Spotlights on....
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ABOUT DUCRET
The duCret Center of Art’s mission is to provide a space for creativity, collaboration and exploration for people of all ages to experience and appreciate art in its many forms. We strive to create an inclusive art environment that fosters creative expression and encourages meaningful dialogue on art, culture and the creative process
VISION
To create a safe, nonjudgment, inclusive environment, without barriers, that promotes creativity and trust.
Where an artist, at any level, can learn, create and nurture their creative side.
To be a community resource center and school for the visual and performing arts.
DEI, GUIDING PRINCIPLES
These principles determine duCret’s direction and are used as strategic filters.
- Respect and Trust: Build a position of respect and trust with clients, with students, with instructors and with the community.
- Diversity, Equality and Inclusion: DEI fosters change and change fosters creativity.
- Community Outreach: Create and Provide programs that appeal to a broad range of ethnic groups.
HISTORY
The duCret Center of Art was founded as a school of the arts and is the oldest arts school in the state of New Jersey. Founded in 1926 by artist and teacher Marjorie Van Emburgh, the school was originally located in a large carriage house in a residential area of Plainfield. By 1936 it had outgrown its original quarters and obtained space in the Babcock Building, located in the center of the Plainfield business district. Over the next two decades, the school continued to build a reputation for excellence in art education.
In 1964, the Van Emurgh School of Art was acquired by Dudley V. duCret and became the Van Emburgh/duCret School of Fine and Industrial Art. It was incorporated in 1970 and moved to its current location, the George Strong house in the Van Wyck historic residential section of Plainfield.
Ms. Van Emburgh remained a faculty member until 1975.
