Gallery History

The charming Early American home of Laurel Arts – the Philip Dressler Center – was built in 1832 by Sheriff Joseph Imhoff. It is rumored to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. Some 110 years after the Civil War, a group of Somerset area artists and community leaders began to grow an idea which would eventually create the first non-profit, fully-staffed rural arts center in Pennsylvania.

Dorothy B. Dressler, owner of the Imhoff home, offered the property as the new art center in memory of her husband Philip d’huc Dressler.

Today, the galleries at the Philip Dressler Center for the Arts showcase around ten exhibits annually. We also have the Gallery Shoppe @ Dressler which features works for sale from local and regional artists and First Night, which is our annual holiday celebration that features special vendors and events.

Laurel Arts has an impressive Permanent Collection featuring over 400 pieces of artwork from artists all over the world with a special focus on local and regional artists, including works dating back to the 1800’s. While the majority of our collection are traditional paintings, we also have an outstanding collection of photography, fiber and sculptural pieces, all of which are rotated and exhibited in the galleries at various times.

Current & Upcoming Exhibits

Somerset Co. Sr. High School Art Show
February 11th – March 1st
Reception: Sunday, February 16th, 2-4 PM

Somerset Area School District Art Show
March 11th – 29th
Reception: Sunday, March 16th, 2-4 PM

3rd Annual Off the Wall 3-D Exhibit
April 10th – May 8th
Reception/Award Ceremony: Friday, April 11th 6-8 PM

Laurel Highlands Photo Friends Exhibit
May 22nd – June 12th
Reception: Friday, May 23rd, 6-8 PM

If you’re interested in having a show at Laurel Arts, please contact us directly at 814-443-2433. Local western PA artists will be invited to submit work for the  jury process in order to have their work available for sale through The Gallery Shoppe @ Dressler. Artists may participate with original pottery, jewelry, fiber arts, sculpture, and 2-D framed art.

The Philip Dressler Center for the Arts

214 S. Harrison Ave, Somerset, PA 15501
814.443.2433

Hours
Monday – Thursday : 11:00AM – 6:00PM
Saturday : 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Friday & Sunday Closed