Adult Classes

Dressler Smith is a painter, author and colorist who favors tranquil landscapes crediting the inspiration of her art to “the beauty of things created by God and not by man.” Her work has been acquired by Oprah Winfrey, the late Coretta Scott King and Randall Cunningham.

2016 South Jersey Magazine noted Dressler Smith as one of “20 remarkable ladies who strive to make South Jersey a better place”. She also appeared in the May 2001 issue of Essence Magazine. Her book, The Inspirational Journey of Dressler Smith, highlights a life in art and in vocal music. Many of her works focus on landscapes of the sunrise, morning light and morning skies symbolizing new beginnings. Dressler’s series of works include her morning series of Landscapes, the In the Midst series (evening Landscapes), Garden and Quilt series, and her Abstract Rhythm series.

In addition to her work as a painter, Dressler is developing recognition as a stain glass window designer. She has designed the circular stained glass windows for the First Nazarene Baptist Church in Camden, NJ, and for the Asbury United Methodist Church in Woodlynne, NJ (2009). The focal point of her stain glass window design named “Sunday Morning” (29 feet wide) was installed in the St. John Baptist Church in East Camden, NJ in 2000.

She continues to pursue her passion for artistic expression while sharing her abilities with others as an adjunct faculty member for the last 25 years at Camden County College. Dressler also teaches at Arts Council of Princeton and continuing education at the Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Dressler’s awards include the Candace Award from the Coalition of 100 Black Women. Chisholm Award for achievement in art from the Philadelphia Congress of the national Political Congress of Black Women. In 1995, she designed the cover for the Days of Hope Calendar sponsored by Core States Bank, for which they received the Pepper Pot Award.