duCret Center of Art

New Jersey One Act Play Festival
2025-04-04 20:00 - 2025-04-06 22:00 UTC | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
he New Jersey One Act Play FestivalJoin us for an unforgettable weekend of theater as we present Chance & Other Meetings — a collection of original one-act plays exploring unexpected encounters, twists of fate, and the moments that change everything.
Performances:April 4th at 8 PMApril 5th at 8 PMApril 6th at 3 PM
Discover the magic of chance — where every meeting tells a story.

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Silent Movie Night: Buster Keaton
2025-05-02 19:30 - 22:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Adult Tickets: $20.00

17 and under Tickets: $10.00

Join us on Friday, May 2nd, 7:30 PM at the duCret Center of Art in Plainfield, NJ, for a unique experience! See a movie the way people did before the advent of the talking picture with a screening of Buster Keaton’s classic 1923 silent comedy “Three Ages”!
Enjoy this screening (and free popcorn!) featuring its original score performed live by award-winning organist and Plainfield resident Ian Fraser (https://ianfraserorganist.com) on his touring digital theatre organ.
Preceding the film, Ian will perform a historical presentation/concert “Sounds of the Silents” highlighting popular music that was written for and/or used in silent films.
About the Film:
The first feature Keaton wrote, directed, produced, and starred in, he structured the film like three inter-cut short films.
Three parallel plots in three different historical periods — prehistoric times, Ancient Rome, and modern times (the Roaring Twenties) — are intercut to prove the point that love has not significantly changed throughout history!

The Field Poetry Series
2025-06-16 19:00 - 22:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join us for the second installment of the Field Poetry Series, an evening that celebrates powerful voices and shared expression. This event will feature acclaimed poets Adele Kenny and Michael T. Young,
In addition to our featured readers, we are offering 10 open mic slots on a first come basis. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just finding your voice, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and connect with a vibrant poetry community.
Bring a friend, bring a poem, and be part of the conversation.
Free and open to the public.Light refreshments will be served.

Our Town - Porch Play
2025-07-05 08:00 - 2025-07-14 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents Our Town, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic that captures the simple beauty and profound truths of small-town American life. Set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, the play explores themes of love, daily life, and mortality through the lives of ordinary people, reminding us to cherish every moment.
Join us for this timeless production:

July 5 & 6 at St. Luke’s Church, Metuchen, NJ

July 11, 12 & 13 on the front porch of the duCret Center of Art, Plainfield, NJ

Experience this moving story in unique community settings, under the stars and close to home.

Maura Donahue Small Bites Opening Exhibition
2025-09-13 15:00 - 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Small Bites at the duCret Center of Art, located at the intersection of Union, Somerset, and Middlesex Counties in New Jersey, features artist Maura Donahue’s vivid paintings on food, body image, and identity. This New Jersey art exhibition invites audiences to explore themes of indulgence, shame, and self-expression, making it a must-see event in Central New Jersey.
In this body of work, the artist turns an unflinching gaze on her relationship with food, its pleasures, stigmas, and its complicated emotional weight. Through self-portraits of eating, still lifes of food, and paintings of discarded packaging, she confronts insecurities tied to consumption and indulgence head-on. What might otherwise be a source of shame is transformed into something luminous and unapologetic. By rendering these moments in vivid, colorful paintings, the artist rewrites the narrative on her own terms, allowing her to shift vulnerability into something more. Themes of indulgence and overindulgence are explored not as quiet confessions but as bold visual statements, challenging viewers to confront their own associations with overindulgence, stigma, and societal ideas of shame.
Open to the Public – Free
Reception Date: September 13th
Time: 3pm-5pm

Jazz and Art Fundraiser
2025-10-18 07:00 - 23:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Tickets and Information

Explore creativity

duCret Center of Art

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Phone
(908) 757-7171

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Email
info@ducret.edu

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Address
1030 Central Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060

Macbeth - presented by Dragonfly
2025-10-24 20:00 - 2025-11-02 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Macbeth is a tragic play by William Shakespeare that explores ambition, power, and guilt. It follows the story of Macbeth, a brave Scottish general who encounters three witches predicting that he will become king. Driven by ambition and spurred on by his wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan and takes the throne.
Consumed by paranoia and guilt, Macbeth becomes a tyrant, committing more murders to secure his position. Eventually, his cruelty leads to rebellion and his own downfall. The play reveals how unchecked ambition can destroy both the individual and everyone around them.
Oct 24th & Oct 25th at 8 PM
Oct 26th at 2 pm
October 31st and November 1st at 8 PM
November 2nd at 2 PM

Play: BREATHE
2025-11-22 19:00 - 2025-11-23 23:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
BREATHE is about an adult autistic woman who, after encountering a clown and a soothsayer at a carnival with her caretaker father, wakes up the next morning without autism. The father calls in his estranged wife, who left the home to pursue a relationship with another woman, to address the seeming miracle. While the father tries to track down the clown and soothsayer, the mother gets to know her daughter as a non-autistic person, who is experiencing a new and exciting engagement with the world. When the father returns without answers, he must confront his daughter’s changed outlook and her newfound willingness to experience life, and come to terms with his redefined role in her life. The father and mother also address their failed relationship, and their roles in each others’…

Saturday: November 22nd at 7:00 PM and Sunday November 23rd at 2:00 PM

The Field Poetry Reading Series
2025-12-05 19:00 - 22:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
The Field Poetry Reading SeriesCelebrate the power of words at The Field Poetry Reading Series, a free community event showcasing poets and spoken word artists.
Enjoy featured readings, then take the stage yourself during our open mic session—with 15 slots available for poets eager to share their voice.
It’s an evening of creativity, connection, and inspiration open to all lovers of language and art.

Within These Walls - Art Exhibition
2025-12-06 15:00 - 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Within These WallsJoin us on Saturday, December 6th, from 3–5 pm for the opening reception of Within These Walls, a vibrant showcase of artwork created by duCret’s instructors and resident artists. This exhibition celebrates the creativity, skill, and dedication of the artists who shape our community every day.
If you can’t make the reception, the exhibition will remain on view through December 31st—stop by and experience the talent that lives within these walls.

Silent Movie: The Phantom of the Opera
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
The Phantom of the Opera – 100th Anniversary Screening
Experience the magic of silent cinema with live organ accompaniment by Ian Fraser (https://ianfraserorganist.com/), bringing The Phantom of the Opera (1925) to life as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Starring Lon Chaney in his unforgettable role as the masked Phantom, this haunting classic weaves mystery, romance, and horror within the grand halls of the Paris Opera House.
A century later, its timeless power and artistry still captivate audiences around the world.

$20.00 Free Popcorn

Artists Mixer Jan 30th
2026-01-30 18:00 - 20:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Free Artist Mixer — January 30
Calling all artists! Join us on January 30 for a free, relaxed artist mixer where creatives from the area can meet, connect, and talk art. Share what you’re working on, swap ideas, and get inspired by fellow painters, photographers, sculptors, makers, and creatives of all kinds. No agenda, no pressure—just good conversation and community. Come as you are and bring your curiosity. Light Refreshments

CTC Presents the Fabulous Lounge Swingers
2026-02-13 19:00 - 2026-02-14 22:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
The Fabulous Lounge Swingers return direct from London for two nights of song and dance.
Friday, February 13th and 14th at 7 pm

A Raisin In The Sun
2026-02-27 20:00 - 2026-03-08 18:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
A Raisin in the Sun follows the Younger family as they struggle over money, dreams, and dignity after receiving a life-insurance check. Each family member’s vision of a better future clashes with racism, poverty, and hard reality, forcing them to choose between safety and self-respect.
Show Dates and Time
First Weekend: February 20th and 21st: 8 pm February 22nd: 2 pm
Second Weekend: February 27th and 28th: 8 pm March 1st: 2 pm

Lecture: Hidden in Plain Sight - The de Kooning Theft
2026-03-07 15:00 - 16:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
A stolen de Kooning. A suburban couple. A painting hidden for 30 years. Artist and Investigative Journalist: Charles Sabba explores the strange, true story behind one of the most improbable art thefts in modern history.
March 7th at 3 pm
Adults: $15.00
Seniors: $10.00
High School and College Students: Free

Purchase Ticket Below:

Select Type

Adult $15.00 USD

Senior $10.00 USD

By The Hands of Women Art Exhibition Opening Reception
2026-03-14 15:00 - 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
This exhibition also honors the legacy of duCret’s founder, Marjorie Van Emburgh, whose commitment to arts education and advocacy for women artists helped establish a lasting creative community.
In the spirit of her vision and in celebration of our 100th year in Plainfield, By the Hand of Women seeks to amplify women’s voices across disciplines and celebrate the enduring impact of women as makers, thinkers, and cultural contributors.

Spring Awakening - Ferrell Studios
2026-03-20 20:00 - 2026-03-22 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Spring Awakening is a groundbreaking rock musical with music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, adapted from the controversial 1891 play by Frank Wedekind. Set in a repressive 19th-century German society, the show follows a group of teenagers as they discover the complexities of their changing bodies, desires, and identities in a world that refuses to educate or support them. The story examines the tragic consequences of ignorance, censorship, and societal shame surrounding sex and mental health. With a powerful alternative rock score, Spring Awakening bridges the past and present, giving voice to young people silenced for generations.
Content Warning: Spring Awakening contains mature themes including sexual content, abuse, suicide, and strong language. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Viewer discretion is advised.
Four Shows:
Friday, March 20th: 8 pm
Saturday March 21st: 2 pm & 8 pm
Sunday March 22nd: 2 pm

Tickets - Click Here

Silent Movie - Comedy Triple Header
2026-03-28 19:00 - 21:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Experience the magic of silent movies with live organ accompaniment by award-winning organist and Plainfield resident Ian Fraser ianfraserorganist.com/ on his digital touring theatre organ.
Enjoy free popcorn and get ready to laugh along with the antics of silent film comedy legends Buster Keaton (Sherlock Jr.), Charlie Chaplin (The Adventurer) and Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy (The Battle of the Century).
Don’t miss this chance to see these 3 short comedies the way people did before the advent of the talking picture!
Click below for tickets:

Adult Tickets $20.00

Teen Tickets $15.00

Field Poetry Reading Series - April 23rd
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join us at the duCret Center of Art for an evening of powerful poetry at The Fields Poetry Reading Series. This special event features acclaimed poets James Hoch and Jen DeGregorio, who will share selections from their celebrated work in an intimate and engaging setting.
This is a free event, open to the public, and a great opportunity to experience contemporary poetry up close while connecting with fellow lovers of the arts.
The evening will also include an open mic session, inviting audience members to step up and share their own poetry or creative writing. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just want to listen and be inspired, all are welcome.
Come for the featured readings, stay for the community, and maybe even take the mic yourself.

NJ One Act Play Festival - Matters of the Heart
2026-04-24 20:00 - 2026-04-26 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Dragonfly Multicultural Art Center presents the 2026 NJ One Act Festival: Matter of the Heart, an evening of original short plays by New Jersey playwrights that dig into love, loss, and everything in between. With a mix of fresh voices and seasoned artists, each piece offers a different, deeply human perspective on what it means to care, connect, and keep going. Matter of the Heart is intimate, honest storytelling designed to stay with you long after the lights go down.
April 24th and 25th at 8 pm
April 26th at 3 pm

Tickets

The Art of Christine Myshka - Reception
2026-05-09 15:00 - 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join us on May 9th from 3 – 5 pm for the Opening Reception of the art exhibition:
The Art of Christine Myshka

The Grand Art Tour Lecture Series: See Naples and Die
2026-05-16 14:00 - 15:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Exploring the Art of Naples
Discover Naples—the bold, soulful heart of Italian art. Older than Rome and bursting with creative energy, Naples rivals Florence and Venice in artistic splendor. From the vast collections of the Capodimonte Museum and MANN to Caravaggio’s transformative masterpieces and the Baroque brilliance that followed, the city radiates artistic power.
Today, Naples thrives as a center of innovation with the Academia di Belle Arti, vibrant galleries, and a street culture where art and life intertwine. Join us to explore a city where history, passion, and imagination collide—and where every corner tells a story.
May 16th : 2 pm to 3 pm with a reception to follow

Select Ticket

Adult $15.00 USD

Senior $10.00 USD

Sense and Sensibility
2026-07-10 18:00 - 2026-07-12 17:00 | Plainfield Performing Art Center, 724 Park Ave, Plainfield, 07060, United States
Based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen, Sense & Sensibility follows sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations after their family’s fortunes change. Filled with wit, romance, and memorable characters, this timeless adaptation brings Austen’s classic story to life with humor, elegance, and heart.
Performed on the historic front porch of the duCret Center of Art, this open-air production invites audiences to enjoy the performance from the front lawn.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair or blanket for comfortable seating and an unforgettable evening of outdoor theater.
Show dates and Times
Friday July 10th & Saturday July 11th at 6 pm
Sunday July 12th at 2 pm
Due to storm damage at the duCret Center of Art
The performance has been moved to the
Plainfield Performing Art Center
located at 724 Park Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060
No need to bring a chair
