Our

Mission

Enhance the quality of life in our community by offering an array of arts and educational opportunities and making them accessible to all

Our Core Values

  • Is family friendly and offers a clean and safe environment
  • Believes ART activities are a form of healthy action capable of influencing positive change
  • Values creative attitudes and activities
  • Supports art affiliates and provides facilities for workshop, meeting, and exhibition purposes
  • Offers exhibition opportunities to regional artists to show original art, and invites the public to visit its galleries
  • Knows that competent artistic guidance nurtures the imagination and builds skills
  • Recognizes that art activities are like a tonic, an essential ingredient for a healthy, balanced life
  • Believes arts open opportunities to recognize feelings, sharpen perceptions, and to value life experiences. Self-expression promotes understanding and improves communication
  • Honors individuality and practices no discrimination
  • Recognizes the historical and artistic significance of its Permanent Collection of artworks
  • Seeks to link the arts with all of Somerset County and to partner/cooperate with similar organizations in other areas

Our History

1832

If the timeworn walls of the Dressler Center could talk, they might spin an intriguing bicentennial yarn. This charming Early American house, located on the corner of Tayman and Harrison Avenues, was instrumental in the shaping of Somerset County history.

In friendly conversation, these old walls might expose the spirited reputation the house enjoyed back in 1832 when Sheriff Joseph Imhoff built it on land originally owned by early settler, Captain Peter Ankney. They also might confirm or deny the rumor that it was a part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War and would divulge which previous owner was bold enough to hide slaves in the cellar passageways.

1975

The real story may never be told, and space doesn’t allow for adventurous speculation. However, if we conversed with these art‐adorned walls today, they would reveal how an idea conceived at a kitchen table in 1975 eventually made this house a home for the first non‐profit, fully‐staffed rural arts organization in Pennsylvania. The idea was the beginning of a dream destined to grow because a group of culturally‐minded people believed the community of Somerset wanted, needed and would support an art center to promote and encourage the arts. After several meetings ‐ and after obtaining legal counsel ‐ this group incorporated under the name of Laurel Arts, Inc. and was seeking a home.

Enter Dorothy Dressler, a widow who had previously expressed interest in offering her home as a center for the arts as a memorial tribute to her husband Philip d’huc Dressler.  Mr. Dressler was the son of Conrad Dressler, English sculptor and inventor of the tunnel kiln. The gift of the house was in accordance with Philip Dressler’s wishes that their home be used as a permanent center for the arts, and was contingent on the ability of Laurel Arts to maintain the property.

Rising to the occasion, the founders organized a community fund drive to raise $150,000: $40,000 to convert the existing building into a Pennsylvania‐compliant public facility; $30,000 for two years of general operations, and $80,000 for endowments for future operations.

Laurel Arts Inc. had found its home within the walls of The Dressler Center. The organization was established as an “umbrella” to link the arts and Somerset County by cataloging activities of other arts organizations, and by sponsoring exhibits, concerts, lectures, classes and workshops for adults and children.

2009

In August 2009, Laurel Arts opened its Education & Dance Center in the Georgian Place Suites. Our new facility houses our dance programs, STUDIO KIDS preschool, expanded performing and visual arts classes, and a retail shop selling dance and art supplies.

In November 2009, The Guild of American Papercutters established its National Museum in partnership with Laurel Arts at the home of the Philip Dressler Center for the Arts.  The gallery is located on the second floor of the Dressler Center and is the first American museum devoted to the art form of papercutting.

OUR STAFF

Philip Dressler Center for the Arts

Jaclyn McCusker
Director of Development
Mike Baker
Maintenance Director
Aaron Faidley
Maintenance Staff
Alison Leer
Gallery Coordinator
April Davis
Bookkeeper
Jennifer Long
Administrative Assistant
Cora Frola
Administrative Assistant

Laurel Arts Dance & Education Center

Amanda Bergstresser
Dance Creative Director
Elizabeth Miller
Administrative Assistant
Angela Horner Parrish
Administrative Assistant

Dance Instructors

Cindy Breen
Megan Edwards
Melissa Gindlesperger
Aubree Maus
Madison Troy

Studio Kids

Angela Fullard
Preschool Teacher
Patricia Ohler
Preschool Aid
Marsha Schmuck
Preschool Aid
Classes & Programs Coordinator
Summer Camps Instructor
Fundraising Coordinator

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Erin Mayak
President
Cindy Breen
Vice President
Robin Henley
Treasurer
Rebecca Frola Biss
Secretary

Mike Beech
Laura Bowers
Sharon Clapper
Allison Finui
Jeff Johnson
Brooke Mishler
Mike Mitchell
Fred Rosemeyer

Lois Canton
Legal Counsel