Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

222 E Drake Ave

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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 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., please see press release.

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. | For more info., see press release.

Fall Open Invitational Exhibition: Mixed-Media | Nov. 12 - Dec. 20 | A reception will be held Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5 - 7 p.m. | Free and open to the public!

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. | Tickets are available at auburnact.org. | Interested in performing or volunteering? Email info@auburnact.org. | For more info. about the event, see press release.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Young Performers Announce Open Auditions for Jeremy Blooms - "Peter/Wendy" | Dec. 8 and 9 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Callbacks, Dec. 11 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Young Performers Presents Jeremy Blooms - "Peter/Wendy" | Feb. 27, 28, March 2, 5 & 6 at 6:30 p.m. | Feb. 28 and March 7 Matinee at 2 p.m. | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org. For more info., visit auburnact.org.

JDCAC Day in Clay | Saturday, Feb. 7 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 Area Community Theatre Announces Open Auditions for Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" | Feb. 23 & 24 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Callbacks, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. | JDCAC | For more info., visit auburnact.org.

Empty Bowls | Saturday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Opelika SportsPlex | *Each year, this event alternates between Auburn and Opelika Parks and Recreation Departments. | Tickets are $20 and include a handcrafted bowl, a bowl of soup, entertainment and raffle prizes. | For more info., visit Opelika Parks and Recreation.

Auburn Community Orchestra Spring Concert | Tuesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. | Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center | This concert is FREE, family-friendly and open to the public. There is no charge for the concert, and tickets will be available in Feb., 2026 at the GPAC Box Office and online.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Presents A Love Letter to all the Little Things That Make Life Meaningful, with "Every Brilliant Thing," a Special Addition to AACT's 21st Season | April 10 & 11 at 7 p.m. | April 12 Matinee at 2 p.m. | | JDCAC | For more info. or to buy tickets, visit auburnact.org.

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 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.

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