Red Ribbon Week, InspiRED Art Series 2025
Life is a Puzzle – Live Drug Free!
This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme inspired families across Putnam County to join CoveCare Center’s 5th Annual InspiRED event, where they painted “pieces of the puzzle” at four creative venues throughout the community with artist Sarah Miller Totten of Sarah’s Art Studio.
From October 22nd–29th, a total of 43 participants took part in InspiRED—a free, family-friendly event for youth in 5th grade and older, accompanied by a parent or caring adult. Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign promoting awareness around drug, alcohol, tobacco, and violence prevention each October, and InspiRED brings that message to life through art and connection.
The week began at CoveCare Center, where families painted vibrant fall trees. Each person painted one side of the canvas, symbolizing individual “puzzle pieces” that came together to form a unified image. It was the first time the Prevention Team held InspiRED onsite.
“It was so exciting being able to hold InspiRED at CoveCare; the space was perfect for this type of community event,” said Melissa LaChapelle, Prevention Supervisor.
Next, the event moved to the Phillipstown Hub, where participants created colorful butterfly pieces. “Her butterfly idea of incorporating the Red Ribbon Week theme—‘life is a puzzle, solve it drug free’—was brilliant, with each side coming together as a whole,” shared Barbara Mueller, Prevention Educator. Youth participants loved it—Amelia Gogola, a Haldane 5th grader, described the evening as “awesome.”
Night three was hosted by the Putnam Arts Council in Mahopac, where families painted stunning sun-and-moon scenes. InspiRED wrapped up at Arts on the Lake in Kent, NY, as artists created two separate fish that ultimately swirled together into one connected circle, beautifully representing this year’s puzzle-themed message. Sebastian Passoff, 8th grade, said, “It was fun and I got to spend time with my family.”
LaChapelle emphasized the purpose behind the program:
“Positive family relationships and parental involvement are so important in preventing substance misuse. We are grateful to offer this type of family event to the community and help strengthen positive connections. What a great week we had.”
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week by being creative with your teen!
Red Ribbon week is a National awareness week to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities! FREE, Register by Oct. 19th!
Join us for a free art series open to 5th-12th graders and a parent or an adult caregiver. These events promote drug free communities throughout Putnam County, held on October 22nd, 27th, 28th and 29th at a location near you – see details below.
Registration required to attend, deadline to register is Oct. 19th!
Register by emailing: prevention@covecarecenter.org
*Please include your name, phone number, number of people in your party, which location you would like to attend.
*All supplies needed to paint are included.
Paint Night Art Series with Sarah Miller Totten of Sarah’s Art Studio
About the Artist:
Founder of Sarah’s Art Studio of Serendipity Arts, Sarah Miller Totten has been working in the arts as an artist, painter, collaborator, coordinator, and teacher for over 15 years. Art has been a conduit her whole life for exploring the world and connecting with others. Sarah loves to offer supportive guidance through art-making for all ages in order to strengthen one’s unique persona.
At Sarah’s Art Studio we are committed to celebrating and sharing our love of art through teaching. Our goal is to bring you high-quality art instruction. We help to guide you in reaching your individual goals within a range of styles. We believe that everyone should have the chance to embrace, learn and express their creative side.
https://www.instagram.com/teachartwilltravel
https://www.facebook.com/sarahsartstudioNY
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Parent/guardian must attend with their 5th-12th grader(s)
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Seating is limited for these free events, please sign-up by Oct. 19th.
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For more information contact the CoveCare Prevention Team at: 845-225-2700 x.117 or via email prevention@covecarecenter.org