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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. 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

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents "Misery" by William Goldman and based on the novel by Stephen King | The Nov. 2 Matinee has been moved to Friday, Nov. 7. | 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! | For more info., contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at (334) 501-2944 or by email: edombrowski@auburnal.gov.

Auburn Community Orchestra Holiday Concert | Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. | Auburn United Methodist Church | This concert is FREE, family-friendly and open to the public. | For more info., contact JDCAC at (334) 501-2963.

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

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents A Holiday Walk in the Woods | Dec. 19, 5 - 8 p.m. window & Dec. 20, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. window and 5 - 8 p.m. window | Rain date, Dec. 21, 1 - 4 p.m. window | 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.

JDCAC Day in Clay | Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 from 9 a.m. - noon | The JDCAC Ceramics Studio will host a one day open house where adults and children can tour the studio and create a clay project | Participants must pre-register on MyRec to reserve a spot. More information and a registration link will be provided at a later date.

21st Annual Auburn CityFest Juried Art Show and Preview Reception | Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Historic Nunn-Winston House at Kiesel Park | FREE and open to the public! | Artist applications available on MyRec. Register HERE.

25th Annual Auburn CityFest | Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Kiesel Park | FREE and open to the public! Applications go live Nov. 5! For more info., visit auburncityfest.org.

20th Annual SummerNight Downtown Art Walk | Friday, June 5, 2026 from 6 - 10 p.m. | Downtown Auburn Entertainment District Event | FREE and open to the public! | A link for artist registration will be provided at a later date. | For more info., visit auburnsummernight.org.

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