History of the Organization: The David Adler Music and Arts Center

Once a Civil War era farmhouse of five rooms, the building was purchased by David Adler in 1917.  Over the years, Adler created a 23-room home in the manner of a Norman farmhouse, complete with courtyard, terraces and gardens reflecting his personal style of architecture.  After his death in 1949, his family gave the house and estate to Libertyville to be used for educational and recreational purposes.  The house remained unoccupied  until an organization of artists, the Libertyville School of Folk and Old Time Music became an intricate part of the unique programs offered in the house.

In the spring of 1979, Mrs. George W. Boehm, a previous chairman of the renovation committee and president of the David Adler Music and Arts Center, sought the advice and interest of William McCormick Blair, who was president emeritus of The Art Institute of Chicago.  He owned a David Adler home house in Lake Bluff and was deservedly known as Chicago's elder statesman of cultural leadership.  At the age of 96, Blair asked to see the art and music programs in action at the house.  "Much impressed with the joy and enthusiasm I had witnessed, I drove away through neighborhoods filled with young families, retired persons, and singles -- all reaching out for artistic experience and the company of friends.  I wanted to be a part of it" said Blair.  He founded in October 1980 the David Adler Cultural Center as a nonprofit organization.  Early in 1981 Blair launched a start-up fund raising campaign, he raised $250,000 before his death in March of 1982.  Of that $250,000, $85,000 was spent on initial restoration, which included replacing the Zuber wallpaper in the dining room, obtaining the original dining room furniture, returning five rooms of the house to the original colors, restoring the wooden floors, installing a photo exhibit of Adler Homes and much more.  The Center spent $100,000 improving programs, providing adequate staff and buying much needed equipment.

Until 1981 the Center operated with a dedicated group of volunteers and part-time house manager.  It was then that part-time salaries were established for a director of music programs, a director of art programs and the chief administrator.  A full time salary/bookkeeper was also hired.  Over the years the positions of the art and music directors were elevated into full time status, in addition, the Center soon employed a part-time bookkeeper and an evening receptionist.  At it's prime the Center had instructors teaching folk music to suzuki classes as well as 12 art instructors teaching over 30 different art classes.  There were over 200 additional musicians and instructors who were employed to conduct workshops, concerts and barn dances.  In order to supplement staff, over 100 volunteers offered their time to present such programs as the barn dances, concerts, beginner's jam and open stage nights, sketch nights, the Adler holiday sale, and Festival of the Arts.  

Today, the historic property, nominated to the National Register of Historic Places on November 22, 1999, includes the home and 11 acres. All of the public spaces are intact, and the major historic features remain. The property continues to reflect Adler’s eclectic approach to architecture, his great sensitivity to proportion and design and reflects the relationship of his home to the many others that he subsequently designed. The programs are still in tact but have suffered with the economic downfall.  New Executive Director, Amy Williams hopes to rebuild some of the iconic structures and programs of the Center that are a part of what made it a legacy.

For more information on the current programs or to donate call 847-367-0707 or visit www.adlercenter.org

The David Adler Music and Arts Center Announces New Executive Director

The David Adler Music and Arts Center is pleased to announce the appointment of former Program Director, Amy Williams, as Executive Director.  She will succeed Dianna Monie, who has stepped down after twenty years with the Center. 

The Board of Directors and the Adler family comes with the fullest confidence that Williams will be an excellent steward to The David Adler Music and Arts Center's mission and become a leader and advocate for the arts in our community.

Williams has served The David Adler Music and Arts Center since 2010 as the Program Director. Her primary focus on developing both youth and adult art programs, re-introducing and building the Adler exhibition series, organizing and curating over 36 exhibitions, re-hauling the summer and camp programming and curriculum, bringing Youth Art Month to Libertyville, a month to recognize and support the art students of the community, designing and managing all marketing materials and promotions, and examining the needs and opportunities unique the David Adler Music and Arts Center.  

Prior to working at the Center, Williams had over 15 years experience working in Graphic Design for multiple corporations.  After moving to Libertyville in 2002, she was active in volunteer work and was a member of multiple fine arts boards and committees throughout the community.

Williams says of her new position, "The David Adler Music and Arts Center can and will play a unique and positive role in our community.  The arts have always been a passion of mine and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the center, foster opportunities, and engage the community to fully realize the potential of this organization."