| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | February 19, 2026 |
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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ART ON THE WALLS
MORRISVILLE--The new Northern Vermont Artists Association Member Show opens with 34 new pieces at River Arts on Saturday. The overall theme is of all paintings by local artists in watercolor, acrylic, or oils. This is the first NVAA exhibit at River Arts. The exhibit runs through April.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on the landscapes, sky-scapes, and wildlife of acrylic artist, muralist, and photographer Natalie Larocque. 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 Mikel Wintermantel whose work is "inspired by the Luminist Artists of The Hudson River School." 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 closed until March for winter break. 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.
ART YOU CREATE
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company hosts two art events this week.
The Pet Portraits Paint n Sip with Linda Oakes Carvalho is this evening at 6:30 p.m. Register for the class, email a clear image of your pet, and show up. All supplies are included. Food and beverages are available from 14th Star and Black Radish. The cost is $50. Click here or find them on Facebook to register and for more info.
The February Paint-Your-Own Pottery Pop-Up with Maple Glazed Pottery in the Room is sold out on Sunday at 10 a.m. The cost of $25 includes one piece of pottery, glazes, instruction, and kiln firing. Walk-in painters welcome until 1 p.m. although there may be a wait for a seat. Email or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Museum hosts an Historic Paint & Sip, guided by Painting With Linda Oakes Carvalho to paint a still life of artifacts from the museum collection, in the Bliss Room on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 12 noon. No experience is necessary for the free morning workshop. All materials are provided. Space is limited. Click here to register or click here for more info.
The Paint & Sip is a companion event to the afternoon talk about Vermont's Historic Theater Curtains.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library's Creative Creatures meet to craft Clay Bells on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Hand shape polymer clay and then paint the chiming little result. The program is an opportunity try new crafts and meet other creative people. The group for young adults and up will try out several different seasonal and non-seasonal crafts. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--Coffee and Crafts meets at the Highgate Library and Community Center on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Materials and a hot coffee, tea, or cocoa are provided by HLCC. The program runs every Tuesday morning and is free adult library patrons. Email or call the Library (802.868.3970) to register and 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.
FILM
JEFFERSONVILLE--Friday is Free Movie Night for Sita Sings the Blues at 60 Main Arts on Friday at 7 p.m. The Hindu goddess is in exile with her husband, the prince Rama, in this American, animated, musical, rom com-drama. There are treacherous woods, a demon king, ogres, a kidnapping, and a golden hind. The musical interludes were voiced with tracks by Jazz Age singer Annette Hanshaw.
CALL FOR SINGERS
ST. ALBANS ALL MALE A CAPELLA GROUP--The group practices at the Masonic Lodge on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. No experience necessary. They will provide learning tracks for the songs and will work with the group every week to help teach parts and work on our choral sound. All are welcome. Email Jim Walsh for more info.
GATHERINGS
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild Queer Art Club on Sunday at 10 a.m. The free, drop-in workshop is for projects to work on or to take a 30 minute art demo. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required. Click here for more info.
FAIRFAX--Sarah Barnes leads Sketchbook Club at the Fairfax Community Library on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The relaxed space is open to all ages and all skill levels to draw, try new art media, and build an artistic community. Bring your own supplies but materials will be provided.
HUMANITIES
ST. ALBANS--The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Spring 2026 Registration is open. Pre-registration is required and "early bird registration" ends today. Walk-in registration will no longer be accepted. The weekly series will offer eight lectures, mostly on Thursdays, beginning March 5 with the Nature of Weather Patterns. 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 to register.
ONLINE--The Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Committee presents Kevin Tolan to discuss Vernal Pools, the second installment of the 2026 Online Speaker Series, on Zoom on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Tolan is the staff biologist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Click here to register for the zoom link and for more info about the speaker series.
ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Museum and Vermont Humanities present SAM Talks: Vermont's Historic Theater Curtains with Christine Hadsel in the Bliss Room on Saturday at 1 - 3 p.m. The theater curtains were artistic features of most Vermont stages in town and grange halls, opera houses, and community theaters from about 1880 until World War II. The Director of Curtains Without Borders provides a glimpse into the world of talented and often sophisticated artists who were part of the rural cultural scene. Click here for more info.
Vermont's Historic Theater Curtains is a companion event to the Historic Paint & Sip with Painting by Linda.
ST. ALBANS--The Traveled Cup hosts Coffee & Conversation to discuss the FY27 Maple Run School Budget with School Board Vice-Chair Charlie Brooks on Saturday at 9 a.m. The informal coffee chats give community members a chance to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn more about the proposed budget ahead of Town Meeting Day. There will be one more gathering on February 28.
FAIRFAX--Stone's Throw Pizza & Cafe hosts a Coffee Hour to discuss the pressing issues of the day on Saturday at 9:15 a.m. This week's conversation will focus on accessibility to health care. They will choose one issue each week for all participants to voice their views, learn from each other, and attempt to find common ground as a basis for working together. Local, state and national issues will all be in play. Green Mountain Indivisible "welcomes and values all sides coming together."
ONLINE-- Clemmons Family Farm has released another free special edition of the Windows to a Multicultural World K-12 curriculum. For the Love of the Land includes lesson plans with videos, coloring pages, and handouts for Black History Month. The lesson packages will be available online for free use through March 31. Click here for more info.
THEATER
HIGHGATE--MVU hosts Cabaret Night in the Trahan Theater this evening at 6:30 p.m. Step into an evening of music, energy, and spotlight moments the dynamic musical theater and jazz showcase presented by the students in a family-friendly performance.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
FAIRFIELD--Heart and Soil Farm begins the Thursday Night Art Series with Meagan VanWoert to lead the Canvas Bag Paint & Sip Night this evening at 6 p.m. Each bag will come with a pre-sketched design. The cost is $50. Click here for tickets or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Joanne Delaney leads a Beginner Drawing Class in the "basement" creative space at ReMarketVT on Saturday at 9 a.m. She will introduce the tools. Participants will learn and practice shapes and the techniques to make them look 3D plus shading techniques, and eye-hand coordination skills. The cost is $50. Click here to sign up and for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts a Theorem Painting Class with Martha on Saturday at 1 p.m. The historic art form dates back to the early 19th Century. It uses stencils to create crisp and colorful images on a textured background. The cost is $35 and includes all materials. Email to reserve a spot or click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts (SMArts) hosts two classes each week.
Community Drawing Night has a live model on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The cost of $10 per person or less includes a "split model fee."
Creativi-Tea Tuesdays with Karen Winslow uses watercolor, gouache, and pastel pencils, and include tea and cookies on Tuesday at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The cost is $30 per person, seniors free.
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.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, February 19
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 Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with Adlai Waxman live this evening at 6 p.m. for "a piano bar-style evening with a perfect setlist." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, February 19-21
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Devon McGarry tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Chris & Erica at 5 p.m., and then Sticks and Stones returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Just Us at 5 p.m., and the Kwame Vibe DJ at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, February 20
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.
ENOSBURG--The Smokey Newfield Project takes the stage for the first time at the Rail Trail Pub on Friday at 7 pm. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Jericho Road Crew plays the Winter Wine Down Music series at Snow Farm Vineyard Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. The music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Friday. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents Sleeveless Tease live on Friday at 5 p.m. "Come for dinner and drinks and stay for the music." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots return to the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, February 20-22
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Tournesol takes the stage on Friday and Mike Mac plays live on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in February. Bob Cseh plays Friday at 6 p.m. and She Was Right is live on Saturday a little early at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Kippincoe featuring Kip de Moll on Friday and XX 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, February 21
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents the Misty Bay Ramblers Live at the Pub on Saturday at 6 p.m. The acoustic duo of Todd Gevry and Flora Hurteau play folk, Irish, country, bluegrass, rock, and alt rock. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Bridgerton Masquerade Ball takes over the Highgate Manor with the splendor of the Regency era on Saturday at 6 p.m. The evening offers elegance, intrigue, and romance with dinner and dancing. Dress in your finest period attire. Click here or find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
BURLINGTON--The Young Tradition VT Touring Group performs a special Valentine's Day concert at the North Star Community Hall on Saturday 2/14 at 7 p.m. Led this year by Ethan Tischler and Alex Kehler, the ensemble of musicians from Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, and Quebec, will be touring Sweden in April. Admission is by suggested donation of $20 at the door. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot presents Nashville's Morgan Myles for an intimate acoustic show live on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6:30. The soul-country singer-songwriter is known for her five-octave range and top-three finish on The Voice. Her latest album, Laced, was released this month and she will perform those songs live. Admission is $25-$35. Food for purchase and cash bar will be available. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
MONTGOMERY--Tim Brick and the Enablers return to The Snow Shoe Lodge "for night of country rock goodness" ON Saturday at 9 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, February 22
KEY COLONY BEACH, FL--The KCB Community Association Concerts in Sunset Park series continues with Stormfront live in the new tiki in Sunset Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. Free. The radio rock band plays crowd favorite hits from the 60s through the 90s. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, February 25
SOUTH HERO--Emily Darcy takes the stage at Two Heroes Brewery live on Saturday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--Sage Machia hosts Country Karaoke Nights at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday at 7 pm. The boot scootin' boogie happens every Wednesday. 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.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 13 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV aired the award winning Valentine's Day episode of Recapping The Arts produced by the Swanton Arts Council. (First place in Alliance for Community Media - Northeast Region in 2021). It's on YouTube.
Summer Sounds favorites Carol Ann Jones & the Superchargers played the Jig in the Valley in 2017. It's on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library offers Books & Bedazzling this evening at 5 p.m. The evening offers crafting, food, and reading with plenty of supplies. Be sure to bring a book that could use some extra sparkle. Materials and refreshments provided. Call (802.849.2420) or email to register.
FAIRFIELD--Franklin County Photogs hosts a virtual Zoom group on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly to share and learn about photography. Join the Zoom Meeting with passcode: 311344 or click here for the Zoom link and more info.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Discussion Group meets for The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner this afternoon at 2 p.m. The semi-autobiographical 1943 novel chronicles the nomadic, often impoverished family life in the American West of the early 20th-century. The title is rooted in the folk song about a mythical paradise.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center has muffins, books to lend, and books to sell.
The Muffin Monday Senior Social Hour continues 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.
The library Book Sale begins next week and continues through March 7. There will be adult fiction and nonfiction, children's books, games, puzzles, and more. All proceeds benefit the library.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page has two events this week.
Local writer Julia Greenshaw will sign her debut fantasy novel, Knave of Sands, on Saturday at noon. The fabric of reality breaks down around a thief who wants more than gold, prince who wants true freedom, and a seer who wants to survive in the Southern Realm of the Sentinel. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Mystery Book Club meets for Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T.A. Wilberg on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The fresh take on the Agatha Christie-style locked-room cozy begins late at night in 1958. There is a warning letter, an empty room, a murder, and a friend framed. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries to discuss The Maidens by Alex Michaelides this morning at 10:30 a.m. The psychological thriller follows a group who becomes obsessed that a Greek tragedy professor who leads a secret society of female students has committed a series of murders at Cambridge University. 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.
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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