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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BANNED BOOKS
A panel of librarians, writers, politicians, and book lovers will join Ms. Rupp discuss the issue that is sweeping the country. Are there books kids shouldn't read? Should a book be taken off the shelves based on the writer's past behavior, or religious or political views? All of these questions and more at this educational event. Click here for more info.
Banned Books Week is right around the corner, culminating September 28 with Let Freedom Read Day.
The American Library Association condemns censorship and defends each person's right to read and to have free access to information. The has ALA documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023--a 65% surge over 2022 numbers--as well as 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources. Their list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books keeps us aware of the most egregious attempts at censorship in libraries and schools.
ART ON THE WALLS
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features "It's in the Air" by Judith Selin. She won the Golden Artists Colors Best Work by Artist New to the Gallery. It is in the Land & Light & Water & Air exhibit and on Facebook.
The gallery has exhibits of the landscape painters of New England. The main showcase in Jeffersonville is open Wednesday-Sunday 11 - 4 and the Stowe Gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11 - 5, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 6. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists Guild Art and Stroll Festival has over 75 art and craft vendors and live music on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The MAG art center and gallery in Milton Square is open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The Vermont Abenaki Artists Association features certified fine, decorative, and performing artists officially labeled as "American Indian" under Federal law. Nature photographer Diane Stevens recently won Best in Color at the Seaba Artists Exhibit. Click here for her story and a look at her work.
ART YOU CREATE
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library offers Tea and Bristles with Julie Griffis at the library on Tuesday at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The step-by-step painting class for all skill levels leads to a painting of autumn woods. The cost is $25 for materials and snacks. Registration required.
DANCE
All dances are taught. No partner required. No experience required, and new students are always welcome. Bring your water bottle. Classes will continue every Tuesday through July 30. Admission is free, but donations to Island Arts are appreciated. Call 802.372.3418 to register (drop-ins are also encouraged) or click here for more info.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
The MAG art center and gallery showcases the work of over 145+ artist members in Milton Square behind the Milton Post Office. They are open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
FILM
RICHFORD--The Richford First Baptist Church hosts a workshop on Screenwriting and Producing a Faith-based Film with a screening of Stand in the Gap on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. Food at 4:30 and film at 5. Special guests Steven and Beth Zambo of Salty Earth Pictures have a 30,000 square-foot studio in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HUMANITIES
The VHC series, American Stories Across the Generations, focuses on the book Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary at the North Hero Public Library on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Call Caroline Korejko (802.372.5458) or Click here for more info.
Isaac Evans-Frantz and Neda Saleh talk about how Action Corps mobilized the bipartisan passage of a bill in Congress to end the U.S. and Saudi war in Yemen live online and at Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro on Wednesday at 7 p.m. "Register for this free event" for the link to the stream. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or click here to register and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library Revisits Dorothy Canfield Fisher with a presentation by Ben Koenig on Saturday at 1 p.m. Was Fisher the eugenicist that revisionists claim or has her good name been maligned for political correctness? The owner of the Country Bookshop in Plainfield will discuss her life, her writings and his extensive research. He raises important questions about making judgments today, the dangers of going viral on the internet, and how to navigate the complexities of judging a person's life. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Osher Lifelong Learning Institute continues the Fall weekly program series with the Past, Present and Future for the Franklin County Airport presented by Clifford Coy in the Greg Brown Lodge at Hard'ack on Wednesday at 11 a.m. The talk will review the history of our airport from a grass landing strip to the paved runway to the significant improvements of the last two years as well as the facilities available for maintenance and repairs and the "learn to fly" opportunities.
This semester will offer eight lectures, held from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Wednesdays through October 30. A St. Albans series membership is $40 individual/$70 couple for all eight events, or $8 per program if purchased individually. Call 802.656.8407 or Email f or registration questions. Click here for more info about OLLI and here for "the biggest little FBO around."
NETWORKING
BARRE--The Vermont Arts & Culture Disaster and Resilience Network hosts a Day of Learning and Information for artists, event organizers, keepers of culture and more at the Barre Elks Lodge on Tuesday at 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Click here to register and for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
The cost is $35. Click here for more info for tickets and more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Lisamarie Charlesworth leads Learn to make Artist Trading Cards at Bryan Memorial Gallery on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Artist Trading Cards are small artworks, created using layers of different materials, collages, and other techniques. The three rules of ATCs: they are no larger than a playing card; they are never sold; they are always traded or given as gifts. The cost is $40. Click here to register and for the suggested materials list.
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 begins a new, four-workshop series, Creative Art Series for 60+ Seniors, with art instructor Jen Volansky on Tuesday at 5:30 - 8 p.m. Classes will be held each Tuesday through October 22. Ms. Volansky will guide students through diorama, collage, writing, clay, and painting.
Tuition is $120. Click here to enroll and for more info.
COVID NEWS
The number of cases in Vermont continues to rise. 26 Vermonters died from COVID-19 in August, six in the last week alone. There have been 1,186 total pandemic deaths as of August 31. The number of COVID cases is elevated and rising with 360 cases reported in the week ending August 31, up from 284 the prior week.
Vermont's wastewater monitoring has shown shows that COVID-19 continues to increase among state residents. According to the Vermont Department of Health, wastewater data shows some of the COVID-19 in the community "because an infected person sheds into the water no matter if they're sick or not." The number of emergency department visits with COVID has also increased since June, in lockstep with the wastewater virus detections. Obviously those of us on septic systems (mound systems, tanks, or cesspools) are not included in the data so the actual numbers are higher.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends multiple vaccines, including the new COVID-19 vaccine and an updated flu shot. Medicare continues to cover vaccines without cost sharing. Most adults with health insurance and all children can continue to get the vaccine without cost-sharing. Vermont's universal vaccine program covers the cost of the COVID-19 vaccines at all primary care offices for adults without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover all costs. At the end of September, we will be able to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov.
My own plan remains unchanged, especially since our precautions have waned and the current KP.3 variant dodges all but the most up-to-date 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 everywhere 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.
ON STAGE LIVE
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro summer series has come to a close and the Paddle has moved "indoors." They host George Murtie for Acoustic Thursday Indoors this evening at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Jamie Lee Thurston will play a special free acoustic show at Twiggs on Thursday at 7 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.
Friday, September 13
NORTH HERO--Lucky Ron Gagnon plays "one man band magic" on the heated Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm hosts a special Witches Ball to benefit the Champlain Islands Parent Child Center on Friday at 6 p.m. There will be live music, gourmet food, fine wine, and prizes under the vineyard tent. Click here 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.
Friday-Sunday, September 13-15
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows this weekend, starting with the debut of FYSPOT for late night music starting at 9 p.m. 90 Proof returns live on Saturday night starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in September. Roger Giroux plays Friday at 5:30 p.m and Uncle Jimmy drives in live on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--Kraemer & Kin family brewery has two days of music every weekend in September with Chris & Issy on Friday and the Remnants live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. Lixx kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Blues Without Borders on Saturday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills a "trio" weekend with Live Music in September. The John Daly Trio plays Friday. The Duncan Macleod Trio performs live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale has a weekend of music at Champlain Country Club with Sarah Bell on Friday night, then Ryan Hanson live on Saturday night. Music starts at 7 p.m. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to close every day with pub fare from nachos and chicken wings to salads, burgers, salmon, and chicken to dinner options and libations.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Blue Heron with Ethan Sawyer and Martin Fredrick on Friday and Cooie sings live on Saturday night. 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.
Saturday, September 14
ST. ALBANS--Northwest Farmers Market fills Taylor Park with live music, handmade crafts, locally grown food, prepared foods, free kids activities on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Seth Yacovone Band brings their bluesy northern rock to the outdoor stage at Martell's at the Red Fox on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Acoustic pop band All Without the Bass returns to the 14th Star Taproom stage live on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue finishes the summer season with the Nobby Reed Project on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--VFW Post 778 presents 90 Proof for an evening of singing and dancing upstairs on Saturday at 7 p.m. $10 cover. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, September 15
NORTH HERO--The Duo--John Seiden, and Neil Wright--returns with rock, country, and jazz to the heated Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
WESTFORD--The Westford Music Series presents the Buck Hollers at Westford Common Hall on Sunday at 4 p.m. The quintet brings guitars, bass, keyboard, banjo, harmonica, percussion, and four-part vocal harmonies to a repertoire of rockabilly, Americana, country, bluegrass, and folk. Admission is by donation. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
The Fairfax Reads Book Group discusses all the books they read over the summer this evening at 6:30-8pm. It's a chance to share the books you loved, books that disappointed, and the ones still sitting on the night stand. They will also give out copies of the first group read for the fall, Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, by Barack Obama.
Tech Help on Saturday at 9 - 11 a.m. offer help with individual tech questions. Ask questions and/or bring in a device. Call to reserve a half hour time slot, or drop in.
Tea and Bristles with Julie Griffis on Tuesday at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. is a step-by-step painting class for all skill levels to a painting of autumn woods. The cost is $25 for materials and snacks. Registration required.
FAIRFIELD--Bent Northrop Memorial Library has a Pop-Up Book Discussion of Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half on Tuesday at 6:30-7:30 pm. The New York Times best-selling novel explores identity, family, and race through the lives of identical twin sisters. The library has extra copies available
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library Revisits Dorothy Canfield Fisher with a presentation by Ben Koenig on Saturday at 1 p.m. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library has a banned book panel and two book clubs this week.
The monthly SPL Book Club meets to discuss We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates on Monday at 5 p.m. The rich novel of family life and love examines themes of free will, evolution, gender, class, spirituality, forgiveness, and the nature and purpose of guilt. Click here for more info.
But I Progress takes up Madame Restell by Jennifer Wright on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The true story of a self-taught surgeon and trail blazing figure in the Gilded Age in New York. The readings generally focus on writers who "identify as women, with particular attention to Women of Color and nonbinary women, who are under represented in literature. Today women's works are priced lower, more seldom purchased, and not receiving proper credit." There will be snacks, reviews, discussion, ideas, and good conversation. Click here for more info.
The Banned Books and Ousted Authors panel with Becky Rupp plus librarians, writers, politicians, and book lovers will meet on Wednesday at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Click here 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.
