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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.

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

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

Spring Invitational Exhibition | March 10 - April 18 | A reception was held Friday, March 20 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Free and open to the public! | For more info., see press release.

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.

Auburn Community Orchestra Presents "Orchestra on the Hill," as a celebration of America's 250th anniversary | Tuesday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities (Pebble Hill). | for more info., see press release.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents "Farce of Nature" | May 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16 at 7 p.m. | May 10 & 17 Matinee at 2 p.m. | | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Announces Open Auditions for it's Summer Musical, "The Spitfire Grill" | May 18, 19 & 21 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.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.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents it's Summer Musical, "The Spitfire Grill" | Aug. 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 at 7 p.m. | Aug. 9 & 16 Matinee at 2 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.org.