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Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

  1. Parks and Recreation
  2. Parks and Facilities
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.

VISIT THIS LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE 2025 SUMMERNIGHT DOWNTOWN ART WALK.

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

Inaugural Day in Clay Juried Ceramics Exhibition and Reception | Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | The JDCAC Ceramics Studio is expanding Day in Clay to include a ceramics exhibition and reception. Come and celebrate our ceramic artists and get involved with our clay community!

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents JR. Presents "Shrek, the Musical" | March 1 & March 6 - 8, 2025 at 6 p.m. | March 1 & 8, 2025 Matinee at 2 p.m. | | JDCAC | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org. For more info., see press release.

Auburn-Opelika Empty Bowls to Benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama | Friday, March 21, 2025 from 5 - 7 p.m. in Auburn at JDCAC | As part of an ongoing effort to combat hunger in our area, the JDCAC Ceramics Studio the City of Opelika's Denson Drive Recreation Center host the annual event. Each year, the event alternates between Auburn and Opelika. | Tickets are $20. Tickets must be purchased online and further information regarding ticket sales will be released at a later date. 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. | Sponsorships are also available! | For more info., contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at (334) 501-2944 or by email: edombrowski@auburnalabama.org.

Auburn Community Orchestra Spring Concert | Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. | Auburn United Methodist Church | FREE and open to the public!

20th Annual Auburn CityFest Juried Art Show and Preview Reception | Thursday, April 24, 2025 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 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Kiesel Park | FREE and open to the public! More info. will be provided at a later date.

19th Annual SummerNight Downtown Art Walk | Friday, June 6 from 6 - 10 p.m. | Downtown Auburn Entertainment District Event | FREE and open to the public! | Applications will go live March 19!

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