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| Voices and Visions: An Exhibit at The Dairy Barn, Athens, Ohio October 2 through December 7, 2025 |
Young Voices from a Small Town A Red Ribbon Week Reflection Through Art and Essay
In the heart of Appalachian Ohio, a powerful new book and art exhibit titled Voices and Visions is giving students a platform to speak out, reflect, and inspire. Created in response to Red Ribbon Week, Young Voices from a Small Town is collection of student essays. Now paired with compelling visual art and photographs, the essays offer a raw and heartfelt look at the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a rural community.
The Book: Essays That Speak Volumes
Young Voices from a Small Town is a compilation of personal essays written by middle and high school students from Trimble Township and surrounding areas. Each essay explores themes of resilience, hope, and the impact of substance abuse on individuals and families. The students share their stories with honesty and courage, offering insight into the realities of small-town life and the importance of making healthy choices.
Topics include:
- Personal experiences with addiction in the family
- Reflections on peer pressure and self-worth
- Messages of encouragement to younger students
- Dreams for a stronger, safer community
These essays are not only a response to Red Ribbon Week’s call for awareness—they are declarations of strength and vision from the next generation.
The Exhibit: Voices and Visions in Visual Form
The book is part of a larger exhibit inspired by the Athens Photo Project’s 8-week Voices and Visions initiative, a community-based photo and art program that empowers participants to explore identity, healing, and storytelling through creative expression.
The exhibit features:
- Student photography and mixed media art
- Collaborative pieces created during the Voices and Visions workshops
- Excerpts from the book displayed alongside visual works
- Interactive elements inviting visitors to share their own reflections
Hosted at The Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, Ohio, the exhibit runs through December 7, 2025, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Why It Matters
Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign to promote drug-free living and healthy choices. In Young Voices from a Small Town, students take that message into their own hands, using art and writing to spark dialogue and build community. Their voices—honest, vulnerable, and wise—remind us that change begins when we listen.
Whether you're a parent, educator, artist, or advocate, this exhibit and book offer a moving glimpse into the hearts of young people determined to shape a better future.
For more details on the exhibit and how to support the project, visit The Dairy Barn Art Center or learn more about the Athens Photo Project at athensphotoproject.org.
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| Voices and Visions: An Exhibit at The Dairy Barn, Athens, Ohio October 2 through December 7, 2025 |





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