Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Community Arts & Music Center in Libertyville, IL
Adler Arts Center has served as a cultural haven and educational art center for over 35 years, dedicated to promoting music and the arts as an integral part of everyday life. Founded in 1957, we offer year-round activities designed to foster critical thinking, participation, and achievement in music and the arts for Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin communities. Our historic home, the David Adler Estate, provides a unique setting for immersive instruction in private music lessons, art classes, exhibitions, and summer camps. With a commitment to accessibility, we provide scholarships and financial aid to ensure arts education is available to all.Our team of experienced instructors and staff combines traditional techniques with innovative approaches, creating a supportive environment for learners of all ages. As a 501c(3) nonprofit, we rely on community support to expand our programs and preserve our historic estate. Our mission remains rooted in the legacy of David Adler, whose vision for harmonizing art, architecture, and daily life continues to inspire our work.
Services
Music Lessons
Art Classes
Summer Camps
Exhibitions
Private Events
Workshops
Youth Programs
Scholarships
Historic Tours
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of arts education experience with historic significance
- Our instructors include professional artists and Grammy-winning musicians
- We provide need-based financial aid and scholarship programs
- Our programs serve all ages from youth to adults
- We maintain a historic estate for unique cultural experiences
Services
Private Music Lessons
Weekly private music lessons available for 30, 45, or 60 minutes with professional instructors. We offer piano, violin, guitar, voice, and other instruments for all skill levels. Our experienced teachers provide personalized instruction tailored to each student's goals and learning style. Registration available year-round with flexible scheduling options.
Art Classes
In-person art classes for youth and adults including drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed media. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels with both structured curriculum and creative exploration opportunities. Materials provided for most classes with experienced teaching artists guiding each session.
Summer Camp Programs
Creative summer camps for children ages 5-11 featuring music, art, and drama activities. Campers explore different artistic disciplines daily while developing new skills and friendships. Specialized programs available for teens interested in camp counseling and leadership development.
Exhibitions
Year-round art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists in our historic gallery spaces. Rotating displays include paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works with opening receptions and artist talks. The gallery hosts monthly themes and special events throughout the year.
Community Events
Regular community events including music performances, art workshops, and literary salons. Monthly writers' workshops, drop-in drawing sessions, and special festivals celebrate arts and culture in our historic estate setting.
People
Amy Williams
Executive Director
Amy Williams leads the Adler Arts Center with over 20 years of experience in arts administration. She oversees strategic planning and community engagement initiatives while managing the center's financial operations.
Ellen Williams
Programs & Marketing Director
Ellen Williams directs arts programming and marketing efforts at Adler Arts Center. As a teaching artist and curator, she develops educational initiatives and community partnerships while leading exhibition programs.
Jairo Toloza
Music Instructor
Jairo Toloza is a Latin Grammy winner and two-time American Grammy nominee teaching guitar and piano. With 15+ years of experience, he specializes in Latin American music and has taught at universities across three continents.
Juliet Dawson
Strings Instructor
Juliet Dawson teaches violin and viola with a Master's degree from the Hartt School of Music. She directs the chamber music program and has performed with orchestras across the United States and Europe.
Heather Krebs
Art Instructor
Heather Krebs teaches mixed media art classes with 16 years of experience as a high school art teacher. She specializes in creative workshops for both youth and adult students at the Adler Arts Center.
Questions
What music lesson options do you offer?
We provide weekly private lessons (30-60 min) in piano, violin, guitar, voice, and other instruments for all skill levels.
Do you offer financial assistance for programs?
Yes, we have a sliding-scale financial aid program based on household income and family size for qualifying applicants.
What art classes are available for adults?
Adult classes include watercolor, colored pencil techniques, ceramics, and mixed media workshops with professional artists.
Are there youth programs available?
We offer summer camps and after-school art/music classes for children ages 5-12 with specialized instruction and activities.
Can I visit the historic Adler Estate?
The estate is open during regular office hours and hosts public exhibitions, concerts, and community events throughout the year.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Katharine Flood
Apr 14, 2021
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I highly recommend the summer camp and art classes for children. The staff, facilities, and instruction are great.
Leisa Corbett
May 10, 2020
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Great music and art instruction, concerts and art exhibits. The David Adler mansion and grounds is a lovely setting for all their activities.
Ellen Williams
Apr 26, 2018
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The David Adler Music and Arts Center is one of the great gems of Libertyville. The building is beautiful, the staff is professional and lovely, and the programming is fantastic. Can't recommend it enough!
