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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 Administrator

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 reopened in March 2024 following renovations and an addition after a significant expansion project, creating more space for programming and the relocation of the Parks and Recreation's Ceramics Studio. Read all about it in the March issue of Open Line. 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 exhibitions, 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 local organizations. Our main partners are the Auburn Arts Association, the Auburn Area Community Theatre, and the Auburn Community Orchestra.

Our Mission

To inspire and enrich our community by offering exceptional classes, performances, visual arts exhibitions and special events. The JDCAC meets its mission by presenting programs in visual, educational, 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

Summer Invitational Exhibition Exhibition and Reception | A showcase of recent works by four Alabama-based artists, including painters Nancy Mimms Hartsfield, Catie Radney and Susan Harmon, and typographic sculptor June Corley on display at the JDCAC Art Gallery from July 7 thru Aug. 16 | A reception honoring the artists will be held Thursday, July 10 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. | For more info., check out the press release.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Costume Sale | July 5 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Support AACT and stock your closet with vintage dresses, outrageous costumes and elaborate hats! | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre SUMMER CAMP SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE!!! | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents "Company! | July 18, 19, 24 & 26 at 7 p.m. | July 25 at 7:30 p.m. | July 20 & 27 Matinee at 2 p.m. | | JDCAC | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org. For more info., see press release.

Auburn Area Community Theatre, Jr. Performers Announce Open Auditions for " Disney's The Aristocats Kids" | Aug. 11 & 12 from 4 - 6 p.m. | Callbacks, Aug. 14 from 4 - 6 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre, Jr. Performers Presents "Disney's The Aristocats Kids" | Sept. 26, 27, 29 & Oct. 2, 3, 4 at 6:30 p.m. | Sept. 27 & Oct. 4 Matinee at 4:30 p.m. | | JDCAC | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Announces Open Auditions for "Misery" by William Goldman and based on the novel by Stephen King | Aug. 18 & 19 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Callbacks, Aug. 21 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

Artist's Harvest Gallery Show and Patio Sale | Oct. 9 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. | Join us for the Artist’s Harvest Gallery II Exhibition and Reception and Fall-Themed Patio Market! Our Gallery II Exhibition is open to all local artists and all art media and is free to enter. Registration via MyRec is required, and entries must be delivered between 9/1 – 9/19.| For more info., contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at (334) 501-2944 | To become a vendor, please email edombrowski@auburnal.gov.

Auburn Community Orchestra Fall Concert | Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. | Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center  | FREE and open to the public!

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents "Misery" by William Goldman and based on the novel by Stephen King | Oct. 24, 25, 30, 31 & Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. | Nov. 2 & 9 Matinee at 2 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org.

19th Annual Holiday Art Sale | Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Frank Brown Recreation Center & JDCAC | FREE and open to the public! | Artist applications will be available Sept. 29! | A limited number of exhibition spaces are available, so be sure to submit your application through MyRec. | For more info., contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at (334) 501-2944 or by email: edombrowski@auburnal.gov.

Ho Ho Ho Hike and Holiday Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Kreher Preserve & Nature Center | Tickets go on sale Nov. 3 and are available online ONLY by visiting auburn.edu/preserve.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents A Holiday Walk in the Woods | Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. & Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. | Kreher Preserve & Nature Center | In the spirit of unity and peace, this event is back with small group tours through the piney winter woods with performances, enchanting decorations, sweet treats and nature art projects. | Details about tickets will be available soon at auburnact.org. | Interested in performing or volunteering? Email info@auburnact.org.

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