@appelfarm.org.
Where can I find listings of upcoming music festivals and rural arts events?
Many rural arts centers, including Appel Farm, host seasonal festivals and live performances throughout the year. Appel Farm’s outdoor concerts and community events are held on our scenic South Jersey campus and feature a mix of local and nationally recognized artists.
To see what’s coming up, you can check our events calendar online or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming music festivals, performances, and community gatherings.