duCret Center of Art

Spring Wreath - Workshop
2024-04-20 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join us for an unforgettable creative journey led by the talented Karen Piersanti, renowned for crafting expertise. Immerse yourself in this captivating workshop, where you’ll be guided step by step to bring your imaginative visions to life while indulging in the joy of crafting and connecting with fellow participants.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your crafting skills and adorn your home with unique, handcrafted treasures!

Stained Glass Workshop - Tulip
2024-04-20 10:00 - 13:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States

Catalyst Theater Company - Comedy Cabaret
2024-05-04 20:00 - 2024-05-05 20:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States

Ceramic Flower Workshop - Public Art Project
2024-05-11 13:00 - 15:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Saturday: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
2 sessions: May 11th and June 1st
Ready to be a part of something extraordinary? Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us as we turn creativity into reality.
Let’s make the duCret Center of Art bloom like never before! Be part of creating a public work of art and, at the same time, make some beautiful ceramic flowers for your own garden.

Wait Until Dark
2024-05-17 20:00 - 2024-05-19 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Step into a world cloaked in shadows, where every creak of the floorboards sends shivers down your spine, and every whisper feels like a betrayal.
In our upcoming production of “Wait Until Dark,” darkness is not just the absence of light—it’s a sinister force that prowls, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting.
Set in a menacing New York City apartment, this gripping thriller follows the story of Susy Hendrix, a blind woman who unwittingly becomes entangled in a deadly game of deception and deceit. As she grapples with her disability, Susy finds herself facing off against a trio of ruthless criminals who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
But in a world plunged into darkness, who can Susy trust? Every sound becomes a potential threat, every ally a potential enemy. With the stakes higher than ever and danger lurking around every corner, the tension mounts to an electrifying crescendo as Susy fights to survive against all odds.
Filled with heart-pounding suspense, unexpected twists, and pulse-pounding thrills, “Wait Until Dark” is a theatrical rollercoaster that will leave you breathless and exhilarated.
Dare to step into the darkness, but remember: nothing is as it seems in the shadows, and danger lurks where you least expect it.

Small Loom Weaving Workshop
2024-05-18 09:00 - 13:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Weaving is one of the oldest art forms, and once you learn the fundamental techniques, you may experience its meditative process through repetitive hand movements. Frame loom weaving is like a blank canvas that asks you to play with color palettes, fibers and textures by feeling your way through it. With patience and practice, your designs will slowly organically emerge.

Stained Glass Workshop - Butterfly
2024-05-18 10:00 - 13:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Welcome to our enchanting stained glass butterfly workshop! In just 3 1/2 hours, you’ll embark on a mesmerizing journey into the vibrant world of stained glass artistry.
No prior experience is needed—this workshop is designed for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Under the guidance of our skilled instructor, you’ll learn the fundamentals of glass cutting, soldering, and assembly while crafting your stunning butterfly masterpiece.
Immerse yourself in the meditative process of selecting colorful glass pieces, each reflecting the beauty of nature.
As you delicately piece them together, watch your butterfly come to life, capturing the essence of elegance and grace.
All Supplies included

Drag Bingo Presented by Van Wyck Brooks Historic District
2024-06-01 18:30 - 22:30 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Drag Bingo – June 1st

Come, let your hair down and have a ball. And, hey, who doesn’t love a good drag queen? And Bingo…?
Put them together, and you have one delicious mash-up! This ain’t your Grandma’s bingo!

Community Yoga with Vanessa
2024-06-19 11:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Zumba Class 4 weeks
2024-07-30 19:00 - 20:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Join a 4-week Zumba Class Starting July 9th!
Are you ready to dance your way to fitness? Join our invigorating Zumba class, a perfect blend of fun and exercise!
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or new to Zumba, this class is designed to get you moving, grooving, and having a blast.
Class Details:

Start Date: July 18th – Thursday
Time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 4 Weeks
Location: duCret Center of Art

What to Expect:

High-Energy Workouts
Fun Atmosphere: Dance in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Full-Body Workout: Burn calories and tone muscles while having a great time.
All Levels Welcome: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, our routines are easy to follow and adjustable to all fitness levels.

What to Bring:

Comfortable workout clothes
Athletic shoes
A water bottle
A towel

Sign Up Today! Spaces are limited, so make sure to reserve your spot now. Bring a friend and double the fun!
To Register or info: $32.00 for all 4 classes or $10.00 for drop-ins

Phone: Hollis at (908) 251-0862
Email: LisetteR.zumba@gmail.com
In-Person: Drop ins are welcome day of class

Get ready to sweat, smile, and dance your way to fitness! See you on the dance floor!

The Diviners Porch Play
2024-08-02 08:00 - 2024-08-04 17:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
There’s nothing more magical than outdoor theater on a warm summer night or afternoon.
Bring your chairs to duCret Center of Art in Plainfield to see The Diviners on the duCret front porch.
The Diviners is an award-winning drama set in southern Indiana during the Depression. The play tells the story of people struggling to get by and trying to maintain their faith without a preacher. When an ex-preacher comes to town, they assume he will lead their church, but he focuses on helping a motherless, damaged young man.
Friday, August 2nd at 6:00 PM
Saturday, August 3rd at 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 4th at 3:00 PM

Loathsome Laments - The Garden State Singers
2024-09-13 19:00 - 21:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
In the quiet embrace of an early autumn evening, let the Garden State Singers guide you through a tapestry of sound that weaves sorrow and beauty in equal measure.
On September 13th at 7 pm, join us for Loathsome Laments, a free concert where the ethereal and the earthly collide. The hauntingly beautiful works of Mozart, Verdi, Brahms, and others will resonate through the night, echoing the timeless anguish and sublime beauty that only music can express.
This evening of transcendent melodies promises to stir the soul and linger long after the final note fades.

Community Yoga with Vanessa
2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Rebalance and restore with this slow but steady yoga class to reset your mind and body.
Free to register! (Options to donate will be available after class at the venue)
Fun playlist with great vibes! Open to all.
Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Vanessa Lherisson @vmerieyoga will lead the class, experienced 200hr certified yoga teacher and community builder @blackgirlyoga.
You must register to attend; see the link in the description.

Four Century Weekend
2024-10-19 12:00 - 2024-10-20 15:00 | duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060, United States
Tour the Historic Sites of Union County
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 12–4 pm • free admission
Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 9-12 pm • free admission

Lecture: Charles Sabba - Michelangelo's the Sistine Chapel
2024-10-19 16:00 - 18:00 | 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

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!
