Appel Farm Arts & Music Center was founded as a private summer arts camp for children in 1960 by Albert and Clare Appel, who were musicians and professional arts educators. Believing that art transforms people’s lives and plays a crucial role in developing a child's learning skills, personal growth, and sense of community and responsibility, the Appels converted their 116-acre farm in rural Salem County, New Jersey, into a unique community of students, artists and art educators. Appel Farm was incorporated in 1978 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Trustees. 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. Appel Farm's mission is "to provide people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds with a supportive, cooperative environment in which to explore the fine and performing arts." We believe that the arts are an exciting and essential part of the learning process and that artistic talent is innate and waiting to be developed in every person.
