| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | December 11, 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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ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls hosts a magical night of holiday classics, laughter, and community spirit with the Christmas Follies variety show on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6. The family-friendly showcase will have local singers, dancers, and performers on stage with skits, vignettes, and music inspired by White Christmas, Elf, Frozen, and more, plus carols and holiday cheer. Admission is: $15 for those 12-62 and $12 for veterans and all others. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info. THEATER
MONTGOMERY--The 11th annual Holiday Craft Show will fill Montgomery Elementary School on Saturday 12/13 at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Montgomery PTCO show features work by 50 local artisans and crafters plus specialty foods producers. Breakfast and lunch will be available to help fund the annual 8th grade trip to Washington DC. Free admission and parking. Email for more info. ART FOR SALE
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts the Silver and Gold Artist Social and Holiday Swap at the Swanton Free Public Library on Thursday at 5 - 7 p.m. Bring a wrapped art creation for the Holiday Art Swap and stay for the conversation and cookies.
ST. ALBANS--The Collins Perley Holiday Craft Fair takes over the Sports and Fitness Center on Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon - 6 p.m. each day. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Greentara hosts a Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday at 2 - 7 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be one-of-a-kind handmade gifts by 13 artisans, artists, crafters. The Hive Cafe will be right out front. They are also collecting food and warm coats for the Grand Isle food shelf.
ST. ALBANS--Oops. Weather conditions last Thursday postponed the featured artist reception until today. ART ON THE WALLS
The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on fiber artist Janice DeCooman, graphic artist, teacher, and stained glass creator Lindsay DiDio, watercolorist and mixed media artist Dorothy Goulet, and folk artist Sally Tarr 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.
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 every day in December, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Christmas. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Once Upon a Rock host a Pebble Art Workshop on this evening at 6 p.m. 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. ART YOU CREATE
The cost is $35. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info for tickets and 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 on the second Saturday of each month. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library & Community Center hosts Coffee & Crafting on Tuesday at 2 p.m. The free, new adult program will provide materials each week for crafty patrons. Call the library (802.868.3970) for more info.
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. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Home Alone on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Eight-year old Macaulay Culkin is accidentally left home alone over the holidays. What could possibly go wrong? 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
ST. ALBANS--The Artist in Residence Gallery now offers new workshops in the "basement" creative space at ReMarketVT. This week, Karen Mulkey will lead the Holiday Pin, Pendant or Ornament Workshop on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Participants will create a special holiday project using copper as the base, and decorated with added materials or punch impressions. The cost is $60. Click here to register and for more WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts a Slate Etching Workshop with Barb in the Maker Space of the Swanton Free Public Library on Saturday at 1 p.m. All supplies are provided. Space is very limited and pre-registration is required. Call or email Barb Switzer (802.752.7917) or the Swanton Library , to register or for more info. Click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--The River Arts three-workshop series, Watercolor: Beyond Basics 02, with Vermont artist Evie Mason concludes with Session 3 on Wednesday at 6 - 7:30 p.m. The intermediate workshop will focus on layering and glazing techniques, color mixing, brush control and edge work, creating depth, light, and atmosphere, and composition and storytelling. Some prior watercolor experience is recommended. All materials provided, or "feel free to bring your own favorites." Tuition is $40 for a single workshop. Click here to register and 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.
ONLINE--Northwest Access TV presents Alex Foltz for Episode 3 of Foltz Studio, the live series of outdoor oil painting lessons. This episode finds him at Gallagher's Dairy Farm in St. Albans and on YouTube. The Highgate native who now lives in the state of Georgia teaches viewers the art of plein-air oil painting across different landscapes in Vermont. The appears weekly on YouTube channel and to Franklin County Comcast subscribers on channel 1079 on Mondays at 5 p.m.
ST. ALBANS--The top three finalists--Cecilia Murphy (3rd place), Koa Phoenix (2nd place), and Blake Matteson (1st place) along with finalists Andrew Lafrenz, Andriana Chobot, and Tod Pronto--put "on an amazing display of artistry, poise, grace, and talent" to conclude the Lakeshore Community Event Series Singer-Songwriter Competition in The Room at 14th Star Brewing Company this week. They have won a live studio album in Nashville, studio time at West Street Digital, a Taylor electric acoustic guitar, gift certificates, and more. Find them on Facebook for more info. ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, December 11
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro often hosts Acoustic Thursday on Thursday evenings at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts the Fall Music Series. This week, the series continues with Stewart Foster 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.
Thursday-Saturday, December 11-13
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Jesse Agan tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Sibling Reverie at 5 p.m., and then Bad Horsey returns with the Christmas Spirit(s) starting at 9 p.m., plus Happy hour live on Saturday night with Tim Brick at 5 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, December 12
ENOSBURG--Laura Fedele-Rasco returns "to play all your favorite songs" at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday at 6 pm. Find them on Facebook for more info.
BURLINGTON--Vermont ACDA presents the Mid-Winter Madrigal Festival at the First Congregational Church on Friday at 7 p.m. Participants include BFA Fairfax and MVU. Cameron Brownell is guest conductor. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors/students; or $20 for a family of 3 or more. Tickets will be on sale at the door. Click here for more info.
JOHNSON--Moog's Joint has a weekend of music with Django Soule on Friday and the Seth Yacovone Blues Trio on Saturday night in the Live Music Lineup. 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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post starts the Christmas party with Sticks and Stones on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
ST. ALBANS--DJ Lady Livy continues the Depot's Karaoke Party on Friday night at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Food for purchase and cash bar will be available. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, December 12-14
SOUTH HERO--"Amen! Go tell it!" The Grand Isle Community Chorus Concerts fill the Congregational Church with the 60 member Grand Isle County Chorus on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. This year program includes Silent Night, Noel, and the Nutcracker. It is the 20th year that Mary Jane Wirsing and Chris LeDuc have led this chorus. Admission is by donation; a portion of those donations will benefit the Champlain Islands Food Shelf.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in December. Bob & Mona play Friday. The Smokey Newfield Project performs 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. The Jeff Salisbury Band takes the stage on Friday and Mike Mac--Strange Machines front man Mike MacDonald--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 Roger Giroux takes the stage 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, December 13
ST. ALBANS--The First Baptist Church hosts a Carol Ann Jones Holiday Concert and Sing-Along on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The evening will have music and merriment and a bake sale by donation. Tickets are $15 at the door. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Harbor of Hope and Music & Memory. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls hosts a magical night of holiday classics, laughter, and community spirit with the Christmas Follies variety show on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6. The family-friendly showcase will have local singers, dancers, and performers on stage with skits, vignettes, and music inspired by White Christmas, Elf, Frozen, and more, plus carols and holiday cheer. Admission is: $15 for those 12-62 and $12 for veterans and all others. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
Sunday, December 14
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard continues a series of Sunday Jazz Piano afternoons with Lesley Becker on Sunday at 3 p.m. Gentle jazz melodies drift through the tasting room. Click here for more info.
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.
ST. ALBANS--The Northern Nightingale, Renee Juliette, performs on the Forever Young stage at Spotlight Vintage on Sunday at 2 - 3 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Tuesday, December 16
SOUTH HERO--Doug's Open Mic Night comes to Two Heroes Brewery on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Sign up in-person only from 5 - 5:30. Open Mic happens every other Tuesday. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, December 17
ENOSBURG--Sage Machia hosts Country Karaoke Nights at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday at 5:30 pm. The boot scootin' boogie happens every Wednesday but you do not have to sing only country songs--just that you get to dress up. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post Ugly Sweater Party has Charlie Rice on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The former lead singer of Downpour wants the ugliest sweaters. Find them on Facebook for more info
SWANTON--Located in the historic Champlain Theater building, the Green Mountain Bistro has live music every Wednesday night from 6 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday, December 18
PLAN AHEAD--The annual MVU Winter/Alumni Concert will feature the MVU Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Mastersingers, plus alumni in the Trahan Theater next Thursday, December 18. Admission is free.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
NW Access TV was there for the BFA-St. Albans String Festival in the BFAPAC on November 3, 2025. 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.
NW Access TV was there for the Youth Talent Show at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls on October 18, 2025. It's on YouTube.
Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton sang Christmas at Dunrovin and on Facebook on December 10, 2025. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library Reading & Discussion Group takes up Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen in celebration of her 250th birthday on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Her second novel of manners was published in 1813. 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--The St. Albans Free Library Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss nineteen minutes by Jodi Picoult on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The fourteenth novel by the American writer unfolds a school shooting in the small town of Sterling, New Hampshire. The novel was one of the 52 books banned by the Alpine School District in Utah and, as of this year, was the book most sanctioned by US school districts. 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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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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