| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | November 6, 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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Make a day of it in Franklin County on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ART FOR SALE
ENOSBURG--The Annual Crafts Only Show will fill the Opera House at Enosburg Falls with over 30 vendors on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lunch is served by donation and they have a donation raffle. Click here for more info.
GEORGIA--The Georgia United Methodist Church holds the annual Christmas Craft Show and Bake Sale with two rooms chock full of handmade crafts and decor, from hand-painted ornaments/decor, paintings, wool hats/slippers, quilted items, and much more, all on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be a bake sale all day and lunch items will be available.
SHELDON--The Sheldon 34th annual Craft Show will have more than 40 vendors with local crafts plus lunch and a bake sale at Sheldon Elementary School on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bring in a non-perishable item for the Sheldon Food Shelf and enter for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on fabric artist Donna Blatchly, kiln-formed glass artist Cherie Marshall, mixed media mosaicist Shanna Ratner, and photographer Wayne Tarr, plus Haylie Lanfear of the AIR Young Artist Recognition Program, 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.
MILTON--The 21st annual ArtFest will fill the Milton Artists Guild on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The ArtFest has art and handcrafted gifts from over 135 local artists, live music, the Wine Wall Raffle plus other raffles and prizes, a wne tasting by Maquam, and catering by Adam's Table.
The MAG art center and gallery showcases the work of artist members in Milton Square behind the Milton Post Office. They are open Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and closed Monday and Tuesday. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
MORRISVILLE--The 2025 NVAA Fall Show at Copley Gallery opened this week and continues through January 5 at Copley Hospital.
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. ART YOU CREATE
MILTON--Sylvia Oblak leads a Paint and Sip of Camel's Hump in Autumn at the Milton Artists' Guild this evening at 6 p.m. No experience is necessary for the step-by-step along path to a Vermont fall painting. All materials are supplied but do Bring Your Own beverages and snacks. The cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Click here to register and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--ReMarket hosts a free Card/Gift Tag Making session on Saturday afternoon at 1-3 p.m. Attendees can create one of a kind cards and gift tags using stamps, printmaking, drawing, and collage. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SINGER-SONGWRITER COMPETITION (Now)--Lakeshore Community Event Series and 14th Star Brewing Company invite 24 singer-songwriters to compete at 14th Star every Monday from November 17 through December 8. Multiple prizes include a live studio album in Nashville, studio time at West Street Digital, a Taylor electric acoustic guitar, gift certificates, and more. The "Artist Registration Fee" is $30. Click here for rules, guidelines, and to reserve a spot or find them on Facebook for more info. CALL FOR ARTISTS
ALBURG--The American Legion offers Beginner Line Dancing Lessons on Friday at 6:15 p.m. The class will use a mix of country and pop music for the latest dances and more with step-by-step instruction. No prior dance experience needed. Admission is by $5 donation which goes to groups and organizations that serve Franklin and Grand Isle counties. Find them on Facebook for more info. DANCE
SWANTON--The Swanton Central School presents Screenagers 2 in the Cafeteria on Wednesday November 12 at 5:30 p.m. The impact of this digital age has led to rapid increases in levels of mental health challenges. The series of four documentary movies bring students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders together to learn and start conversations about these important topics. Screenagers 2 is for parents and students in grades 4-6. Dr. Harris Strokoff will lead the community discussion. FILM
ST. ALBANS--NWATV has sealed the coffin on the 13th Northwest Nightmares Film Festival. And the Golden Crypts went to: Bloody Bender for best picture, best editing, and best sound design, Dead End Job gave the best scare. Please Be Kind Rewind Part 3 gleaned best acting and Part 2 had best cinematography. Best production design went to The Cat & The Cucumber, best screenplay to Psychopathogen, best makeup/costume to Miss Mary Mack, and best special effects to It Goes On. Watch all the films on YouTube.
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Best in Show on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. The tension is palpable in the comic mockumentary that follows owners to the Mayflower Dog Show. 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.
ST. ALBANS--Osher Lifelong Learning Institute concludes the Fall weekly program series with with Professor Luis A. Vivanco, Chair of Anthropology at UVM, to discuss A Thinking Person's Guide to Watching Wildlife Films in the Greg Brown Lodge at Hard'ack today at 11 a.m. The interactive, participatory lecture will trace the history and background of wildlife films. HUMANITIES
This semester has offered eight lectures, mostly on Thursdays. A St. Albans series membership is $40 individual/$70 couple for all eight events, or $10 per program if purchased individually. Call 802.656.8407 or Email for registration questions. Click here for more info.
ONLINE and MIDDLEBURY--Vermont Humanities presents scholar, writer, and performer Andrew Ingall; podcaster and filmmaker Gail Golec; and other special guests tell the stories and legacies of LGBTQ+ Vermonters in Looking Back/Moving Forward: Vermont Stories of LGBTQ+ Caregiving & Community online and at the Henry Sheldon Museum on Saturday at 1 p.m. Watch live on YouTube . Call Coco Moseley (802.388.2117) or click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts holds a Pre-Holiday Handwriting Tune-up Clinic with professional calligrapher Chris Carfaro today at 5:30 p.m. In the days of commercial cards and computer printed envelope labels, this clinic introduces basic writing techniques with simple (and not so simple) ways to improve handwriting and shows how to decorate the envelope. The cost is $30 with pre-registration preferred. Click here to register and for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library has workshops for writers and for crafting this week.
The Swanton Arts Council sponsors Intro to Macrame with Allie Chapple at the library on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The class for all skill levels will make mini macrame wall hangings. Free. Call the library (802.868.7656 or Click here to register or for more info.
Writer, memoirist, and storyteller Bill Schubart will lead Write Your Life at the library on Saturday at 11 a.m. Mr. Schubart will show how to write a life story or a family history. Attendees will get a free copy of the hardcover DIY autobiography The Book of Myself. Email or call Becky Rupp or (802.733.7471) or Abbey Gaudette or (802.868.7656) for more info.
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.
Thursday, November 6 ON STAGE LIVE
NORTH HERO--Starting today, the North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week kicks the series off with Dave Miller live this evening at 6 p.m. "Great music, some singalongs and just a whole lot of fun." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday, November 7
COLCHESTER--The Puppy gets jerborned as Jerborn and Jaden play the live and free Friday Night Live Music at the Spanked Puppy on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--MVU and the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi present Supaman & Element in the Trahan Theater on Friday at 6:30 p.m. An Apsaalooke rapper, war dancer, and hip hop artist, Christian Parrish as Supaman spreads a message of hope, pride and resilience. He is on tour around the country. Admission is free. 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.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents McMaple live on Friday at 8 p.m. "Come early for dinner and drinks and stay for the music." The venue has extended their hours, now opening every day at 11 a.m. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-12 midnight, and Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post rocks into the holiday season with the Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, November 7-9
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows Friday night, the Duncan MacLeod Trio at 5 p.m., followed by Swamp Frog 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.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub celebrates a big weekend!
The Pub Turns One with a big party on Friday night from 5 - 10 p.m.! Celebrate their birthday with Rosie Newton live at 6:30 p.m. There will be a quilt raffle, cupcakes, and party hats and more. BYOB. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Pub hosts their first Bluegrass Jam on Saturday at 6 p.m. All instruments and skill levels are welcome. Come to play or to learn. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in November. Kyle Stevens leads Karaoke on Friday and the Stragglers perform live on Saturday night. 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 November. The Coane, Rowell & Schabner play Friday. O and Schu (Dave Ogrodowczyk and Mike Schuster) perform live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Third Wheel, the Jeff and Gina Trio, take the stage on Friday and David Karl Roberts plays live on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Cooper, Bob Recupero, on Friday and George Murtie 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, November 8
ISLE LA MOTTE--Island Arts and the Isle La Motte Recreation Department present the Top of the Mountain Blues Band in a free afternoon concert of blues, country, and Americana music at Isle LaMotte United Methodist Church on Saturday at 1 p.m. Marie Ragan, vocals; John Marino, guitar, slide guitar, harp, and vocals; and Bruce Leclair, bass, cigar box slide guitar will reflect on "our diverse cultural heritage, telling stories through music." Admission is free. Click here for more info.
ESSEX--The legendary 8084 returns live to the T-Rex Theater at the Double E on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Summer Sounds favorites Andre Maquera, Randy Smith, Frank Barnes, and Gary Spaulding have rocked for 42 years and counting. We may all be a little grayer but Mr. Maquera can still levitate off the stage. The Billboard and international award-winning group has performed their original music and high-energy covers with Blue Oyster Cult, April Wine (at Floodstock), Warrant, Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Henry Lee Summer, and many others. Click here for tickets and find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot's Karaoke Party hosted DJ Lady Livy kicks off on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Food for purchase and cash bar will be available. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, November 12
ENOSBURG--Sage Machia hosts Country Karaoke Nights at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday. The boot scootin' boogie happens every Wednesday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
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.
Most libraries will be closed on Tuesday for Veterans' Day. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library presents writer, woodcarver, and NPR essayist Tim Brookes to discuss his new book, By Hand, on Saturday at 11 a.m. The founder of the Endangered Alphabets Project thinks about how the First World is abandoning handwriting for the keyboard--I type this column into a word processor, for example. He notes that a startling number of people are now ashamed of their own handwriting.
After the 1999 accident, Stephen King handwrote the first draft of the manuscript for the novel Dreamcatcher. He noted that writing by hand connected him to the story in a way his word processor never does.
Call the library (802.285.6505) or email for more info.
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--It's a busy week at the Eloquent Page.
The True Crime Book Club meets to discuss When the Moon Turns to Blood by Leah Sottile on Friday at 6 p.m. The book dives into Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, and the killings of Tylee Ryan and J. J. Vallow, The title comes from the Book of Revelation during which the moon is prophesied to turn blood red. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Local writer Maryanne Wood will sign her spiritual book, We Need A Voice, at the Eloquent Page on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The book uses narratives and reflections, for a journey beyond the physical realm. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Wicked by Gregory Maguire on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is a darkly illustrated fantasy novel and the first in Mr. Maguire's Wicked Years series. The novel was adapted for the Tony Award-winning musical Wicked. Find them on Facebook 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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