| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | February 26, 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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TOWN MEETING DAY
AROUND FRANKLIN COUNTY--Tuesday, March 3 is Town Meeting Day across Vermont. The creative economy needs a strong public-private partnership to keep our communities thriving. That's why many Towns and all schools have arts issues, public concerts and music programs, and library support as line items or incorporated in their budgets. Please attend Town Meeting and vote.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on seamstress, woodworker, and glass artist Cherie Marshall. 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.
ART YOU CREATE
FAIRFIELD--Hearthside Handcrafts meet at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Fiber arts and crafting enthusiasts bring their own projects and connect to share skills and create memories on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the Creative Circle Cafe on Sunday at 10 a.m. The monthly gathering encourages a relaxed, exploratory making rooted in collage and other, gentle experimentation in drawing, mark-making, writing, stitching, mixed media, and more. Each session begins with a creative prompt to spark ideas. The cost is free by suggested donation of $10-15. Click here to enroll and 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 two events this week.
Gallery director Shea Harvie leads Let it Flow: An Abstract Paint and Sip to "enjoy the process of letting intuition lead the way, embracing spontaneity, and discovering how colors, textures, and movement can guide your creative choices" at MAG on Friday at 6 p.m. The cost is $35. BYOB. Click here for more info.
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.
BENEFIT EVENT
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts an afternoon Poker Tournament to benefit the Franklin Arts Department on Sunday at noon-4 p.m. The 24 player Texas Hold 'Em tournament has a $50 buy in ($25 donation, $25 paid out). No rebuys or add ons. Click here or drop by the Pub to register. Click here for more info.
DANCE
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Manor offers Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The class will teach progressive dance rhythms to varied genres of today's music. Line dance is not limited to country music. No experience needed. Bring clean, dry shoes to change into and dance in. Admission is $10 per class. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
BURLINGTON--Cead Míle Failte. The 31st Burlington Irish Heritage Festival multi-day celebration of Irish culture begins Sunday and continues through St Patrick's Day. Look for an Art Show, the Community Ceili dance, a Pub Irish Singalong, the 'Slow' Music Session, a lesson in the (Irish) Gaelic, Children's Crafts, the Instrument Petting Zoo, a Book Sale, and concerts at City Hall and the Hotel Vermont, history at South Burlington Library, and more. Most events are free or by donation. Click here for the schedule, tickets, and more info.
FILM
JEFFERSONVILLE--Hard to sing in the snow. Friday is (rescheduled) 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.
GATHERINGS
FAIRFIELD--Bent Northrop Memorial Library will host an Open House directly following the Town Meeting on Tuesday. It will be an opportunity to join together for coffee, tea, and goodies, chat with the librarians and neighbors, and check out (heh) the ongoing Book Sale. The group meets monthly to share and learn about photography. Click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--The River Arts Open Studio continues A Community and Wellness Space for LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Allies on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Admission is free. The program creates "an inclusive, affirming, and creative space that promotes connection, belonging, and wellness through art and reflection." Participants can engage in themed art-making, journaling, and discussion together.
The Open Studio will continue every other week through May 27. Click here for more info.
HUMANITIES
JERICHO--Vermont Humanities continues Vermont Reads with The Light Pirate Book Discussion at the Deborah Rawson Memorial Library today at 6:30 p.m. Peter Burns 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. Call Kay Burde (802.899.4962) or click here for more info.
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 gatherings on February 28.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs hosts the VNA & Hospice for Death, Dying and Danishes on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The open community discussion will have light refreshments, coffee, and tea. Bring your own mug. The evening is free and open to the public. Call Mary Pleasant (802.442.0540) or email for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MORRISVILLE--River Arts offers two workshops this week.
Lulu Wootton leads Relief Printing on Linoleum on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This course for home studios artists will focus on the carving spontaneous relief forms on Linoleum in mono-color to use with black ink. The cost is $120 with pre-registration preferred. Click here to register and for more info.
Abbyanne O'Sullivan begins the three-week Parade Heads: Building Silly, Strange and Spectacular Faces on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The workshop will use foam core and reused materials to "explore mask-making through an architectural lens." It continues on March 11 and 18. The cost is $110. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--ReMarketVT offers workshops in the "basement" creative space. This week, Becky Fagga will lead the Watercolor Workshop on Saturday at 9 a.m. The hands on, beginner-friendly workshop will start with an overview of basic watercolor techniques and then put those techniques into practice by painting two bookmarks and a watercolor card. The cost is $50. Click here to register and for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Arts Department continues the Three Part Painting Series: Franklin Scenes with Jordan Bushey at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday at 2 p.m. The class will work through all the steps to paint Franklin scenes. The cost is $40 per class which includes all materials. Join for one class, or all three. Free registration is available for folks 65+ through a grant from the Vermont Arts Council. Email to check scholarship availability. Click here or stop by the Pub to register. 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. The free Seniors class meets on the first Tuesday of each month.
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 26
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 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.
MONTGOMERY--The Snow Shoe presents Tim Brick for a live, acoustic show this evening at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, February 26-28
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Bob Cotton tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, WD-40 at 5 p.m., and then the McMaple Band returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Jesse Agan for a solo show at 5 p.m., and TBA at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, February 27
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Telescope Club for live music in the Taproom on Friday at 6 p.m. Khaya and Noah are on an ambitious "30 Stops in 30 Days Tour" around the Northeast. 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 Nathan Michaud in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Buck Hollers play the Winter Wine Down Music series at Snow Farm Vineyard Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Friday. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--TNT Comedy Night with Suzan Ambrose returns to the Rail Trail Pub on Friday. The showcase with Julia Colasanti, Maddie Cross, Brian Thompson, and Pierre Vachon is at 8 p.m. and an open mic following at 9. "This is a comfortable place to test out your material, whether it's your 1st time up on stage or you've been doing it for years." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Moonbird makes their debut the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, February 27-March 1
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Bare Bones play Friday and the Jaded Ravins are live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Tim Brick on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Ben Farney & Shane Goodwin for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Acoustic Mayhem on Friday and Twiggs newcomer Kaiden Prim to make his debut 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 28
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Bill Valliere Live at the Pub on Saturday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. As a solo artist, Mr. Valliere's shows highlight the blues, classic rock, progressive rock, folk, country, and pop. He has performed with local cover band the Smokey Newfield Project f or the past 15 years. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Stringband duo the Spring Chickens play live on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
SOUTH POMFRET--Three mandolins. One stage. The four-man Vermont Mandolin Trio returns to the Hayloft at Artistree on Saturday at 7 p.m. Matt Flinner, Jamie Masefield, Will Patton, and bassist Pat Melvin reach from the roots of bluegrass to the swing of Django Reinhardt and add a touch of J.S. Bach for an evening of "happy sounding" music. Admission is $30. Click here for tickets and more info.
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place presents Tristan Sellars and Chris Lyon in their Live Music Lineup on Saturday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, March 1
KEY COLONY BEACH, FL--The KCB Community Association celebrates the city's birthday with the 69th KCB Day, a one day festival filled with live music with the Rick Lieder Band and a special guest appearance by the return of Elvis, Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton, plus artists and artisans, local cuisine, the famed dog parade and the KCB Day parade at 11 a.m., barracuda races all day, and a silent auction, all on Sunday at noon - 4 p.m. Artists include the KCBCA Shared Artist Gallery and many more.
Admission is free. Click here for more info.
Tuesday, March 3
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, March 4
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub hosts Open Mic--Acoustic Karaoke with Mae on Wednesday at 6 pm. 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 14 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when B-Town played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series on August 6, 2025. It's on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFAX--The Library Book Club reads The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods at the Fairfax Community Library and virtually via Zoom today at 3 p.m. The novel blends historical and romance fiction with magical realism, all starting in 1921. Call 802.849.2420 or email to borrow a copy of the book or request the Zoom link.
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.
MILTON--Phoenix Books joins the Milton Artists' Guild for a special Book Fair at MAG begining Sunday at 11 a.m. The list includes titles by local authors, books about the arts, a collection of stories for children and adult readers, and more. Phoenix Books is donating 20% of all proceeds to MAG. The book fair runs through March 14. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--St. Albans' own bookstore has two events this week.
Walt McLaughlin will sign his latest book, Philosophical Fragments, at the Eloquent Page on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The collection of aphorisms, journal excerpts, and standalone paragraphs spans several decades of his wildest thoughts. He will also sign some of the over two dozen books as well as chapbooks and other works he has written. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
The Eloquent Page True Crime Book Club meets to discuss Winters' Time: A Severed Head, a Secret Pledge, and the Murder that Brought America's Most Famous Lawyer to Vermont, by Jeffrey Amestory on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The former state attorney general and chief justice wrote up one of Vermont's most lurid trials. In 1926, Cecelia Gullivan, treasurer of the Cone Automatic Machine company in Windsor was brutally killed in her home. Local police quickly arrested Cone Automatic machinist John Winters. The trial that followed was sensational and swift (prosecutors submitted her severed head as evidence). Convicted of murder, Winters' appeal brought Clarence Darrow to the Green Mountains. 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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