The project is part of an effort by the 4^th Street Fair Foundation to preserve street trees marked for removal, transforming them into lasting works of art. Dayle Lewis, the artist behind the carving, hopes the piece will connect residents with the city’s history.

Residents and visitors are invited to attend the unveiling and see how a simple tree can become a piece of art.

Image courtesy of Jessi Thornburg.

OXFORD, Ohio - The Oxford Community Arts Center is hosting its annual Howl at the Moon event tonight, Oct. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The family-friendly celebration features Halloween-themed activities, with a trick-or-treat for younger children starting at 6 p.m.

Costumes are encouraged, and if it rains, all activities will move indoors at the Arts Center.

This event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oxford and the Ernst J. Bever Fund of the Oxford Community Foundation.

Libraries continue to evolve in the digital age, remaining vital community hubs that offer spaces for learning, creativity and connection. This October, libraries across the region are hosting a variety of fall-themed programs aimed at engaging residents of all ages in both educational and recreational activities.

From pumpkin decorating to Halloween-themed STEM experiments, events throughout the month are designed to blend fun with learning. Here's a look at some highlights from area libraries.

Fall programming 2025

Morrison-Reeves Library, Richmond, Ind.

• Mini-Pumpkin Decorating & Fall Crafts
  Oct. 8, 22 and 25 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  Kids ages 9 to 12 can decorate mini pumpkins with seasonal materials.
• Spooky Science: Surface Tension
  Oct. 14 | 4 to 4:30 p.m.
  Children ages 6 to 12 explore STEM concepts through spooky science.
• Candy Corn Grab-and-Go Kits
  Oct. 15 | All day
  Free candy corn kits are available for all ages while supplies last.
• Haunted High Escape Room
  Oct. 16 | 5 to 6 p.m.
  Teens ages 12 to 18 solve puzzles in a Halloween-themed escape room.
• Fangtastic Fall Festival
  Oct. 30 | 6 to 6:30 p.m.
  Trick-or-treating fun for the whole family.

Hagerstown Public Library, Hagerstown, Ind.

• Teen Late Night Halloween Costume Party
  Oct. 24 | 7 to 11 p.m.
  Teens ages 12 to 19 are invited to a costume party. Registration is required in advance.

New Castle-Henry County Public Library, New Castle, Ind.

• Teen Tuesday: Spooky Head in a Jar
  Oct. 28 | 4 to 5 p.m.
  Students in grades 6 through 12 can register to create their own spooky "head in a jar" craft.

Friends of the Library, Winchester, Ind.

• FOWL Book Sale
  Oct. 23 | 1 to 6 p.m.
  Oct. 24 | Noon to 3 p.m.
  Oct. 25 | 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Libraries as Community Spaces

These free events highlight the role of libraries as more than just places to borrow books. They serve as community hubs that promote engagement, creativity and learning for all ages.

Some programs require registration. Visit your local library's website or contact staff for more information.

Local Venues Highlighted

Civic Hall Performing Arts Center
With a seating capacity of 936, Civic Hall plays host to touring performance acts, holiday concerts, and local productions. 

Richmond Art Museum
Established in 1898, the museum houses an extensive collection of American Impressionist paintings, including works by the Hoosier and Richmond Groups, as well as ceramics by the Overbeck Sisters.

Whitewater Valley Arts Association

Founded in 1962, this Connersville-based nonprofit promotes visual arts through exhibits, workshops, and community programs. Its downtown gallery hosts local and regional shows, including members' exhibits and juried competitions. WVAA also offers affordable classes, open studios, and social events, making it a creative hub for artists and art lovers alike.

Preble Players & Star Theatre at Eagles Point

In Preble County, the Preble Players community theater group and the Star Theatre at Eagles Point play crucial roles in bringing live theater productions to the area. Preble Players is a nonprofit theatre group that first started in 2018. The Star Theatre opened in October 2022, in the former Eaton High School. It is home to live productions, music, and movies.

Darke County Center for the Arts

Located in Greenville, Ohio, this is a major hub for performing arts in western Ohio. First formed in 1978, DCCA hosts performances and community events.

Art Association of Randolph County

The Arts Depot in Union City, founded in 1955, is a vibrant hub for visual and performing arts. It hosts a diverse range of events, including jazz and bluegrass concerts, dance and theater productions, art classes and exhibitions, poetry readings, and photography displays.

Upcoming Events

Richmond, Indiana

• Ryan & Ryan: Going Gershwin — November 1 at Civic Hall Performing Arts Center

• 127th Annual Exhibition of Indiana & Ohio Artists — November 6 through January 10 at the Richmond Art Museum

• Cello Voci: A Christmas Performance — December 6 at Civic Hall Performing Arts Center

Connersville, Indiana

• Ongoing rotating gallery exhibits, workshops, and opening receptions at the Whitewater Valley Arts Association

Greenville, Darke County, Ohio

• Yellow Bird Chase — November 2 at the Darke County Center for the Arts

• Rochelle Clark & Jason Dennie — November 6 at the Darke County Center for the Arts

• SideShow Band — October 11, hosted by Darke County Singles

Eaton, Preble County, Ohio

• Seasonal concerts and plays usually held at Preble Arts and the Star Theatre at Eagles Point (dates to be announced)

Union City, Randolph and Union Counties, Indiana

• Night Gallery: A Celebration of the Macabre — October 25 at the Arts Depot

• Palline Plum Exhibit Opening — November 7 at the Arts Depot

• The Listening Room (storytelling night) — Mid-November at the Arts Depot (date TBD)

Tips for Enjoying the Venues

• Check for pre-sale or early-bird tickets.
• Arrive a bit early if there’s a reception; food or local refreshments often accompany art openings.
• Follow venues on social media or sign up for newsletters—they often have last-minute events or artist-talks that don't make the big calendar yet.