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Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

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Parks and Recreation

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

222 E Drake Ave

Sara Hand Custer

Sara Hand Custer

Cultural Arts Director

Welcome to the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC)! Your cultural community resource for creativity and education in the visual and performing arts.

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Renovation and Expansion

The JDCAC recently opened after a significant expansion project, creating more space for programming and the relocation of Parks and Recreation's Ceramics Studio, which was formerly housed at the Dean Road Recreation Center. Sign up for one of our many arts programs or attend an upcoming event to see the new space!

Who We Are

The JDCAC offers the Auburn community opportunities to experience visual and performing arts, entertain innovative ideas, develop new talent and experience culture. There are classes and workshops, art exhibits, theatre performances, art education programs and special events that bring our community together. The facility offers a new ceramics studio, dance studio, art gallery, and community gallery along with newly renovated art studios, a black box performance room and a multipurpose conference room. The JDCAC is also available for rent. The JDCAC has developed a strong culture of collaboration, partnering with several local organizations, which you can learn more about below.

Our Mission

To inspire and enrich our community by offering exceptional classes, performances, visual arts exhibits and special events. The JDCAC meets its mission by presenting programs in visual, literary and performing arts in the Auburn area.

Become an Instructor

Share your passion with the community by becoming a contract instructor!

Explore to find out more

JDCAC Annual Events

Cultural Calendar

23rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition and Reception  A competitive exhibition of area artists. The exhibition can be viewed March 12 - April 19.  The Reception will be held March 15, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

JDCAC Day in Clay | Saturday, March 16 from 1 - 4 p.m. | The JDCAC Ceramics Studio will host a one day open house where adults and children can tour the studio and create a clay project | Clay projects taught at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. | Participants must pre-register on MyRec to reserve a spot. Follow this link to register. | $10 per participant | For more info., call (334) 501-2944.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents The Games' Afoot | May 10, 11 & 16 - 18 at 7 p.m. | May 12 & 19 at 2 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org.

Auburn-Opelika Empty Bowls to Benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama | Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Denson Drive Ceramics Studio | As part of an ongoing effort to combat hunger in our area, the City of Auburn and City of Opelika host the annual event. Each year, the event alternates between Auburn and Opelika. The event will include soup, entertainment, and raffle prizes. | Every ticket purchased is a direct donation to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Each ticketholder gets their choice of a handmade bowl created by local artists along with soup and bread. | For more info., visit 4emptybowls.com.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Adults Announce Open Auditions for "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" | April 22 & April 23 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Callbacks April 24 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | JDCAC | Set, props, and other volunteers are also welcome to come to auditions. | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

19th Annual Auburn CityFest Juried Art Show and Preview Reception | Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Historic Nunn-Winston House at Kiesel Park | FREE and open to the public! | Artist applications will be available at HERE. Registration begins Monday, February 5th.

23rd Annual Auburn CityFest | Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Kiesel Park | FREE and open to the public! For more info., visit auburncityfest.org.

18th Annual SummerNight Downtown Art Walk | Friday, June 7 from 6 - 10 p.m. | Downtown Auburn Entertainment District Event | FREE and open to the public! | auburnsummernight.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" | Aug. 9 - 10 & 15 - 17 at 7 p.m. | Aug. 11 & 18 at 2 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org.

Make sure to check out everything happening in the Auburn-Opelika area and visit Auburn-Opelika Tourism's calendar of events.