Your NYC Neighbor – is a way of introducing New Yorkers to a rich community of savvy parents and business owners. New York is a diverse City bustling with all kinds of families and personalities. We also love to grab tips and recommendations from moms and dads in certain neighborhoods and throughout the 5 Boroughs, and especially people who have created a product, service or site that helps new parents. Meet Valentina Van Hise, director at The Art Farm on the UES, Manhattan.
.What is The Art Farm?
The Art Farm in The City began by offering Mommy & Me classes and birthday parties and then quickly 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. Valentina Van Hise is the director of The Art Farm.
Why a farm?
The organization has farm and animal inspired interior decor. They also have an indoor petting zoo!
Valentina tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Millstone Twp. NJ
I currently live in Middletown NJ with my husband and 3 children. I have a 6-yr-old boy a 3-yr-old boy and a 3-month-old little girl.
I went to Wagner College on Staten Island and have a degree in Music Education. I have written and created our toddler music curriculum and have created majority of the programming at The Art Farm in The City.
How did The Art Farm start?
I met the woman who runs The Art Farm out in the Hamptons. Together we opened the facility in NYC 14 years ago.
Why do you love working in the UES?
Why should parents of infants and toddlers check out The Art Farm?
It’s a one of kind unique place where children get to hold and interact with live animals. No place like it.
What’s coming up at The Art Farm in 2016?
We are looking forward to connecting city children and their families with animals and nature for another year as well as incorporating some new special events. Join our mailing list on our website to keep up with our new programs and promotions.
Our top pick! Great for toddlers!
Play Group Gentle Separation Program
2 years
Monday-Thursday 9:30am-11:30am (Winter, Spring, Fall)
Monday/Wednesday 2:30pm-4:30pm (Summer) 1 day/week Winter: $684* | Spring: $636* | Summer: $425* | Fall: $855*
2 days/week Winter: $1,368* | Spring: $1,272* | Summer: $850* | Fall: $1,710*
*Prices good 2015/16 – please check provider’s website for current fees.
After registration, Play Group is a non-refundable program.
Course/class description
“Our warm, cozy atmosphere and our nurturing staff will help your child to separate and relax. And best of all, our animals will get their attention. All of this combined will allow your child to feel safe and get ready to separate. Our Play Group is designed to encourage independence through separation, help develop social skills, and promote interaction among the children in the group.
This class is closed at eight 2 year olds and two teachers. Our program is based on creative play, and lets children explore and enjoy our preschool classroom with toys, puzzles, and blocks, as well as enjoy the parachute and familiar songs in our music room. They will also get a chance to create masterpieces during art, have a healthy snack and best of all, cuddle with our animals.”
Check out The Art Farm for other amazing classes and events!