| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | October 9, 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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Banned Books Week began last Sunday and culminates October 11 with Let Freedom Read Day. The theme is " BANNED BOOKS WEEK
CensorshipIs So 1984. Read for Your Rights." We can find freedom in the pages of a book but book bans and censorship threaten not only our freedom but also other rights and institutions.
"We have public spaces like public libraries and public schools, which must contain a well curated library by professional librarians, collections of books that have lots of different subjects and speak to many, many different readers," award winning writer Laurie Halse Anderson said. "We have to stand up for our freedom to read."
The American Library Association condemns censorship and defends each person's right to read and to have free access to information. The ALA documented 821 attempts to censor library books and other materials in 2024, down from the 1,247 demands of 2023, but 2,452 books were challenged or banned in 2024. Their list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books keeps us aware of the most egregious attempts at censorship in libraries and schools.
Read for your rights. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on photographer Sarah McGarghan, painter, sculptor, and jewelery creator Longina Smolinski, and pottery sculptors Gillian Ireland and Deb Shell 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.
MONTGMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts the third annual People's Art Show with an Opening Reception on Friday at 5 - 8 p.m. The non-juried and uncensored group exhibition celebrates all forms of creativity, diversity and imagination. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park is showing Fall colors. Visit before their season ends on Saturday. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Masonic Lodge holds its Fall Harvest Craft Fair rain or shine on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be pull tabs, a 50/50 raffle, and about 16 craft vendors. ART FOR SALE
FAIRFAX--The United Church of Fairfax hosts the Fall Paint Class with Joanne Delaney on Saturday at 10 a.m. This class is "designed to inspire creativity and bring out the inner artist" of seasoned painters and curious beginners. The cost is $45. All proceeds go to the UCF Building Fund for renovations to the historic space. Call 802.370.4985 or Email to RSVP. Click here for more info. ART YOU CREATE
FAIRFIELD--Hearthside Handcrafts meet at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Fiber arts and crafting enthusiasts connect to share skills and create memories on the second Saturday of each month. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Recreation Autumn Adventures for Seniors program led by Victoria Vining offers Paint and Tea with Victoria in the Emergency Services Building on Saturday at 12 noon - 1:30 p.m. Ms. Vining will leads participants through the step-by-step process to paint a picture. Tea and coffee will also be available. Admission is free for anyone age 60 and over. Email to sign up and for more info.
MILTON--Paint and Sip Sunflowers with Sylvia Oblak fills the Milton Artists' Guild on Sunday at 3 p.m. All materials and supplies included. Bring your own beverages and snacks. The cost is $35 for members or $45 for non members. Click here to register and for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the October "Paint & Sip Autumn Glow" with Evie Mason on Friday at 6 p.m. The evening of warm tones, cozy connection, and creative flow will be a relaxed watercolor session. The cost is $60. Click here to enroll and for more info.
NORTHWEST NIGHTMARES (October 17)--The area's only film festival calls aspiring filmmakers to submit work for the big screen and "a rabid audience of home-grown horror fans." Awards and prizes include Best Picture, Best Scare, Best Acting, Best Cinematography, Best Costume/Makeup, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design, Best Screenplay, Best Sound Design and Best Special Effects. Click here the complete filmmakers' guide. CALL FOR ARTISTS
SWANTON--The Maple Squares of St. Albans square dancing club host a free night of lessons at the Swanton Free Public Library on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. New dancers are encouraged to attend. No partner needed. Call 802.393.1336 or 802.582.0455 for more info. DANCE
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Recreation Autumn Adventures for Seniors program led by Alice Reighley continues Intro to Jazz Dance in the Emergency Services Building on Tuesday at 1;30 p.m. Senior Jazz class is a low-impact way to keep active. It will improve balance, posture, and strength. Admission is free for anyone age 60 and over. The program continues on Tuesdays through October 28. Email to sign up and for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburg Business & Community Association and Enosburgh Recreation will Paint the Town Pink. FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
The spooky spoof Witches and Warlocks Fight Cancer fills the Opera House on Friday at 6 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door and includes hors d'oeuvres. There will be a cash bar. All proceeds from the door will be donated to the Franklin County Area Cancer Network. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
The Luminary Walk fills Lincoln Park with light on Sunday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Comic Con is here. The Rail City Fan Fest brings pop culture with entertainment, shopping, trading, cosplaying, gaming, and more at Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fan Fest is an all ages event. Day passes $12, weekend passes $20, and kids under 12 get in free. Click here for tickets and more info.
Tickets for the 13th annual Northwest Nightmares Film Festival will be available at Fan Fest.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center Fall Harvest Festival, Saturday at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Paint a pumpkin, touch a tractor, frolic with farm animals, meet new library director Betsy Fournier, and more. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard hosts its annual Grape Harvest Festival with live music with the Buck Hollers throughout the day on Sunday at 12 noon - 4 p.m. There will be a community grape harvesting (and stomping!), wagon rides, tastings and craft beverages, local food, and a campfire. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Wallace & Gromit and the Curse of the Were-Rabbit on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. The film brings the cult favorite to mainstream audiences. Wallace is a cheese-loving, inventor in a small village in rural Great Britain. His sole companion is his brilliant-but-silent dog, Gromit. The free presentation includes the show, the popcorn, cocoa, and tea. This showing is an after-hours event. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info. FILM
BARRE--The Vermont History Center hosts Hidden Heritage: The Vermont Indian Community, 1790-2010 with Dr. Fred Wiseman in an Indigenous People's Day Celebration in the Community Room on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more info. HUMANITIES
SHELDON--The Sheldon Historical Society presents Jeffrey Brace: Revolutionary War Soldier and Slave at Sheldon Community Memorial Center on Saturday at 1 p.m. Brace was a significant historical figure whose life led him to Sheldon. The brief presentation outlines his life from his boyhood capture in Africa and his time serving in the Revolutionary War, to his fight for his military pension and more. Refreshments will be served. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library presents Soulspun Kitchen with Erin Moulton at Franklin Homestead on Sunday at 1 - 3 p.m. Community and church cookbooks are treasures that give us a glimpse of female groups encapsulated in a place and time. Attendees are encouraged to bring a cherished cookbook or recipe to share with the group. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--The EBCA presents the spooky spoof Witches and Warlocks Fight Cancer at the Opera House at 6 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door and includes hors d'oeuvres. There will be a cash bar. All proceeds from the door will be donated to the Franklin County Area Cancer Network. THEATER
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Bryan Memorial Gallery hosts the 2025 Fall Plein Air Retreat with T.M. Nicholas and Leo Mancini-Hresko beginning Sunday and continuing each day through Saturday, October 18. Each day of the plein air retreat will be filled with learning, painting, lectures, demonstrations, community, and more. The retreat includes daily meals, artist demonstrations/instructions and group critiques. The cost is $1,550 for members. Click here to register and for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week.
Julie Jones will teach Brushstrokes & Hashtags: Social Media Made Simple an online workshop this evening at 6-7 p.m. The hour will cover the basics Instagram and Facebook, explore content strategies, and share tips for growing engagement. Artists will learn how to use social media to build an online presence, connect with the audience, and promote their work effectively. The cost is a $0-30 donation. Click here to sign up and for more info. The Zoom link will be sent via email.
Social Sunday continues at MAG 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 offers first session of the craft workshop Macrame 101: Tie Your Way In with Karen on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The beginner-friendly workshop will cover essential knots and techniques while crafting a whimsical macrame bat hanging. The cost is $30. Click here to register and for more info.
Thursday, October 9 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.
Friday, October 10
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub presents Americana/roots musician Evan Barber live on Friday at 6 p.m. After sharing the stage with Chris Stapleton, Blackberry Smoke, Jason Isbell, and the Drive-by Truckers, his songs are sketches of the American South. 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. The series continues with Dan Jarvis in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. The Færie Godbrothers take the stage on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The show will have originals and covers of Americana, roots, bluegrass, jazz, and soul. Click here for more info.
SHELDON--Frevo returns to Summer Music at Grace at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m. Featuring Peter Matthews, guitar; Wendy Matthews, flute; Steve Klimowski, clarinet; and Bonnie Thurber Klimowski, cello; the quartet offers fresh arrangements of music old and new.
Admission is free but a generous donation supports the musicians. Bring your own beverage, a picnic to enjoy before the concert, and a dessert to share. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents the country rock of Tim Brick and the Enablers live on Friday at 8 p.m. "Come early for dinner and drinks and stay for the music." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post welcomes the return of Barbie N Bones on a wild Friday night at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, October 10-12
ST. ALBANS--The Depot has a double header weekend.
The Karaoke Party hosted by DJ Lady Livy kicks off on Friday night at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Crowe Hill Band plays live on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Created in the hills of Sheldon, the rock & roll band brings a twist of country. The cash bar will be available as well as food for purchase. $5 cover. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows Friday night with Sibling Reverie at 5 p.m. followed by an equestrian weekend with Bad Horsey for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Magnetic Horse 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--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Dan Parks 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.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Resort Fall Music Series fills Saturday nights and Sunday night for Columbus Day weekend with the Shane Murley Trio on Saturday and Dale & Darcy on Sunday afternoon Music starts from 4:30 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
Saturday, October 11
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 Buck Hollers play to the Missisquoi River Basin this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents Dinner and Music with Patton and Jones on Saturday at 6 p.m. Carol Ann Jones and Will Patton play the last [outdoor] music event of the season. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts their first Bluegrass Jam on Saturday at 6;30 p.m. "Are you an experienced picker? A new learner? Just don't like all the racket of drums?" Come on out. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Libraries will be closed on Monday. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
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.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts two book groups this week.
The Tuesday Night Book Group will discuss Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Boy from a house silenced by tragedy meets meets spirited, luminous, and ambitious girl. Darkness past surfaces. The group reads an eclectic mix of titles and meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Copies are available at the circulation desk. The Book Group meets after hours. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
The Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss All Boys Aren't Blue by journalist and activist George M. Johnson on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The young adult non-fiction "memoir-manifesto" is a series of essays following Johnson's journey growing up in Plainfield, New Jersey, and Virginia. The Book Group meets after hours at the library.
Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
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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