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.

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.

  • JANUARY

    • Tuesdays: Clay Clocks! with Justin Fargiano
      January 7, 14, 21, 28
      Using handbuilding techniques, we’ll create ceramic clocks! Whether they are standing or hanging clocks, scale your design’s size and detail based on your own ambitions! We’ll learn how to incorporate the necessary hardware to make these clocks tick.
    • Wednesdays: Free Days
      January 8, 15, 22 | No Teen Lounge on January 29
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!

    FEBRUARY

    • Tuesdays: Free Days
      February 4, 11, 18, 25
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!
    • Wednesdays: Design & Sew Your Own Plushie! with Ash Garne
      February 5, 12, 19, 26
      In this hands-on workshop, students will design and sew their own custom 8″ plushie from start to finish! Using simple sewing techniques and fabric manipulation, students will transform their creative ideas into unique, soft sculptures that reflect their personal style. From initial sketches to cutting patterns and sewing pieces together, this workshop emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression. No prior sewing experience is necessary, making it accessible to all skill levels.

    MARCH

    • Tuesdays: Twist & Tie: Knot Your Average Macrame with Kacy Edelmayer
      March 4, 11, 18, 25
      Learn about macrame! Design your own fiber arts project in the macrame style by using knotting techniques and tools, you will construct your very own piece.
    • Wednesdays: Free Days
      March 5, 12, 19, 26
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!

    APRIL

    • Tuesdays: Wearable Art Fashion with Iris Bonnet
      April 1, 8, 22, 29 | No Teen Lounge on April 15
      In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create your own wearable art! Build confidence using different painting techniques, designs and materials. Gain empowerment to express your feelings individually through wearable art utilizing fabric paint & more!
    • Wednesdays: Free Days
      April 2, 9, 23, 30 | No Teen Lounge on April 16
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!

    MAY

    • Tuesdays: Free Days
      May 6, 13, 27 | No Teen Lounge on May 20
      Work on independent projects, play games, or just hang out – you decide what we do on free days!
    • Wednesdays: Cyanotype 101 with Hannah Fielo
      May 7, 14, 21, 28
      Cyanotypes, or “sun prints” are a fun, simple way to begin or continue exploring photographic printmaking processes! Made with just two types of chemicals, water, and the sun, a range of imagery can be printed this way resulting in a beautiful, rich, blue and white print. Interested in personalizing? Bring your own materials to print with (leaves, flowers, beads, and more!) or materials you want to upcycle (natural fibers work best!) to print on!

Youth Internships

The Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) and Bloomberg Arts Internship – School Year (BAISY) are programs for rising high school seniors in Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Boston. Interns are paired with local arts and culture organizations to gain paid, real-world work experience while participating in professional development sessions, cultural immersion activities and post-secondary readiness workshops. BAI aims to ensure that participating students develop critical professional skills and prepare for the workforce while supporting the host city’s vibrant creative industries.

Learn more.

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.