In the Saturday Young Artists Program, Fleisher offers low-cost classes for young people ages 5 to 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 art-making in a supportive and enriching environment.

Lottery Information

New students must enter the lottery to be considered for a slot in our Saturday Young Artists Program. Once current program participants have registered for an upcoming term, new students are randomly selected. Lottery applications are grouped by grade. Please fill out the application below to be entered into the lottery.

Students enrolled in the following schools or who are participants in the following organizations receive priority status in the lottery because of an ongoing arts integration partnerships: Southwark School, Kirkbride School, Edwin M Stanton School, Francis Scott Key School, Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, Puentes de Salud, and Vietlead.

Questions about the lottery process or status of your application? Email registration@fleisher.org.

Enter the Lottery

Key Registration and Term Dates

Spring 2023 Term

April 1 – June 10, 2023

• Registration (for enrolled families): March 4 – March 11

• Lottery Application Deadline (for new families): March 13

COVID-19 Safety

We have put a number of safety measures in place to ensure that young artists can participate in Fleisher programs. Please visit the website for updated community guidelines related to COVID-19.

Program Information

The program is offered during the fall, winter, and spring terms. Because of its popularity, admission to the program is by lottery only.

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 five-year-olds must present proof of their child’s age at registration.

There is a $60 program fee to participate; youth from households with active memberships are eligible for a reduced program fee of $50.

  • Painting and Drawing
    Young people develop creative thinking processes while exploring a variety of drawing and painting techniques. Formal elements of color and design are introduced at age-appropriate levels.

  • Mixed Media
    Students explore contemporary techniques and materials to create three-dimensional and two-dimensional pieces combining painting, drawing and sculpture. Formal elements of color and design are introduced at age appropriate levels.

  • Fiber Arts
    In this workshop, children will be introduced to a variety of fiber arts techniques for making decorative art and functional. Each semester will explore different fiber media which may include felting, stitching, weaving, printing on fabric, and even toy-making.

  • Sculpture
    Three-dimensional work allows young artists to expand their understanding of artistic concepts and techniques. In addition to learning about basic clay-construction techniques, students work with other both traditional and non-traditional art materials to create their sculptures, with opportunities to enhance their designs with ceramic glaze, paint, sequins, and more!

  • Printmaking
    Drawing skills are expanded and developed through intaglio and relief printmaking techniques of collograph, etching, monotype, linoleum, and woodcut.

  • Art Foundations
    Art Foundations provides teens with basic skills needed for advanced classes. Focusing on the elements of art and design, drawing skills, use of line value, contrast, form, volume, perspective and composition will be developed through observed drawing.

  • Silkscreen
    In this introduction to screen printing, students will learn both photo and hand drawn methods of silkscreen printing. Young artists will have the opportunity to transfer their artwork into a series of t-shirts or paper.

  • Darkroom Photography
    Students will develop their photographic eye, and make images that tell stories while capturing their own point of view. Young artists will learn how to use a camera, how to load, shoot, and develop film, and how to create and develop prints in the darkroom.

  • Cambodian Dance
    This class teaches the ancient dance forms once practiced exclusively for the royal court of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Court dance teaches the ancient stories of gods, demons, and heroes, and the symbolic meaning of gestures, costumes, and masks. The class requires stretching and exercises in breathing and balance. Class is conducted both in English and Khmer. There is no lab fee for Cambodian Dance. Parents are welcome to join.

Caregiver Handbook

The Saturday Young Artists Program is supported in part by:

  • Robert Lehman
  • Victory Foundation
  • The Weiss Family