| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | May 15, 2025 |
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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Today is World Bird Migratory Day.
SWANTON--Art on the Refuge, a World Migratory Bird Event, will include a plein air painting demonstration with Corliss Blakely at the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Sunday at 10 a.m. ART ON THE WALLS
Experience the beauty of the refuge through the eyes of internationally acclaimed, seventh generation Vermont artist as she paints live on-site. Ms. Blakely will share her techniques, materials, and artistic vision while creating a landscape painting. It's a chance to ask questions, get inspired, and see the refuge come to life on canvas. Find them on Facebook for more info. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on potter Deborah Shell. The art and fine craft cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 38 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.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features the unique oil painting, Bird Song on the Columbine Trail, by Michael Glier. It is in the Stowe gallery 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 through Sunday, 11 - 5. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--Tipsy Daisy offers Paint & Plant, as the gardening take-off on a Paint n' Sip at the Rail Trail Pub on Saturday at 4 p.m. This event is SOLD OUT. Pick out a new houseplant, create a new terra cotta pot and enjoy. The cost is $25. Email or find them on Facebook for more info. ART YOU CREATE
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts a Paint & Sip with Jordan Bushey on Saturday at 5 p.m. The relaxing Saturday evening painting session costs $35 which includes all painting supplies and materials. Bring your own sip! Find them on Facebook for more info.
94th JUNE SHOW (May 31)--The annual NVAA June Show at Visions of Vermont in Jeffersonville is fast approaching. June show artists are expected to sit with the show and handle sales which means being able to process a credit card or take a check. Drop off artwork on Saturday, May 31, at 10 a.m. - noon. Click here for more info. CALL FOR ARTISTS
HIGHGATE--MVU hosts the Electric Youth Dance Company Spring Recital in the Trahan Theater on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. DANCE
MORRISVILLE--The Dance at River Arts series continues with Steps across Styles with choreographer Taryn Noelle on Sunday at 1 p.m. This session will offer East Coast swing, salsa, merengue, and more in a mix of Latin and swing styles. The series is for beginners to intermediate dancers and is open to all ages. The cost is $15 single or $25 for a couple. Click here for more info
ST. ALBANS--Zach Scheffler and Franklin County Film Club host a screening of the award-winning documentary No Other Land at the Welden Theater on Monday at 7 p.m. Admission is $10. Watch the trailer on YouTube or click here for advance tickets. FILM
ST. ALBANS--Maple Run hosts a community screening of the new documentary Just Getting By by Vermont filmmaker Bess O'Brien at BFA-St. Albans on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. The film looks at the lives of Vermonters facing food and housing insecurity. Vermont has the second-highest rate of homelessness in the U.S., and nearly one-third of Vermonters struggle with food access. The issues affect people in our community. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Museum kicks 2025 into high gear with the Decades: Season Launch Party on Saturday at 7 p.m. This is a costume party. Dress up from any decade between 1920-2020 and experience a world where the decades blend together. SAM promises "good conversation, dancing, and memory-making." HUMANITIES
Already a member? Admission is free for members or $25 for non-members. Everyone needs a ticket, available here . Cash bar. "Bring your wallet and attend with generosity in mind." Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Vermont Humanities continues the Reading & Discussion series with Seminal Statements of American Values at the North Hero Public Library this afternoon at 5 p.m. This event will focus on The Declaration of Independence. Call Caroline Korejko (802.372.5458) or click here for more info.
ONLINE and NORWICH--Vermont Humanities continues the weekly Snapshot Series with Amherst Professor Ilan Stavans to discuss On Forgetting in the Norwich Public Library Community Room and online on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Remembering is an obligation: we are who we are thanks to memory. Yet it is forgetting that allows us to navigate through life. "Register for this free event" for the link to the stream. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or Click here or here to register and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot hosts the Burlesque Act Development series with Doctor Vu beginning Sunday at 1 p.m. and continuing for four Sundays through June 15. The workshop series guides performers through the essential elements of crafting a solo burlesque act as well as a group number. Each session builds upon the prior week with hands-on exercises, technique work, discussions, and peer feedback. There will be a showcase on June 20. The cost is$100 for the 4 week series. Click here for tickets or find them on Facebook for more info. THEATER
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. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
The Life Became Very Blurry podcast documents the day-to-day life of Vermonters from health care workers to families during the pandemic. It's a unique piece of history documented by the Vermont Historical Society. The podcast is narrated by Vermonters themselves. There are state leaders, doctors and people who caught COVID-19. Six of the eight episodes are out so far, with new ones dropping on Fridays. COVID NEWS
Life Became Very Blurry is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
COVID-19 is still here. Variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continue to emerge. Vermont's wastewater monitoring shows that concentrations are low in Burlington, Essex Junction, Ludlow, Middlebury, St. Albans, and South Burlington but Montpelier is elevated.
My own plan remains unchanged, especially since our precautions have waned and the current LP.8.1 variant shows higher immune resistance than other variants. 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.
Thursday, May 15 ON STAGE LIVE
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro often hosts Acoustic Thursday on Thursday evenings at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's hosts a Blues Jam night with the Vermont Blues Society, this evening at 6 - 9 p.m. The Blues Jam will continue on the first and third Thursday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, May 15-17
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with the Uncle Jimmy Duo tonight at 7 p.m. two shows Friday night, Sibling Reverie at 5 p.m., and then Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots return for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Moonbird plays live on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Thursdays with Jason features Dee Davis on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. Bushey/Bedell take the stage on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays with Jason happens once a month when Jason Lee invites another musician on stage for a musical conversation. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, May 15-21
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in May. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. The John Lackard Blues Band plays the night away on Friday. Hammer Lane Highway drives in on Saturday. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Jim Charonko is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, May 16
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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post presents Barbie-n-Bones to dance the night away on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, May 16-18
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's celebrates with a two day Anniversary Bash on Friday and Saturday. They will have "tons of things to raffle of and give away." Friday offers a chicken BBQ from 4 - 7 p.m. Chris & Erica kick off the live music at 5 and 90 Proof brings the energy starting at 8. Saturday picks back up with hot dogs and hamburgers from 1 - 3 p.m. Jerborn starts rocking the house at 5 and Swamp Frog will rock right up until the end of the night. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in May. Dan & Sean Jarvis play Friday and the Smokey Newfield Project is live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in May. The Shane Murley Band plays Friday. O & Schu (Dave Ogrodowczyk and Mike Schuster) perform live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. Blues without Borders kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Karaoke with Jenny Red on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Laura Fedele Rasco on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Ethan Sawyer on Friday and Dave Miller is back 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, May 17
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. Tom Bisson plays and there will be Vermont Up-Close Magic this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--All Without The Bass is back at 14th Star for a night of live music in The Room on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, May 18
WESTFORD--The Westford Music Series presents Frevo in concert in Westford Common Hall on Sunday, at 4 p.m. Bonnie Thurber Klimowski,cello; Steven Klimowski, clarinet; Wendy Greenwald Matthews, flute; and Peter Matthew, guitar; have made FREVO a perennial favorite. The event is by donation at the door and also features a covered pie raffle. Click here for more info.
Monday, May 19
MONTGOMERY--Montgomery Town Hall hosts the Monday Night Improv Comedy Jam with Tam Lantz on Monday at 6:15 p.m. "What better way to end the start of your week than with making up some silly scenarios that will leave you and your scene partners rolling on the floor" This drop-in class works on the magic of manifesting scenes from only a one word suggestion.
Improv is a team sport. Your teammates navigate through games and practice scene-work in a comfortable environment every Monday from April 14-May 19. the recommended donation is $5-15/class, or similar barter. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FAIRFAX--Sort of like being in a library: The Fairfax Community Library Silent Reading Party takes place in the library on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. "Book group too much of a time commitment, but still want to meet other readers?" Bring any book you like, and settle in for an hour of silent reading with fellow book lovers. Afterward, discuss the books over refreshments. Registration is appreciated but not required. Call 802.849.2420 or Email to register. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Discussion Group meets to discuss The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Beatriz Williams, and Lauren Willig at the library on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. The multigenerational novel about missed opportunities and long lost love, and forbidden love begins in 1945 when a critically wounded captain is brought to a private hospital in Manhattan. Call the library to reserve a copy of the book to participate.
FRANKLIN READS--Stock the FCS book cart for summer vacation. Bring your gently used children's books to the Spring Concert today. Book donations are also being accepted at the Dick Wright Pub for the rest of the month.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center continues the Muffin Monday Senior Social Hour on Monday at 10 a.m. The program is a community connect to brainstorm opportunities for senior support. Each week will also include coffee and tea, as well as fresh pastries. The program will run every Monday morning and is free for anyone 55 and older. Registration is mandatory as space is limited. Call the Library (802.868.3970) to register and for more info.
SHELDON--Writer Terry Lovelette signs his books and talks about nature, reverence, life and growing up in a small town at his Book Signing at the Sheldon Historical Museum on Saturday, May at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The native of Sheldon Springs has written Down-Back Personal Essays and Poetic Thoughts from a Good Ole Boy, Thoughts from a Walk: Green Mountain Musings, and In Praise of Eagle Mountain.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page hosts Stan Mayer to sign and talk about For Victims Who Survive on Saturday at 1 p.m. The story of the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 follows Mr. Mayer who had turned from an office window where he saw a Ryder truck parked in front of the Murrah Federal office building only a split second before the bomb propelled him across the room and into a life he never imagined. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries to discuss The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman this morning at 10:30 a.m. The group reads a variety of mystery genres and meets the third Thursday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library will reopen on Tuesday with an updated heating and cooling system. The library has continued services including books to borrow, computer and printer use, games, and hangouts at the Methodist Church. Click here or find them on Facebook for popup events through the community and for more info.
Two Swanton Free Public Library book clubs meet this week. Stop by the church or call to reserve a copy of either book.
But I Progress takes up Bait and Switch The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream by Barbara Ehrenreich on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The writer goes undercover to explore the shadowy world of the white-collar unemployed. 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 monthly Romance Book Club meets to discuss Seven Days in June by Tia Williams on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in a a one-off book club meetup. The book follows a famous writer who reconnects with her long-lost love, also a bestselling writer, at a book conference. It's not an easy reunion. 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.
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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