Lecture: Charles Sabba - Michelangelo's the Sistine Chapel
2024-10-19 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Michelangelo: Genius of the Renaissance
The Italian Peninsula has been home to countless extraordinary artists, poets, and creators, especially during the Renaissance. In October, which is celebrated as Italian-American Heritage Month, it is fitting to reflect on one of the greatest artistic geniuses nurtured by this land’s energy and creative atmosphere: Michelangelo Buonarroti. For nearly 90 years, Michelangelo lived to create art, excelling in sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry. His genius elevated him beyond mortal limits, making him the epitome of the Renaissance artist.
Although Michelangelo was primarily a sculptor, at the age of 33, he was summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II and commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo had only briefly trained in fresco technique at 14 under the guidance of Domenico Ghirlandaio before transitioning to sculpture under Bertoldo di Giovanni, a student of Donatello. The Pope initially requested a modest series of figures, but Michelangelo’s vision was far grander. What began as a simple commission transformed into a monumental four-year project, becoming one of the wonders of the art world.
Before delving into Michelangelo’s masterpiece, it’s essential to acknowledge the chapel’s earlier frescoes created by luminaries such as Ghirlandaio, Perugino, Rosselli, Botticelli, and Signorelli. These works set the stage for the extraordinary ceiling that Michelangelo would paint between 1508 and 1512 and the awe-inspiring “Last Judgement,” which he completed almost 30 years later in 1534 when he was nearly 60.
The most iconic of Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes is the Creation of Adam, where God, who had never before been seen by humankind (except by Moses, from behind), is depicted reaching out to give life to Adam. In this scene, Michelangelo’s representation of God was groundbreaking, presenting the Almighty not as a distant figure but as an intimately engaged creator, physically shaping the first man.
In this lecture, we’ll explore the significance of this visual language, how it redefined religious art, and uncover some hidden meanings and details within Michelangelo’s work. From the delicate yet powerful Delphic Sibyl to the astounding vision of God in the Creation of Adam, these frescoes express not only profound religious narratives but also a profound celebration of human potential.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Michelangelo’s ceiling is how it mirrors the heavens, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the Milky Way. Michelangelo, who viewed God as the ultimate artist, sought to recreate the divine order and beauty of the universe on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel—a feat as ambitious as it was revolutionary.
Please join us on October 19, 2024, as we examine Michelangelo’s creative genius and the legacy of the Sistine Chapel—a true marvel of artistic achievement.
Light Refreshments will be served.

Dracula - A Comedy of Terror
2024-10-25 20:00 - 2024-11-02 22:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is a fast-paced, hilarious reimagining of the classic vampire tale. This zany production combines the eerie world of Bram Stoker’s Dracula with non-stop comedy, featuring quick-witted dialogue, slapstick humor, and wild plot twists. Five actors take on dozens of characters, from the bloodthirsty Count Dracula to bumbling vampire hunters, creating an uproarious atmosphere where spooky meets silly. With its rapid costume changes, over-the-top antics, and clever wordplay, this play transforms horror into side-splitting laughter while embracing the original story’s gothic charm.
Dates:
October 25th and 26th at 8:00 pm & October 27th at 3:00 pm
October 31st, November 1st and 2nd at 8:00 pm

Yoga with Vanessa
2024-10-26 10:00 - 11:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Happy Juneteenth!
Vanessa is hosting a new event. Join us for a Juneteenth Gentle Flow & Stretch Yoga class on June 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
The class is free and designed to be a soulful practice, offering a peaceful space for reflection, healing, and unity through mindful movement and deep stretching.
Register soon because space is limited.

Bat Boy
2024-11-08 08:00 - 2024-11-16 22:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
About BAT BOY the musical

Based on a story in the Weekly Reader News 1992, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL is an American Horror Rock Musical/Comedy about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia, a coal mining and cattle town with a population of 500. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings the feral Bat Boy to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a “normal” boy by the veterinarian’s wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley. Bat Boy is happy with his new life, but when he naively and innocently tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the machinations of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Bat Boy. Shelley and Bat Boy, who have fallen in love, run away together from the ignorant townsfolk and have a blissful coupling in the woods, but their brief happiness is shattered when Meredith arrives and reveals a secret that rocks their reality. Soon the entire town arrives and hears the shocking story of Bat Boy’s unholy origin.
BAT BOY the musical has much to say regarding societal norms, religion, sexual awakening, toxicity of secrets, love and the actualisation of one’s “beast” within. It is a heart wrenching drama all laced together with a wildly entertaining style that give it a “B-Movie” quality. Come experience the hauntingly hysterical story of Bat Boy if you dare.

Stained Glass Workshop - Monstera Leaf
2024-11-23 10:00 - 13:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States

New Year's Day Yoga
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:00 | NJ
New Year’s Day Yoga: Begin 2025 with Balance and Renewal
Start your year with intention and clarity! Join us for a rejuvenating New Year’s Day Yoga Class designed to set the tone for a balanced, mindful, and positive year ahead. This all-levels session combines gentle stretches, grounding breathwork, and mindful meditation to release the past year’s tension and welcome fresh energy for 2025.
Let’s move, breathe, and reflect together as we embrace new beginnings and cultivate peace within. Bring your mat, an open heart, and your 2025 intentions. 🌟

CTC Fabulous Lounge Swingers
2025-02-14 20:00 - 2025-02-15 22:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, charm, and sophistication as the CTC Theater Group proudly presents a Cabaret featuring the internationally acclaimed Fabulous Lounge Swingers, direct from London, England!
These extraordinary entertainers bring their signature blend of swing, jazz, and showmanship to the stage for two nights only—February 14th and 15th at 8 PM.
Let the rhythm sweep you off your feet as the Fabulous Lounge Swingers are joined by the talented Friends of Catalyst, a handpicked ensemble of local performers guaranteed to add their spark to the evening. Together, they’ll create a dazzling showcase of musical talent, humor, and heart, making this the perfect event to share with someone special—or to enjoy on your own as a celebration of the arts!
Click here for Tickets
Event Details:
Dates: February 14th & 15th
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: duCret Center of Art

JaJa African Hair Braiding
2025-02-21 20:00 - 2025-02-23 22:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Experience the Power and Poetry of “JaJa’s African Hair Braiding”!
Join us for an unforgettable theatrical journey as we present JaJa’s African Hair Braiding, a vibrant and poignant exploration of sisterhood, resilience, and identity.
Set in a bustling Harlem hair salon, this play weaves the stories of braiders and customers alike, offering a rich tapestry of humor, heart, and humanity.
Written by celebrated playwright Jocelyn Bioh, this contemporary masterpiece celebrates the artistry of African hair braiding while delving into the complexities of community, culture, and dreams.
Dragonfly Multicultural Art Center is committed to bringing live, vibrant theater to Central New Jersey!!

🎭 Show Dates:

Friday, February 21st at 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 22nd at 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 23rd at 3:00 PM

Secure your tickets today and immerse yourself in a world where every braid tells a story!

Ian Fraser: Silent Movie Concert
2025-03-07 19:00 - 21:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join us on Friday, March 7th, at 7 PM at the duCret Center of Art in Plainfield, NJ, for a unique opportunity to see a movie the way people did before the advent of the talking picture with a screening of the classic 1924 silent romantic comedy film “Girl Shy”!
The film was produced by and stars Harold Lloyd as a shy young man who can’t talk to women. He ventures out to publish a book full of fictional conquests but finds true love (Jobyna Ralston) along the way.
Enjoy this screening (and free popcorn!) featuring a live score performed by award-winning organist and Plainfield resident Ian Fraser (https://ianfraserorganist.com) on his touring digital theatre organ.
Click below for tickets:

Adults: $20.00

17 and Under: $10.00

Lecture Series: Bohemian Paris of Amedeo Modigliani
2025-03-08 15:00 - 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Lecture Series: Bohemian Paris of Amedeo Modigliani
Part 1: Bohemian Paris of the 19th and 20th Century – Propaganda and Marketing of Bohemia
Discover the vibrant world of Bohemian Paris through the eyes of Amedeo Modigliani, an Italian Sephardic Jew who found his artistic home in the avant-garde capital of the early 20th century. This lecture explores the evolution of Bohemia—both real and imagined—shaped by Romanticism, revolution, and rebellion. Learn how artists like Modigliani, Toulouse-Lautrec, Utrillo, and Picasso marketed their unconventional lifestyles, transforming Paris into the epicenter of creativity and artistic notoriety. Join us as we uncover the fascinating interplay of art, culture, and self-promotion in the storied neighborhoods of Montmartre and beyond.
Click Here for Tickets: $25.00

Fields Poetry Series 3/20
2025-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
The Fields_March 20_2025
—The Fields—Poetry Reading Series
March 20 at 7 PMduCret Center of Art1030 Central AvePlainfield, NJ
Featuring:
Liz Kingsley
Liz Kingsley’s poems appear in New Ohio Review, The Round,The McNeese Review and other magazines. Her fiction hasappeared in The William and Mary Review, and her essays havebeen published in New Jersey Family Magazine and theanthology Blended: Writers on the Stepfamily Experience. AnMFA candidate at the Rainier Writing Workshop at PacificLutheran University, Kingsley teaches elementary specialeducation. She lives in New Jersey with her wife, some of theirgrown children, and many nonhuman animals. Her poems liveat lizkingsleywriter.com.
Judith Christian
Judith Christian’s poetry has appeared in local journals andanthologies and has garnered four Pushcart nominations. Her 2018chapbook A Certain Knowing was published by The Paulinskill PoetryProject. In 2023, she wrote and designed Shifted Construction Plate, alimited edition fine arts book of ekphrastic poetry featuring paintingsby artist Mikel Frank (mikelfrank.net). She considers herself adilettante artist who has had work included in exhibits at the ViridianGallery in Chelsea. Her art has also appeared on the cover and insidethe pages of the literary journal “This Broken Shore.”
Followed by
10 Open Mic Slots
The event is free but donations are welcomed

ZUMBA for a Cause
2025-03-29 13:00 - 15:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join us for an energetic “ZUMBA for the Cause” event where every dance move makes a difference! All proceeds go to the Brown Institute for Young Learners, fueling inspiring programs for kids.
Dance, smile, and help shape a brighter future—see you on the floor!
$20 at the door

New Jersey One Act Play Festival
2025-04-04 20:00 - 2025-04-06 22:00 | 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.

Click Here for Tickets

The Garden State Singers: A Night of Gabriel Faure
2025-04-17 19:00 - 21:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Garden State Singers Present: A Night of Gabriel Fauré
Experience an enchanting evening as the Garden State Singers pay homage to the illustrious French composer Gabriel Fauré. This special performance will showcase a selection of Fauré’s most celebrated works, . The ensemble’s rich harmonies and emotive interpretations promise to bring Fauré’s timeless melodies to life.​
Join us for this captivating tribute, where the Garden State Singers illuminate the depth and beauty of Fauré’s musical legacy.
Tickets at the door only:
$10 adult
$5 student/senior

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 Art of Community Exhibition
2025-05-03 18:00 - 20:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join us on May 3rd from 6 PM to 8 PM at the historic duCret Center of Art in Plainfield, NJ for the opening reception of The Art of Community Exhibition. Featuring the vibrant and diverse works of 26 local artists, this special evening celebrates creativity, connection, and community. Mingle with artists, explore thought-provoking artwork, and enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming, art-filled atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or love to be inspired, this is a night you won’t want to miss!

Lecture: Amedeo Modigliani - Bohemia Died With Modi
2025-05-10 15:00 - 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Amedeo Modigliani was fiercely proud of his Jewish heritage and Italian identity, beginning his artistic training under Macchiaioli painter Guglielmo Micheli. In 1906, at just 21, he arrived in Montmartre, Paris — handsome, talented, and free-spirited — and quickly immersed himself in the bohemian world of the avant-garde, rubbing shoulders with artists like Picasso at the famed Bateau Lavoir. Known for his striking looks and flamboyant personality, Modigliani was often seen carrying Dante’s Inferno, indulging in heavy drinking, and behaving with extravagant flair. His nickname, “Modi,” was a playful abbreviation of his name and a nod to the French word maudit — cursed.
While many artists aligned with established movements, Modigliani followed his path, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of sculpture, caryatids, expressive portraits, and sensual nudes. But his life was marked by struggle; tuberculosis and substance abuse ultimately claimed him at the age of 34 in 1920. The tragedy deepened when, the day after his death, his beloved partner Jeanne Hébuterne — pregnant with their second child — took her own life. In many ways, the passing of Modigliani marked the end of Paris’s bohemian age, though his art continues to inspire and enchant.

TICKETS

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.

Dragonfly presents the play "Fade"
2025-09-12 20:00 - 2025-09-14 18:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Fade by Tanya Saracho is a sharp, witty drama about class, culture, and identity in the entertainment industry. It follows Lucia, a Mexican-born television writer, who befriends the Latino janitor at her studio. As their conversations deepen, power dynamics shift, revealing unexpected truths and blurred lines between personal and professional worlds.

September 12th at 8 pm
September 13th at 8 pm
September 14th at 3 pm

Stained Glass Workshop - Cat
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Stained Glass Workshop – One Day Only!
Discover the art of stained glass in this hands-on, one-day workshop! In just 3.5 hours, you’ll learn the basics of cutting, foiling, and soldering glass as you create your very own colorful stained glass piece to take home. Perfect for beginners, this workshop includes all tools and materials—just bring your creativity!
No experience necessary. All supplies included. Leave with a finished stained glass project!

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

Fall Class Registration
2025-09-15 08:00 - 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Class Registration is open for the Fall Session. Session starts on September 15th. New Class and Workshop offerings – Explore

MKW Presents "Married but not Engaged"
2025-09-26 20:00 - 2025-09-27 23:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
See Cameron and Veronica, who are married, but don’t have the same picture of what marriage looks like. Because of the differences, there will be arguments, secrets exposed, and choices to be made.
Veronica and Cameron are Married but they are not Engaged.
Come check out Charity and her crazy self, Jamal who is always over Cameron’s house, and how can we forget Mr. Gabe always having a word of wisdom.
See all of them and a few more characters on Sept. 26th or 27th at 7:30 pm – Purchase tickets online or at the door

Halloween Tea Towel
2025-10-08 18:00 - 21:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Halloween Tea Towel Workshop: No Experience Needed
Learn the basics of machine sewing and appliqué in this fun, Halloween-themed project. Choose a ghost or bat design to appliqué onto pre-cut cotton fabric, then finish your tea towel with hemming and trim. You’ll learn how to thread and operate a sewing machine—perfect for true beginners or anyone needing a refresher.
All supplies are included, with a selection of Halloween fabrics to choose from. Sewing machines and tools are provided in the classroom.

Watercolor Leaves Workshop
2025-10-11 09:00 - 12:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Watercolor Leaves – A Fall Workshop
Celebrate the beauty of autumn in this relaxing 3-hour watercolor workshop focused on painting fall leaves. You’ll explore techniques for capturing the rich colors, delicate textures, and graceful shapes of leaves using transparent layers and expressive brushwork. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a fun, seasonal project to inspire your creativity.
All supplies are included—just bring your love for fall and a willingness to play with color!

Stained Glass Workshop - Pumpkin
2025-10-11 09:00 - 12:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States

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

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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

Stained Glass Workshop - Bat
2025-10-25 09:00 - 12:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
