| VOLUME 27 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | December 7, 2023 |
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. STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS
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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ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents a family production of A Christmas Carol, adapted and directed by Ernie Hemingway, at the House on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. THEATER
Admission is $10 for ages 11-64, $8 for ages 5-10 and over 65, free for and anyone under 5. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on glass artist Cherie Marshall, travel photographer Sarah McGarghen, fiber artist Sally Tarr, and fine art photographer Wayne Tarr with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. A.I.R. will continue celebrating the monthly Featured Artists online and on Facebook. ART ON THE WALLS
The art and fine craft cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 40 Franklin County and surrounding area artists. It is owned and operated by the artists and sponsors. The gallery on South Main Street is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard hosts an artist reception on Saturday from 1 - 3 p.m. Their art latest exhibit features paintings by Cathy B. Hartley. She will discuss her works and her love of art. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features small works by Canadian artist Joyce Iacono on Facebook and in the gallery. The Bryan Gallery is open Wednesday - Sunday from 11 - 5 or by appointment. Click here for more info.
MIAMI--Art Basel Miami Beach offers an AI oceanfront maze installation and much more on Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Previews for First Choice and VIP guests took place yesterday and today.
Galleries from five continents show significant works by Modern and contemporary artists a new generation of emerging stars. The show is divided into several sectors, each with a specific focus, from monumental art to solo presentations. All self-guided groups must register prior to the show. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company holds the weekly Maker's Market in the Taproom on Sunday from 1 - 3 p.m. The pop-up booths host local crafters and makers every Sunday afternoon. Find them on Facebook for more info. ART FOR SALE
SWANTON--The Swanton Library hosts Homemade for the Holidays to create handmade projects in the Maker Space on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. This is a free art project thanks to a generous anonymous grant to the Swanton Arts Council. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Click here to register or for more info. ART YOU CREATE
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard and Once Upon A Rock host a Pebble Art Workshop on Sunday at 2 p.m. This workshop will use pebbles, rocks, stones, driftwood, and lake glass to create artwork. From framed pieces to candle holders, each piece is unique. Sip on wine and nibble on a charcuterie while they provide guidance and inspiration; what you make will be completely your own creation.
The cost is $35. Find them on Facebook for more info for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Community Arts Creative Connections continues at St. Albans City Hall on Wednesday at 4 - 7 p.m. CALL FOR ARTISTS
Working on a creative project? Want to try something new but need special tools? Need an extra set of hands? Have donations for SACA projects? Interested in a material swap? SACA co-director Jennifer Kostuck takes over the Council Chamber with creative pointers and equipment including a sewing machine, heat tools, drawing materials, paints, papers, and more for use. Creative Connections will fill the space on the second Wednesday of the month. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT GRANT (January 30)--The grant supports artists at all stages of their careers. These grants can fund activities that enhance mastery of an artist's craft or skills or that increase the viability of an artist's business. Funding may also support aspects of the creation of new work when the activity allows the grantee to accept a rare and important opportunity. Call Dominique Gustin (802.402.4602), email, or click here for more info.
FAIRFIELD--Bent Northrop Memorial Library has two events this week. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
The Adult Watercolor Class with Ben Raymond welcomes all levels this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. There will be snacks. Call 802.827.5945 or Email to sign up and for more info.
Franklin County Photogs with Harry Goldhagen hosts a hybrid in-person/Zoom group on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly to share and learn about photography. Click here for more info and the Zoom link.
MILTON--Social Sundays continue at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center with free weekly art classes for families at MAG on Sunday at 1 p.m. Each week offers a different project. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole two hours. Click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts has two workshops this week.
The December Open Studio Figure Drawing offers a nude session today at 3:30 p.m. There will be quick two minute poses, five minute poses, 20 minute poses, and a long pose at the end. River Arts limits nude sessions to ages 16 and older. The cost is $15 with pre-registration preferred. Click here to register and for more info.
Karen Gunterman leads Tea, Cookies, & Cards on Friday at 6 p.m. The cozy evening is a chance to make six unique cards for the holidays. There will be a cookie swap as well. Tuition is $40. Click here to register and for more info.
Plan ahead: There will be an Open Studio Figure Drawing Marathon on Saturday and Sunday, December 16-17. Click here to register and for more info.
COVID-19 is still here and Vermont is changing how it tracks the virus in the state's wastewater. South Burlington, Essex Junction, and Montpelier wastewater systems send water samples to a research program run by Stanford University and Emory University as part of the CDC's national wastewater surveillance system. Wastewater data shows that COVID levels are slowly rising. COVID NEWS
More Vermonters have required medical help for COVID infections in the weeks after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. As of November 25, there were 47 hospitalizations statewide, up from 36 the prior week. That includes 21 new admissions in Franklin County, an increase from 12 the prior week. There were six more COVID-related deaths reported statewide in the week ending November 18 for a pandemic total of 1,061 in Vermont.
Vaccines are available for COVID, the Flu, and RSV, the three main viruses that cause people to end up in a hospital in the Fall and Winter respiratory virus season. According to the state COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Dashboard just 10% of Franklin County residents have received the new COVID vaccine, trailed only by Essex County. That compares to about 15% of Vermonters who have had the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID vaccines are 100% free to everyone 6 months and older living in the United States, regardless of immigration or insurance status. The free shots are available via health insurance, Medicare, and through federally qualified health centers, pharmacies participating in the federal Bridge Program, or district health department offices. Free masks are also available at many of the same locations. Pharmacies in Vermont may now give COVID-19 shots to kids ages 3 and older. Click here for more info.
The Vermont Center for Independent Living has COVID-19 and flu vaccines and some RSV vaccine as drive-through or in-home vaccination for anyone who has difficulty getting to or using a community vaccination location, including children. Click here for more info.
Every U.S. household may order four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to home. The state and many municipalities also still have home antigen tests, available in libraries and town halls or food pantries. Click here for more info.
Some health plans will also offer partial coverage of COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid but that will be plan dependent. As always, check with your insurer for specific information on your plan.
The Health Department still recommends following best practices. Call 855.722.7878 or visit healthvermont.gov for more info about the first or second dose and for booster shots of the vaccine.
My own plan remains unchanged, especially since our precautions have waned and the new COVID variant dodges our current immunity. I got the COVID and Flu shots, and the boosters, and I still take precautions because neither vaccine nor "natural immunity" is 100% foolproof. I wash my hands. I double mask with a genuine N95 mask (not a bandana and not a "chin strap") plus 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, December 7 ON STAGE LIVE
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Jeff Shelley with current songs for Acoustic Thursday this evening at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, December 7-9
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music with the Nobby Reed Project tonight at 6 p.m., then two shows Friday night, Sibling Reverie at 5 p.m., and the Maple Grove Band for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with the Duncan MacLeod Trio at 5 p.m., and the Hit Squad starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, December 8
ST. ALBANS--The 9th annual Holiday Tractor Parade takes to the streets on Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents the six-piece Shane Murley Band for a soulful and funky night of live Americana, country, and alternative rock in The Room on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
BURLINGTON--Foam Brewers presents singer/songwriter Ryan Sweezey and the Midnight Walkers on Friday at 8 p.m. The band features Jesse Agan, guitar; Joshua Glass, keys; Chris Doncaster, bass; and Eric Belrose, drums. The small, independent craft brewery has live music most days. Jazz Thursdays feature some of the Queen City's best jazz musicians. Times vary. Click here for more info.
Friday-Sunday, December 8-10
COLCHESTER--Live Music in December fills the Spanked Puppy. Chris Smet kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Nathan Michaud on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Music starts about 6:30 p.m. Call 802.524.1405 or find them on Facebook for more info. Click here to book a reservation or to visit the art on the walls.
BRATTLEBORO, VT and GREENFIELD, MA--The Soubrettes sing the songs of siblings Ben and Anna Patton with "close harmonies, humor, pathos, and sass" on in All Souls Church of Brattleboro on Saturday at 7pm. and Guiding Star Grange of Greenfield on Sunday at 6pm. The 20-person vocal ensemble out of the Vermont Jazz Center is directed by Anna Patton. Admission is by suggested donation of $10-20. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Saturday, December 9
ST. ALBANS--The 5th annual "Tops Off for the Holidays" Lighted Jeep Parade takes to the streets on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. Bring a canned good or unwrapped child's toy for Martha's Kitchen and Toys for Tots. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Off The Rails at One Federal hosts a girl and her guitar, Linda Fedele Rasco with everything from Ronstadt to Gaga in the lounge on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, December 10
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents the annual free Community Christmas Concert featuring a community chorus and the Enosburg Town Band on Sunday at 2 p.m. Doors at 1:30.
Admission is free but donations help the Opera House. Find them on Facebook for more info.
BURLINGTON--The Vermont Choral Union performs Handel's Messiah at the College Street Congregational Church on Sunday at 4 and 8 p.m. The Choral Union, directed by Eric Milnes, will partner with the baroque Ensemble L'Harmonie des saisons of Montreal and choristers from St. Albans and the surrounding area. Admission is $40-60 and children are free. Find them on Facebook for more info and click here for tickets.
ESSEX--The Double E presents A Soulful Christmas with the Plattsburgh Gospel Choir in the T-Rex Theater on Sunday at 7 p.m. The holiday celebration blends favorite Christmas Carols with a soulful spin. Admission is $0 - $20. Click here for tickets and more info.
Wednesday, December 13
ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed and the House Band, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
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. ON THE 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 ... |
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Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
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Dick Harper, Chair
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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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