Mission: The Dairy Barn was founded as a community arts center in 1979 after a group of residents saved the old dairy barn (formerly part of the Athens Asylum for the Insane) from demolition. The Dairy Barn Southeastern Ohio Cultural Arts Center has since grown into a first-class arts center and gallery, with a 12-month calendar of exhibitions, classes and special events. The Dairy Barn is home of the internationally renowned Quilt National and Bead International exhibitions.
The Dairy Barn is a jewel in the crown of the arts of Southeast Ohio. They have an international profile while remaining true to their small town- Appalachian community. I am always impressed with their ability to pull-off world class exhibits that can be shared by our community in addition to the best art-based educational programming around.