ATHENS, Ohio -- Athens, Ohio, the home of Ohio University, headlines a story in the Dec. 14 edition of USA Today that features 10 towns nationwide that offer vibrant arts-filled action. The article lauds Athens as a college town with both extensive and affordable artwork and a thriving music scene. The university offers several cultural venues, among them, the Kennedy Museum of Art, Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, Lindley Cultural Center, Trisolini Gallery and Elizabeth Evans Baker Theater, to name a few.

The article called the Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center "one of the nation's best."

"As I traveled around the country, it became clear to me that many important, influential and highly successful artists live in rural America," said John Villani, author of The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America, the basis for the story. "I met David Hostetler in Athens a few years ago. He said he loves living and working in a small town where he's free from the distractions of a bigger city."

When faculty from the School of Art gave Villani a tour of the campus during his visit he was hooked. "Athens is a great arts town," he said.

To read the article, go to www.usatoday.com/life/travel/leisure/2001/2001-12-14-great-arts.htm