background   Scattered throughout the United States are artist retreats.  They share a mission to provide artists with a peaceful community where they may work on their individual projects, and/or help each other, as members of that supportive community.

the farmhouse is an intimate, temporary haven in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, for artists—musicians, painters, writers, filmmakers, dancers, photographers, and more—and inner-city youth to create, share experiences, and return to their everyday life refreshed and invigorated.  It is unique in its request for a commitment from the artist to mentor a young person, to continue the gift of expression and to help that young person toward a positive path to reach their potential.   It is the vision and creation of Barbara Montgomery and b & bjazz, inc., a non-profit 501c3 organization, whose wish for all is to bcreative~bgiving~bpeace.


for our artists   The need to create free from distractions and responsibilities of everyday life is difficult to support in our current culture. We hope that you will use the farmhouse as a resource to fill this need. The only requirement is that you agree to mentor a young person while they are in residence, with the hope that the relationship will continue when returning to everyday life.

the farmhouse offers private bedrooms and meals for up to 7 artists at a time for a day, a weekend, a week, or a month while the artist is engaged in the creative process.  Solo artists, ensembles and groups are welcome to use it as a rehearsal/workshop space/retreat on a day-to-day or week-to-week  basis as well.  There is an indoor salon performance space to allow the artist to premier new works in a welcoming space.  There will be a sound-proof studio with piano, drums, microphones, and capability for recording rehearsals and/or works in progress.  When youth are here, the artist is asked to share their gifts in some way with them in a mentoring relationship.

Please see reservations for details.


for our youth   The power of the arts transforms and empowers. Yet music and art are among the programs first to be cut from the curriculum of our schools.  the farmhouse provides an opportunity for young people to explore their own creativity with the benefit of working professional artists to guide them.

The need is overwhelming and vital for our young people today who live in at-risk environments.  They live under a shadow of fear and hopelessness which manifests too often in tragic and life-threatening, life-ending, ways.  As we know, a nourished, loved, contributing member of our society adds to all our wealth, just as a diminished, unrealized human being takes away from all of us.
Young people from the ages of 12 to 18 are invited to be in residence for a weekend, a week or two weeks in the summer months, and weekends during the school year to share in the creative process while living in community.  Children under the age of 12 are encouraged to come for day retreats/workshops with their adult group leaders.  No prior music or artistic skills are required, only a desire to learn, to explore the creative process, and to live in community.

Please see reservations for details.



for all   Day retreats are available for community, faith-based, and corporate groups, families, and any other group or individual in need of a place for workshops, planning, retreat, reflection, and/or healing.  Small groups may also schedule weekend retreats.













Please see reservations for details.

NEW!
the farmhouse has affiliated with the non-profit program of marketamerica.com + shop.com.
This amazing web portal to the internet has close to 4,000 on-line stores and services, places where we all shop, but with the added of advantage of giving cash back--free!  And each purchase donates a little bit to the farmhouse, so it is a win-win for everyone.

Please visit our portal address, www.shopwisely.net , help yourself and help keep the doors open!

Thank you!


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