In 1898, Fleisher’s founder, Samuel S. Fleisher, first extended the invitation for “the world to come and learn art.” Fleisher’s singular vision of high-quality, low-cost, and tuition-free art instruction continues uninterrupted at Fleisher Art Memorial. 

At Fleisher, children and youth are provided with opportunities to develop their artistic skills and build community in a variety of different programs. Learn more about our programs below and join our e-mail list to receive monthly newsletters featuring artmaking activities, opportunities, and program highlights geared towards families and young artists!

Day Off Camps

During the school year, Fleisher offers one-day camps for ages 5–12 years old to coincide with the Philadelphia School District’s scheduled days off. Campers will work in our studios creating work inspired by a specific theme.

Drop off is between 8:30 am – 9:30 am and classes run until 3:30 pm. After Camp Club will be offered for an additional rate from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Students will pack snacks and lunches to eat during wiggle and lunch breaks throughout the day.

Learn more about Day Off Camps.

Young Artists Program

Fleisher offers low-cost classes, primarily on Saturdays, for young people ages 5–18 designed to develop artistic skills, foster engagement with the arts, encourage self-expression, and build confidence as a creative person. Over 100 classes in a range of media are offered throughout the year, allowing children and youth to experience hands-on artmaking in a supportive and enriching environment.

Learn more about the Young Artists Program.

  • Younger students (K–5th graders) are guided through three foundational media over the year: drawing and painting, mixed media, and sculpture. Older students (6th–12th graders) can select offerings unique to each term.

    Fleisher’s classes are designed to be age appropriate. Children must be at least 5 years old before the beginning of the term for which they are registered. Parents or guardians of 5 year olds must present proof of their child’s age at registration.

Summer Camp

Fleisher offers fun-filled art adventures designed for artists ages 5–18.

Younger artists (ages 5–12) can enroll in full days on a week-by-week basis. These campers will explore a wide range of mediums and themes designed for their specific age group.

Older artists (ages 13–18) can enroll in half days for two-week long immersive classes. Students can select the morning, afternoon, or register for both offerings. These artists’ classes allow them to pursue specific mediums more rigorously in order to develop their individual portfolios.

Registration for Summer Camp opens on January 22 and Fleisher members (with a household membership) are offered a discounted rate.

Learn more about Summer Camp.

Teen Lounge

Teen Lounge is an after-school art program, running Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 pm when Philadelphia schools are in session. Teen Lounge is free and drop-in, with no attendance requirement so teens ages 13–19 can attend however works with their schedule. Snacks and bus passes are provided!

Workshops are selected three times a year by Teen Lounge participants at our Proposal Fair. You can view the schedule here.

Learn more about Teen Lounge.

  • SEPTEMBER

    • Tuesdays: Teen Clay Studio: Vases and Villages with Justin Fargiano
      September 3, 10, 17, 24
      In this class, we’ll create miniature houses and funky vases using various hand-building techniques. Whether you’re experienced with clay or new to it, everyone will leave with a fired and glazed piece they can be proud of.
    • Wednesdays: Free Days
      September 4, 11, 18, 25
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!

    OCTOBER

    • Tuesdays: ORIGAMI is more than just folding paper! with Margaret Wong
      October 1, 8, 15, 22
      By the end of the workshop participants will know a brief history of origami. They will become familiar with folding terms and different origami bases, which is the beginning form for most traditional origami models. Participants will experience how to fold; easy origami models, useful models, modular origami and action models. They will become acquainted with the use of origami in art, math, design, engineering and technology.
    • Wednesdays: Free Days
      October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!

    NOVEMBER

    • Tuesdays: Watercolor in the Wild with Katrina Simonsen
      October 29 + November 12, 19, 26
      Painting in a variety of locations, this workshop aims to empower young artists to think critically about what materials they need for projects outside of a studio, classroom, or school. How can we streamline our “kit”? What kinds of unusual, yet common tools do we have at our disposal to craft our perfect travel sketchbooks? By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to craft their own travel watercolor kit, and will feel encouraged to be “anywhere, anytime artists”!
    • Wednesdays: Free Days
      November 13, 20, 27
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!

    DECEMBER

    • Tuesdays: Free Days
      December 3, 10
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!
    • Wednesdays + Thursdays: One of a Kind T-Shirts
      Wednesdays, December 4, 11 + Thursdays, December 5, 12
      By creating patches and exploring fabric dying, the workshop will focus on adorning t-shirts that are unique to the artist!

Private Education Workshops

Celebrate a special occasion by making art at Fleisher! In our private workshops, experienced teaching artists engage groups in the process of creating one-of-a-kind pieces of art and working with the children from start to finish so everyone leaves with something they can be proud of. Choose from a selection of projects, all designed with the idea that participants can take their creations home the same day.

To inquire about a private workshop, please complete this form.

Accommodation & Accessibility

Fleisher’s Children and Youth programming seeks to be an accessible space to explore the arts for all learners. We strive to accommodate children with special individual needs. In order to determine how and if we can meet your child’s individual needs, please communicate to our staff as soon as needs are known. However, due to staffing limitations, children that do require a one-on-one at aide in a school setting are also required to have a grown-up and/or aide with them for each program session.

For students who may require accommodation, contact the Manager of Children & Youth Education to discuss your child’s specific needs. If your student requires an aide in the class, the aide must be approved by the Manager of Children & Youth Education and must have submitted the required clearances to Fleisher. Families are encouraged to provide staff with any information early and often that will help the Fleisher support their child. We recommend communicating in writing to cy@fleisher.org.

Please note that our Digital Lab, Darkroom, and Jewelry Studios are not wheelchair accessible. If you have questions about the accessibility of our spaces or programs including accessibility or assistive devices, contact the Manager of Children & Youth Education.