DANCE - FINE ARTS - MUSIC - THEATER - WRITING

ARTBITS by Richard B. Harper


VOLUME 26 * * All Arts News On the Web * * May 12, 2022

STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

      ArtBits always features a calendar of the goings on of Franklin County artists. Check out these events around Franklin County. Each issue includes the entire text of our weekly newspaper column.


     Franklin County's arts and music gatherings bring new opportunities, gossip, "show-and-tell" and occasional workshops. There are also booked and acoustic Open Mic Nights that feature music, readings, and more from the best new artists in Vermont.

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FAIRS and FESTIVALS

FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Art Festival and Silent Auction takes over the Fairfax Community Center on Main Street on Saturday starting at noon. Local artists have donated works for the auction and for exhibit. There will be crafts for kids, painting class, concessions and more.
      All proceeds of this Fairfax Parks and Rec event benefit the restoration of the Fairfax Community Center Building. Find them on Facebook for more info..


ST. ALBANS--The Vermont Antiquarian Bookseller's Association presents the Spring Book, Card & Ephemera Fair at St. Albans City Hall on Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
      VABA will include books, postcards and unique collectibles from booksellers across the state, including our own Donna Howard from the Eloquent Page. Admission is free. Call Ms. Howard (802.527.7243) or find them on Facebook for more info.


PANDEMIC NEWS

      One million American lives lost to COVID-19.
      Vermont received 2,000 doses of Paxlovid from federal health agencies last week. The state gets a regular weekly allotment of 220 doses of the COVID-19 antiviral drug that can prevent hospitalization and death. This was a one-time ninefold increase.
      The number of new infections may be leveling off although Vermont reported 2,463 new COVID-19 cases statewide last week which drops us to the second highest rate per capita in the nation (behind Maine). Franklin County reported 329 cases in the 14 days ending Friday.
      The state's case numbers and hospitalizations continue rising as the BA.2 subvariant spreads. The state had 279 more new cases last week than the week before. Last week, the CDC reported that seven of Vermont's 14 counties have "high community levels of COVID-19."
      Vermont relies on self reporting. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order eight free at-home COVID-19 tests in two separate sets of four from COVIDtests.gov. Go there for links to the 20,000 no-cost antigen and PCR COVID-19 test sites nationwide. Most major chains including Walgreens, CVS, Price Chopper, and Walmart should have free N95 masks for distribution.
      Whether you have contracted and recovered from this coronavirus or haven't yet received a booster or even if you have done it all, immunity has waned for many of us. That lowered resistance leads to infections and increased transmission of the virus. The fourth booster is available for those over 50. Here's my own advice as we weigh whether to get another booster dose now or wait until later in the year. Get the COVID shot(s), get the booster(s), and take precautions, particularly if you are inside with other people--that means wearing a mask. Statewide, about 312,900 Vermonters or 68% of the eligible population have completed vaccination and gotten a booster. Franklin County picked up to about 64% of the people having completed the vaccine and the additional dose; that's up one point over the last five weeks. Only Essex County with 56% vaccinated and boosted, and Orleans and Windsor Counties at 63% have lower rates.
      No vaccine is 100% foolproof. Wash your hands. Keep wearing an N95 mask where you can't control the airflow around you until we reach the same herd immunity we have for smallpox and once had but lost for measles because so many parents refused to vaccinate their kids. Bonus: it will also help protect you from pollen, summer colds, and the winter flu.
      Call 855.722.7878 or healthvermont.gov for more info about the first or second dose and for booster shots of the vaccine. You can also walk-in at Costco, CVS, Hannaford, Price Chopper/Market 32, Rite Aid, Shaw's, Walgreens, or Walmart, or get an appointment with CVS, Kinney Drugs, Walgreens, or UVMMC Outpatient Pharmacies.


ART ON THE WALLS

MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts the Montgomery Elementary School Student Art Show this weekend, Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


NEW YORK--Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, Andy Warhol's iconic silkscreen, sold Monday at Christie's for $195 million. In under four minutes of bidding, the 1964 silk-screen sold to an unknown buyer. That is the highest price for any American work of art at auction.
      Marilyn and 35 other works in the sale were consigned by the estate of Swiss art dealers Thomas and Doris Ammann. All of the proceeds will go to their foundation, which supports health care and educational programs for children.


ART YOU CREATE

SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council presents Thumbprint Art, Adult Version at the Swanton Free Public Library on Friday at 5 p.m. This free event is "Drop in Art Time with Judy" to create simple thumbprint characters in an adult art social time.


MORRISVILLE--River Arts pottery instructor Chiara Keeling hosts the in-person, May Sip n' Slurry--Clay Boxes as the pottery twist on a Paint n' Sip on Friday at 6 p.m. Learn basic hand-building techniques like slab rolling, coil building and surface techniques to make a clay whistle or a musical shaker.
      The cost is $45. Click here to enroll and for more info.


MILTON--Social Sundays continue at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center with free weekly art classes for families at MAG on Sundays at 1 p.m.
      Each week offers a different project. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole two hours. Admission is free but registration is required. Click here for free tickets and more info.


SOUTH HERO--Once Upon A Rock and Snow Farm Vinyard host Pebble Art on Sunday at 2 p.m.
      Jean Ferguson picks up a rock or a stone or a pebble and "sees a thousand possibilities" as she "shops" for rocks and stones on beaches and shorelines all over Vermont. This workshop will use pebbles, rocks, stones, driftwood and lake glass to create artwork. From framed pieces to candle holders, each piece is unique.
      The cost is $35. Click here for tickets and more info. Limited seating is available so spaces will go quickly. Find them on Facebook for more info.


WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

SHELDON--The Artist in Residence Gallery hosts Painting Classes with Patrick Murphy at the Sheldon Public Library today at 6 - 8 p.m. This is the final class of the season for artists, art enthusiasts, beginners, or anyone who would just like to paint. "Instruction and guidance are given according to a student's need and level." Students should bring their own paints and brushes. Everything else is supplied. Classes have been held the third Thursday of the month. The cost is $25.
      Call Valerie (802.933.2524) or stop at the library to register and for more info.


SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Card Making with Barb in the Maker Space at the Swanton Free Public Libraryon Saturday at 10 a.m. The class is free but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call Barb Switzer (802.752.7917) or Email to register or for more info. The card making workshop will be repeated in May and June.
      The SAC also hosts the free Gel Plate Printmaking Workshop at the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 5 p.m. All supplies are provided but space is limited. Pre-registration is required to learn the basics of printmaking.


CALL FOR THESPIANS

ST. ALBANS--All the world's a stage. Plan ahead. Study your lines. Rail City Players wants actors, props, and costumes for Shakespear in the (Taylor) Park this summer. They will host a meetup in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell on Sunday, May 29, at 3 p.m.


ON STAGE LIVE

     Here's my own plan as U.S. deaths approach one million and our precautions wane. I got the COVID and Flu shots, and the first booster, and I take precautions because no vaccine is 100% foolproof. I wash my hands. I double mask with a genuine N95 mask (not a bandana and not a "chin strap") and a surgical mask where ever I can't control the airflow. It isn't much of a burden and it mostly protects me from all the people without masks I see in stores and concerts.


Thursday, May 12
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro usually has live music on Thursday evenings at 6 - 8 p.m.


Friday, May 13
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Chris & Erica for a night of live music in The Room on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


SHELDON--The Abbey Live Music Series continues with Phil Graziano in the Pub on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Friday-Sunday, May 13-15
ESSEX JUNCTION--Eleven gets On Tap through Friday the 13th starting at 9 p.m. The venue has two more shows live on Saturday night with Devon McGarry at 5 p.m., and Last Kid Picked starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.


ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Music starts about 6:30 p.m. Call 802.524.1405, find them on Facebook, or click here for more info.


MORRISVILLE--Moog's Joint has a busy weekend with DJ Big Homie Wes on Friday at 9 p.m., an "epic double bill" of the Eames Brothers Band and the Blue Fox Trio live on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Beg, Steal Or Borrow with special guest and Summer Sounds favorite Mark Legrand on Sunday at 6 p.m.
      Find them on Facebook for more info about all three shows.


Sunday, May 15
ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Grazers host a special Bluegrass Brunch with Timberline live in The Room on Sunday at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The high octane quartet brings improv, jazz, blues, and classic 3-part harmonies to the music of Bill Monroe, Jim & Jesse, Doc Watson, Tim O'Brien, Del McCoury, Jerry Garcia, and more. Find them on Facebook for more info.


COLCHESTER--Laura Fedele-Rasco is "back to play your favorites" at the Spanked Puppy on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Outback is officially open. "Just a girl and her guitar, playing everything from Linda Ronstadt to Lady Gaga to Loretta Lynn."


SOUTH BURLINGTON--Higher Ground presents Texas Hill and Troy Millette in the Showase Lounge on Sunday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7:30. The new vocal trio's debut album Heaven Down Here was released in January.
      Admission is $15 advance or $20 day of show. Click here for tickets and more info.
Wednesday, May 18
ST. ALBANS--Troy Millette Presents: Sample Sets on the Taproom Stage at 14th Star on Wednesday from 6 - 9 p.m. Mr. Millette's special "flight" will have three new acts from established solo acts, to fresh new faces, to special guest appearances every Wednesday evening. Act One begins at 6 p.m., Act Two at 7, and Act Three at 8 all with no cover charge.
      Find them on Facebook for more info.


Plan Ahead...
Saturday, May 21
EAST FAIRFIELD-- Summer Sounds favorites Atlantic Crossing kicks off the 2022 Summer Concerts at the Meeting house on the Green next Saturday, May 21. Click here for more info.


Friday, May 27
SHELDON--Grace Church begins the Summer Music at Grace series with the 20th Annual Farewell Reunion and Caribbean Dinner featuring three great musical acts--Corner House, Oliver Scanlon and Pete Sutherland, and the Young Tradition Vermont Youth Commission--all on Friday, May 27, starting at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


HUMANITIES

ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Museum and the Vermont Humanities Council present cultural historian Jill Mudgett with Murder in the Vermont Woods: A Story About Race, Class, and Gender in the 19th Century in the Bliss Room on Friday at 7 p.m.
      The story centers on a 19th century man from southern New England who came to central Vermont and was murdered. Dr. Mudgett will talk about poverty, racism, disability, and gendered violence against women, and give an account of indigenous movement and choice in the face of great obstacles. The talk is free and open to the public. Click here for more info.


BAKERSFIELD--The Bakersfield Historical Society hosts the Spring Meeting of Green Mountain Folklore Society at the Historical Society on Saturday beginning with a Social Hour at 9 a.m. and a Business Meeting at 10. A Gab Fest starts at 11 for participants to share folklore, photos, poems, and local artifacts. The society will prepare lunch ($7) at noon and followed by the presentation about local historic barns and farms.
      Founded in 1948, the Green Mountain Folklore Society collects, preserves, and make available the folklore of the state of Vermont. People should be fully vaccinated and bring a mask. Call Laurie at GMFS (802.879.6467) for lunch reservations.


ON THE BOOKSHELF

      ArtBits features a quick weekly peek at library events in and around Franklin County. That popular feature has a page of its own at the Franklin County Bookshelf here on the AAC site at AllArtsCouncil.org/books. We also take an occasional peek at the bookshelf or night stand of the folks you know in and around Franklin County. Those reviews can be found on the ArtBits Bookshelf.


Good News!

There are so many events around the region that we miss some of them.
Be sure to check these calendars for what's happening near you ...
All Arts Council of Franklin County
Cambridge Arts Council
Franklin County Regional
Chamber of Commerce
Island Arts
St Albans Community Arts
Swanton Arts Council
Young Tradition Vermont

Music!

Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County
Summer Sounds
Summer Music at Grace
Downtown Summer Concert Series
Music at the Meeting House
Citizens Concert Band
 
Enosburg Town Band


SUPPORT LIVE ARTS IN YOUR TOWN!


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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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