| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | November 13, 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.
... FROM THE ARTBITS DESK ...
E-Mail Delivery
Sign up to receive the free weekly ArtBits
newsletter by e-mail
or by RSS feed.
Today is World Kindness Day.
Highgate is the place to be this Saturday with three different fairs. ART FOR SALE
HIGHGATE CENTER--The Highgate Library and Community Center hosts the 21st annual Highgate Fall Craft & Vendor Show at Highgate Elementary School on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Email for more info.
HIGHGATE CENTER--The Methodist Church Craft Fair fills the Carolyn's Methodist Community Center on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The day will include a bake sale and a luncheon.
HIGHGATE FALLS--The Highgate Manor hosts the Kids' Entrepreneur Craft Fair on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Local kid-preneurs will sell their handmade goods, tasty treats, art, crafts, and clever inventions. "Shop small. Dream big." Email or find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library and the National Endowment for the Arts opens the Gratitude Art Show at the library with an Opening Reception on Saturday at 1 - 2 p.m. The show which celebrates "appreciation and thankfulness for the good things in life" will run through January 3 during regular library hours. ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Maple Run Art Show begins at Collins Perley Sports Complex on Tuesday at 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. The selection of artwork includes student artists from all over the Maple Run School District The show continues through November 23 and can be viewed any time during normal hours.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on digital and mixed media artist Barbara Flack. 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.
STOWE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features Blue Mountain Lake, NY, a large painting 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, Thursday, and Sunday, 11 - 4 and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 5. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
GEORGIA--Awaken Yoga and Creative Arts Studio presents the Full Buck Moon Paint Night on Friday at 5:30 p.m. The event can be attended in person at the studio of virtually via Zoom. There will be instruction of easy painting techniques. All supplies provided, including deer and various wildlife stencils. In person, the also event includes homemade snacks. Responsible BYOB is permitted. ART YOU CREATE
The cost is $20 - $80. Click here for reservations and more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the Winter Light Paint & Sip with Vermont artist Evie Mason on Friday at 6 - 8 p.m. It will be an evening of cool hues, quiet beauty, and creative warmth in a relaxed watercolor session. The cost is $65. River Arts provides the beverages and all supplies and materials. No experience is necessary. Click here to enroll and for more info.
FAIRFIELD--Hearthside Handcrafts meet at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Fiber arts and crafting enthusiasts connect to share skills and create memories every month. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Community Rec Department hosts a free Senior Paint and Tea with Victoria Vining on on Saturday at noon. The free class for Seniors (ages 60 and over) follows a step-by-step process to paint a picture. Tea and coffee will be available. Email to sign up or for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard and Once Upon a Rock host the Hello Fall Pebble Art Workshop on Sunday at 12 noon. This workshop will use pebbles, rocks, stones, driftwood, and lake glass to create artwork. From framed pieces to candle holders, each piece is unique. They provide guidance and inspiration; what you make will be completely your own creation. The cost is $35. Click here for tickets and more info.
FAIRFIELD--Bent Northrop Memorial Library hosts a Pumpkin Crafternoon to craft a paper roll or book page pumpkin as a unique centerpiece on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts Yarn & Yak with Kelli Shepherd on Wednesday at 5 - 7 p.m. The free, drop-in workshop is for projects to knit, crochet, or craft with fiber. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required.
ENOSBURG--The Richard E. & Deborah L. Tarrant Foundation and the Vermont Community Foundation present the film Gone Guys at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls this evening at 6 p.m. Doors at 5:30. Boys and young men are steadily disengaging from school, work, and the broader society. The documentary draws on the work of Richard V. Reeves' Of Boys and Men, to illuminate their challenges through powerful data and compelling personal stories. A community discussion follows the film. FILM
Admission is by donation. Click here to watch the trailer and click here or find them on Facebook to reserve tickets and for more info.
ONLINE and SOUTH BURLINGTON--Vermont Humanities continues Vermont Reads with The Light Pirate Book Discussion online and at South Burlington Public Library on Saturday at 1 p.m. Melissa Lang will lead the discussion of Lily Brooks-Dalton's meditation on the beauty and violence of an untamable wilderness. The Light Pirate is already the 7th-most popular Vermont Reads book in the 23-year history of the one-book reading program. 79 community organizations are hosting projects in 70 different Vermont communities with more to come. HUMANITIES
Call Mira Geffner (802.846.4140) or click here for more info or here to join the Zoom discussion.
HIGHGATE--MVU's annual Skit Nite '25 is finally here. The evening of laughter, creativity, and school spirit fills the Trahan Theater for two nights,, Thursday and Friday, at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30. The MVU tradition brings families and community together for hijinks and low laughs plus a bake sale and a 50-50 raffle to benefit the senior class banquet. Admission is $10 at the door. THEATER
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library hosts two card workshops and a collage experience for the holidays. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Cardmaking with Barb is in the Maker Space of the library today at 2 - 4 p.m. All supplies are provided but feel free to bring your own glue and scissors. The card making workshops take place the first Thursday of each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call or email Barb Switzer (802.752.7917) or the Swanton Library , to register or for more info.
The Artful Adventures in Collage takes a deep dive into "cut and paste" at the library on Saturday at 2 p.m. The collage workshop will use paper, scissors, glue, and fabrics to create a new work of art. All materials are provided. Click here for more info.
Then join Abbey for Watercolor Christmas Cards at the library on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Participants will make three cards. All supplies are included. Email or click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts Beginner Theorem Painting with Martha Kinney on Saturday at 1 p.m. The historic New England art form uses stencils to create crisp and intricate images on textured backgrounds. The cost is $35 which includes all materials. Pre-registration by messaging the pub is encouraged. Find them on Facebook to register or 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.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts offers Beginner Punch Needle Rug Hooking with Roberta Wendel on Wednesday at 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Ppunch needle pushes loops down from the back of the work. Since it works on the back with the hoop, it does not require a second hand underneath. Learn the art of punch needle rug hooking with a small make and take punch needle mug mat that can be made in an afternoon. Click here to reserve a spot and for more info.
Thursday, November 13 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS--The Collins Perley Sports Center and the St. Albans Rec Department present the USAF Airmen of Note live in the Collins Perley this evening at 7 p.m. The United States Air Force Band's touring big band was created in 1950 to carry on the tradition of the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra. The Glenn Miller sound has remained central for the 18 professional jazz musicians.
Admission is free. Click here to reserve free tickets and here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with George Murtie 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 14
COLCHESTER--Bare Bones plays acoustic in the live and free Friday Night Live Music at the Spanked Puppy indoors on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Friday's gonna be wild at 14th Star this week.
Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots play the Taproom on Friday at 6 p.m. John Geno, fiddle, guitar, sax, keys and vocals; Kevin Connelly, guitar, keys, harmonica and vocals; David Long, drums and vocals; and Ryan Finney, bass; play an eclectic variety of music, from classic rock to AC/DC to country like Charlie Daniels, and everything in between. Find them on Facebook for more info.
14th Star has the Legends of American Hardcore Punk, with MDC, Urban Waste, Philly's hardcore Soji, plus Vermonters Black Axe, Augrah, and Corrupt World all in The Room on Friday at 7 p.m. Admission to this show is $20 (cash only). 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--Tim Brick & the Enablers return to Sparky's for an evening of country rock 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--Quadra returns to the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. The Band of Brothers--Moe, Marc, Mike, and Matt--bring 45 years of rock and roll. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, November 14-16
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows Friday night, Dan Parks at 5 p.m., followed by Sticks & Stones for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Better Angels 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 November. Dave Vallett plays 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 November. The Duncan MacLeod Trio plays Friday. The Stragglers 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. Jaded Ravins take the stage on Friday and Tim Fitzgerald 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 Rockin' Ron Gagnon on Friday and Phil Graziano 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 15
SOUTH HERO--Summer Sounds favorite Carol Ann Jones sings Happy Birthday (and a whole lot more) to help Mandy Hotchkiss celebrate at the Blue Paddle Bistro on Saturday evening at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. There will be door prizes and treats. There will probably be cake. "There's always something happening at the Paddle." Reservations are a good idea. Click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Cambridge Arts Council and the Bryan Gallery present David Francey live in concert at the gallery on Saturday at 7 p.m. With four Juno Awards and three Canadian Folk Music Awards, the Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter has become one of Canada's best folk poets, storytellers, and singers. Admission is $25. Click here or find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
ESSEX--Justice 3 returns to Park Place for some "crazy fun" in their only November show on Saturday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place hosts Gift Rap, a Hip Hop Toy Drive with live performances by emcees from Vermont, Maine, New York and beyond on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Bring a new unwrapped toy for the Lamoille Family Center Holiday Project. DJ Kanganade, Faxohzrd, Vazy, Spacey Jones, Big Homie Wes and Samuell Guihan, Modist, NMG Cory?, and Roc'Tha Dopn & Tolo all join Moog's to help families with their holiday wish lists. Admission is $10 or free with an unwrapped gift. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, November 16
ST. ALBANS--Church Street Sounds of the Season presents Frevo at the First Congregational Church on Sunday at 3 p.m. The contemporary quartet of Peter Matthews, guitar; Wendy Matthews, flute; Bonnie Klimowski, cello; and Steve Klimowski; clarinet; cover the globe from the Beatles to world music, jazz, classical, and pop. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Monday, November 17
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company hosts the Lakeshore Community Event Series the Singer-Songwriter Competition at 14th Star, beginning on Monday at 6 p.m. 24 singer-songwriters including Frank Erickson, Owen Leavey, Blake Matteson, Cece Murphy, Dan Parks,Tod Pronto, and Andy Samara, will compete weekly for a live studio album in Nashville, studio time at West Street Digital, a Taylor electric acoustic guitar, gift certificates, and more. The Rachel Bissex White Light Fund as added cash prizes paid directly to the top 3 finalists. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, November 18
SOUTH HERO--Doug's Open Mic Night features Jeff Shelley at Two Heroes Brewery on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Local songwriters and musicians take the stage every other Tuesday. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, November 19
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.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
8084 -- 40 Years of Rock is a rockumentary of pure 80s energy for the international band from Vermont's anniversary. You will believe Andre Maquera can fly. NW Access produced this experience on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there for Rockin' For Jason: A Jason Barney Benefit Concert with the Blue Rock Boys, Second Hand Blues, and Uncle John’s Band, all rockin' for a great cause on November 1, 2025. There is still time to contribute. It's on YouTube.
A UK fan created this video for Serene by the Nobby Reed Project. "I have wanted to include this type of instrumental on my CDs and it finally happened," Mr. Reed said. It's on YouTube.
ORCA broadcast the Montpelier Parks 2025 Parkapalooza on August 23, 2025. The music starts with D. Davis and Marc Gwinn about 39 minutes in. It's on YouTube.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library Reading & Discussion Group takes up Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The novel's parallel narratives follow aviator Marian Graves who disappeared and actress Hadley Baxter who is cast to play Graves in the film Peregrine about her final flight. The novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the Women's Prize for Fiction. Find them on Facebook for more info. 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--T.W. Baker will sign his debut novel Next In Line at the The Eloquent Page on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. "Welcome to Mortar and Pestle RX, where prescriptions are filled, patience is tested, and absolutely nothing goes according to plan." The satire of customer service culture and workplace dysfunction comes from a writer with over 20 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. The good news is that book orders are filled, Donna Howard is patient, and everything goes according to plan at the Eloquent Page. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts two book groups this week.
The Tuesday Night Book Group to discuss Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See on Tuesday Evening at 6 p.m. The historical novel was inspired by the true story of a female physician in 15th-century China. 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 the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The semi-autobiographical first-person narrative has been banned and challenged frequently for profanity, sexual references, and violence as well as allegations of misconduct by the author. The Book Group meets after hours at the library. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--St Paul's United Methodist Church hosts Sue Reed Jette and illustrator Amy Roberge Boylan for a Book Reading and Signing and Q&A for Violet's Wish on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The handmade book was published by Comfy Corners and is available at Tipsy Daisy in Swanton.
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 ... |
||
Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
||
Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
email us
|
This article may also have originally been published in the traditional print media. It is Copyright © 2025 by Richard B. Harper. All rights reserved.
Archival material is provided as-is. Links are not necessarily maintained (if a link in this article fails, try Google.com or your favorite search engine). Thanks to recent misuse of copyright material on the Internet by individuals and archival firms alike, we emphasize that your rights to this article are limited to viewing it and printing it for personal use only. You must receive explicit permission from the All Arts Council and the author before reprinting or redistributing this article in any medium. Visit our Trademarks and Copyright page for more information. |