Appel Farm Arts & Music Center

Mission: To co-create experiences that inspire people to unleash their inherent creativity, leading to self-discovery, personal growth, community building, and joy.

Appel Farm Arts & Music Center is a community of friends and neighbors who envision a world in which the arts are recognized and valued as central to the human experience!

Founded in 1960 by professional musicians and music educators, Albert and Clare Appel believed that the arts play a crucial role in developing a child’s learning skills, encouraging personal growth, and instilling a sense of community and responsibility. We offer connection and learning through an arts-based curriculum, while providing a safe space for all, both adults and children alike to be themselves and explore art free of judgement where safety, community, personal growth and fun are valued.

Since its founding, Appel Farm has evolved into a major regional arts center with diverse facilities. It provides opportunities for arts education, arts appreciation and creative expression to artists, students and the public through local, regional, national and international programs that build on the Appels’ founding principles.

• On-site free community-based festivals including the South Jersey Arts Fest in the spring and the 65th Anniversary Celebration in November 2025.
• Overnight arts experiences including the Mother’s Day Weekend Arts Retreat.
• Collaborations with regional and statewide youth arts programs including the Salem/Gloucester County Teen Arts Festival and the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards.
• After school and weekend Arts Labs classes for adults, youth and families.
• Community Arts Labs classes in your hometown libraries.
• Residential summer Arts Camp for ages 8 to 16.
• Innovative arts-based collaborations serving health and wellness of the community.
• Arts residencies for school children and professional development for educators/schools.

Every program builds on the organization’s founding principles, providing opportunities for arts education, arts appreciation and creative expression to more than 32,000 people annually.

Be a part of this unique and thriving community of artists, arts educators, arts administrators, teaching artists, board members, volunteers, and community members by joining us on our journey in spreading the love and joy of the arts with the world!