Laurel Arts

Photo Courtesy of Laurel Arts

The mission of Laurel Arts, according to their website, is “…to promote, exhibit, collect and preserve multi-disciplinary art, to foster the creative process of individuals and groups, to provide cultural diversity and accessibility to a broad scope of arts for people of all ages in Somerset County in particular, and to interface with people in any geographical area that may share in the mission of Laurel Arts.” Mike Oliver, Executive Director of Laurel Arts, agrees, “As a rural arts organization, we are extremely proud of the quality and quantity of the arts opportunities that we provide to the residents of Somerset County and the surrounding areas.  I am confident in saying that the talent of our instructors and local artists rival that of those in bigger cities.”

This holiday season, the Laurel Arts Center in Somerset offers many activities for the entire family to enjoy. But it is also important to note that the Laurel Arts Center has ongoing classes and various other activities year-round, for a wide range of interests and ages.  Laurel Arts also features galleries in the Philip Dressler Center for the Arts, which was built in 1832 by Sheriff Joseph Imhoff. Dorothy B. Dressler offered the home in memory of her husband, to be used to help create the first non-profit, fully-staffed rural arts center in Pennsylvania.

Laurel Arts has a myriad of special activities available for the entire family this holiday season. Their Christmas Craft Shoppe is open until December 20^th, and features locally made craft items as well as gift baskets. There is also a special “chance” auction with tickets available.

The Laurel Arts Center is home to a wide range of activities for every age. There are classes available for children and adults, ranging from dance and painting, photography, card-making and stained-glass, to cooking and jewelry-making. Most of the offered classes are once a week and meet for several weeks, with variable pricing, depending on the class and the materials. Mr. Oliver explains, “The opportunities that are available on a regular basis are too numerous to mention here but whether you are a senior citizen who finally has the time to learn to paint or a parent with young children who want to dance, Laurel Arts has something for you!”

Laurel Arts is also the host of “Somerfest”, which has been a 30 year ongoing tradition in the region. Somerfest, which occurs in July, features Jazz, Bluegrass, Country and Rock music, as well as crafts, children’s areas and activities, and takes place at the Dressler Center.

The second floor of the Dressler Center is now home to the Guild of American Papercutters (GAP) Museum, where viewers can see work done by both amateur and professional papercutters, in color, collage, single layer and sculpted art. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted.

It is also important to mention that Laurel Arts sponsors several scholarships for local high school students. These scholarships are available to Somerset High School students who have excelled in the field of Fine Arts (which can include music, dance, drama, visual arts or creative writing). These scholarships include the Dorothy B. Dressler Scholarship Fund, The Myron and Inez Fetterolf Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the Locklin Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Individuals and families may also want to consider a membership to Laurel Arts. Memberships are available in different levels, offering discounts to seniors and students. Memberships are also available for families, friends and individuals, and include benefits such as bi-monthly newsletters, discounts on camps and classes, event admissions and passes to Somerfest. Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact Laurel Arts at (814) 443-2433 or email Annie at annie@laurelarts.com for any additional questions or information.

You can visit Laurel Arts on the web at www.laurelarts.org

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