Search

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 Administrator

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

Who We Are

Drone picture of the front of the Arts Center showing the building from above.

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

The JDCAC inspires, enriches and connects our community by providing opportunities to experience and participate in the visual, performing and educational arts. Through diverse classes, art exhibitions, theatre productions and special events, we foster community engagement throughout 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

The Auburn Arts Association invites you to join us for the Fall Open Exhibition: Still Lifes reception on Thursday, November 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Art Gallery at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. For more info., see press release.

null

20th Annual Holiday Art Sale | Saturday, Nov. 21 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. For more info, see press release.

*VENDOR SPACES ARE FULL!!!

Promotional flyer for the 20th Annual Holiday Art Sale on November 21 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and Frank Brown Recreation Center. Free event featuring over 100 vendors, local artisans, food trucks, and more. A QR code is included for vendor registration and event information. The design features a decorated holiday tree with silver garland and ornaments on a gray background.

Ho Ho Ho Hike and Holiday Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Kreher Preserve & Nature Center | Ticket sales being Nov. 2 and will be available online ONLY by visiting auburn.edu/preserve. | For more info., call (334) 501-2963.

Auburn Community Orchestra Holiday Concert | Thursday, Dec. 3 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.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents "Sceneworks" | Dec. 3, 4 & 5 at 7 p.m. | Dec. 6 Matinee at 2 p.m. | JDCAC |  For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Teen Performers Announce Open Auditions for "Between the Lines, Jr." | Dec. 7, 8 & 10 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Teen Performers Present "Between the Lines, Jr." | Feb. 26 - 27, March 1, 4 & 6, 2027  at 6:30 p.m. | Feb. 27 & March 6 Matinee at 2 p.m. | JDCAC | Tickets will be available starting Jan. 23. | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org.

JDCAC Day in Clay | Saturday, Feb. 6 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.

Auburn-Opelika Empty Bowls to Benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama | Friday, March 19, 2027 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 and more info. will be released soon. | Sponsorships are also available! | For more info., contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at (334) 501-2944 or by email: edombrowski@auburnal.gov.

22nd Annual Auburn CityFest Juried Art Show and Preview Reception | Thursday, April 22, 2027 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. | For more info., visit auburncityfest.org.

26th Annual Auburn CityFest | Saturday, April 24, 2027 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Kiesel Park | FREE and open to the public! Applications available on MyRec. Register HERE. | For more info., visit auburncityfest.org.