Fleisher Art Memorial
About
Free art instruction since 1898 in South Philly
Fleisher Art Memorial is one of the country's oldest community art schools - founded in 1898 by Samuel Fleisher with the radical idea of free art education for all. Today it still operates on that model, with free and sliding-scale programs running out of a historic building on Catharine Street in Bella Vista.
Children & Youth Education
The Children and Youth Education track is deliberately kept accessible, with summer workshops and school-year programs. Offerings include:
- Saturday Young Artists classes
- Summer art workshops for kids
- ColorWheels community art (mobile programming)
- Teen Lounge for older students
- After-school enrichment
- Family-wide programs ("Art for the Ages")
What's Included
- All supplies provided for kids programs
- Trained teaching artists
- Sliding-scale tuition; many programs free
- Small group sizes
- Student showcases and annual exhibitions
Experience
Fleisher genuinely does what most arts nonprofits only claim - keeps doors open to every kid regardless of family budget. A strong fit for Philadelphia families who want real art instruction without the premium studio price, in a historic building that's been doing this for 125+ years.