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.

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     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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ART ON THE WALLS

ENOSBURG--The Artist in Residence Gallery hosts a Paint n' Sip with Vermont Artist El Towle this evening at 6 p.m.
      Tonight's workshop will focus on an abstract art composition by exploring and using found shapes, colors, and forms in the nature around us. Mr. Towle will introduce drawing, color theory, basic acrylic techniques, and composition.
      El Towle's work is eclectic. He favors oil and acrylics, but also works in silk, clay, watercolor, and paints on copper plates. His work is in private collections throughout the U.S. and Canada.
      Bring your favorite flat and round paint brushes and fine brushes for detail but brushes will be supplied. A fee of $35 includes all materials. All levels and abilities are encouraged. Call Lenore Pepe (802.881.4812) to register. Seating is limited.

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UNDERHILL--The first Underhill Art Cause takes place on the Underhill Town Hall on Sunday, at 6 p.m. An Art Cause is a community organized art show with a central theme of raising money for good causes.
      Local artists will feature and sell a piece to benefit a deserving organization or individual and also show a small collection of their work. Franklin County artists include Harald Aksdal and Lenore Pepe. The evening will include music, food and drinks, a silent auction, and buy now options. Email to participate or for more info.

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ENOSBURG FALLS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on the fine art of Harald Aksdal and Debra Kiel.
      The A.I.R. gallery hosts a free meet-the-artists reception with refreshments on Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. 14th Star Brewery will participate once again. In addition to artist talks and a raffle, sap buckets painted by various artists will be sold as a fundraiser for the gallery. The exhibit continues through the end of November.
      The Artist in Residence art cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 45 Franklin County and surrounding area artists. It is owned and operated by the artists and sponsors. The gallery, located at 321 Main Street, is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. plus the first Sunday of each month, noon to 5 p.m.

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IN THE SAC

SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council has an Art Installation going in as part of the Chamber of Commerce Halloween in the Park on Saturday. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m.
      The SAC will display a recycled art installation of milk jug ghosts. Chamber members and area businesses will set up throughout the park for Trick-or-Treating, carved pumpkins, music, and scary stories provided by the Swanton Free Public Library.

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OPEN ART STUDIO--This monthly project comes to the Swanton Free Public Library on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Bring your paints, knitting, crafts, and other current projects to work "in a friendly, all inclusive environment with other artistically minded people." The studio is for seasoned artists as well as first timers.
      The Swanton Arts Council hosts the Open Art Studio for ages 16 and at the Swanton Public Library on the first Tuesday of each month from 4-8 p.m. Individuals are responsible for table-top protection for your medium. Email Sarah Hayes for more info.

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BARN QUILT PAINT N’ SIP--Artist Marie Speer leads the Barn Quilt project at the My-T-Fine Restaurant on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Registration Fee is $45. Seating is limited. Email Marie Speer to reserve a spot.

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ON STAGE LIVE

Thursday
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap offers the Contois School of Music Band on Saturday at 5 p.m. This CSM show features classics, some new tunes, and uptown funk with vocalist Rosie Newton and Mingo Maquera on guitar.
      Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info.

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Friday
ST. ALBANS--Shooters annual Halloween bash stars Bad Horsey on Friday night at 9 p.m.
      Vermont's own classic rock band is Ray D Hartson, Bryce Mcnall, Adam Sleboda, and Scott Campbell.
      There will be a cash prize for best costume, giveaways, and more.

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Saturday
ESSEX JUNCTION--Backstage Pub and Restaurant hosts its Just Halloween Costume Bash with Justice on Saturday at 9 p.m.
      "There are sure to be some great costumes and party animals out and about this night. So get the kids home early, hide the candy and come on out for some fun of your own," Scott Guptill said. Justice has Scott Belisle on bass and backup vocals; Todd Dunn, lead and rhythm guitar; Gary Greeno, lead vocals; Mike Stella, drums; and Mr. Guptill, rhythm guitar and backup vocals.

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Ongoing
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has "live music every night we're open, starting between eight and nine pm" with open mic night scheduled most Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.
      Click here for more info.

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MORRISVILLE--River Arts holds a Farmers and Artisans Market at the River Arts Center every Wednesday from 3 - 7 p.m.
      Click here for more info.

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ST. ALBANS--Shooters Saloon sponsors an open-mic night every Thursday and scheduled music on some other evenings.
      Call 802.527.3777 for more info or booking requests.

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ST. ALBANS--Twiggs offers Music to Dine By with relaxed music and the arts. They have three stages with live piano, violin, or light guitar any day of the week in the dining room, the Window, or the main stage. The Cabaret offers live performances by musicians, visual artists, poets, and more. Piano Night is every Monday night at 6 pm. The regular Open Mic Night repeats next Wednesday and on the first Wednesday of every month. Vern Colburn is Live on the Piano on Friday Nights, Dayve Huckett on the guitar on the first and third Saturday, and and additional performances by Abby Road, Bobby Cee, Mint Julep, Sean Ashby, and Sean Casey.
      Call 802.524.1405, email, or click here for more info.

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Plan Ahead
BURLINGTON--The Vermont Youth Orchestra is assembling a mass choir from high school choruses throughout Vermont for a collaborative performance of Dvorak's choral masterwork Te Deum with full orchestra and professional soloists at the Flynn. The concert will take place Sunday, January 31 with rehearsals held in January.
      A participation fee of $5 will cover the partial cost of the vocal score. Click here for more info.

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CREATIVE SUMMIT

MONTPELIER--The inaugural Vermont Creative Network Creative Summit will be held at the Vermont College of Fine Arts on Wednesday and Thursday, November 4-5. The VCN will explore "creativity at play" in Vermont through discussions of helping creatives and their economies thrive now and into the future. Sessions include Advancing Vermont’s Creative Sector, Building Creative Independence in Vermont, Data + Stories = Impact, Social Media Myth Busters, and much more.
      The Swanton Arts Council is telling its story at the summit.
      Pre-registration is required. Click here for more info.

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ON THE BOOKSHELF

      ArtBits features a quick weekly peek at the bookshelf or night stand of the folks you know in and around Franklin County. That popular feature has a page of its own at the Franklin County Bookshelf here on the AAC site.

SUPPORT LIVE ARTS IN YOUR TOWN!

All Arts Council of Franklin County

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