| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | March 5, 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
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on potter Barbara Colgrove, photographer and cook Francois de Melogue, painter and digital photographer Barbara Flack, and potter Barbara Flathers 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 Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts an opening reception and artists' talk for the Northern Vermont Artists Association Member Show in the Copley Studio Gallery and in the Folley Hall Gallery this evening at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The overall theme is of 34 new paintings by local artists in watercolor, acrylic, or oils. This is the first NVAA show at River Arts. The exhibit runs through April.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery celebrates their Season Opening with an Opening Reception and three unique exhibits on Saturday from 1 - 3 p.m. There will be refreshments, meeting the artists and reconnecting with friends. The exibits are the New Horizons Collection in the Main Gallery, Selected Historical Works from the Bryan's permanent collection in East Gallery, and the Lamoille Union High School Student Exhibit in the Middle Room Gallery.
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. Click here or find them on Facebook for a preview of the .New Horizons and the Historical Works exhibits.
ART NEWS
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park has appointed Robin Schatell as Executive Director. Ms. Schatell has over 30 years of experience bringing art and communities together. In 2020, she founded Moving Culture Projects, a consultancy supporting organizations in activating public spaces with arts and cultural programming. During the height of the pandemic, she produced more than 100 arts events across all five New York City boroughs. Her prior roles have included Director of Public Programs & Community Engagement at Van Alen Institute and Executive Producer for the National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene.
Since opening in 2014, Cold Hollow Sculpture Park has welcomed thousands of visitors and offered free programming in art, nature, and community. The 2026 season opens on June 6, with new programming including the park's first-ever artist commission. Click here for more info.
ART YOU CAN BUY
ESSEX--The Women's Festival of Crafts will fill the Farmhouse at the Essex Resort on Sunday at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. More than 40 women artisans celebrate International Women's Day. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ART YOU CREATE
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.
ENOSBURG--Sip, Stitch, & Share meets at the Enosburgh Public Library every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Have a warm drink, learn a new craft (or work on honing an existing one), and chat. Any craft is welcome. Click here 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.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
SAPPY ART SHOW (April 4)--Sweeten your palette for another mapley show at the Village Frame Shoppe. This exhibit is open to Vermont artists working in any two- or three-dimensional media. Works must reflect this year's theme, the "Sweet Taste of Spring." Click here for more info.
MAPLE FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAHY (April 4)--This sweet contest has four categories: process, people, scenery including sugarhouses or sap buckets in the woods, and maple syrup in use. All photos will be judged by a panel of professional photographers. The contest is open to all Vermont amateur photographers. Works must feature maple sugaring and must reflect this year's theme, the "Sweet Taste of Spring." Click here for more info.
MAPLE FESTIVAL POETRY (April 10)--This new contest sponsored by the Eloquent Page has three categories: maple libs, kids, and adults. All poems will be judged by the staff of the Eloquent Page. Poems must reflect this year's theme, the "Sweet Taste of Spring." Click here for more info
2026 ART ON THE REFUGE (May 5)--This exhibition celebrates artwork inspired by local wildlife, birds, and natural habitats. The show will be held at the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge this spring. Entry fee. The fee includes a year's membership in the Friends of Missisquoi. Email Carol Yarnell or 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 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. Many events are free or by donation. Click here for the schedule, tickets, and more info.
GATHERINGS
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
March is Women's History Month.
ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Museum celebrates International Women's Day with a Kick Off Event with speakers, live music, door prizes, refreshments, and more on Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m.
ST. ALBANS--The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Spring 2026 season begins with Mark Breen to discuss Trend Setter: The Nature of Weather Patterns in the Greg Brown Lodge this morning at 11 a.m. The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium meteorologist will uncover how the weather shapes our world and captures our attention. The weekly series will offer 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.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub offers two workshops this week.
Meagan Van Woert continues the Three-Craft Series of Canvas Bags at the Pub today at 2 p.m. This class will cover paint the bags. Each class is $40, which includes all materials. Join for one class, or all three. Classes will be held on the first Friday of the month. Click here to register and for more info.
Stephania Fregeau continues the Three Class Pottery Workshop on Saturday at 3 p.m. Ms. Fregeau will lead the class through all the steps to hand-build small pots. This workshop builds on skills learned in the first class and will build a mug and phone holder. The cost for the series is $105 which includes all materials. Classes will be held on the first Friday of the month. Click here to register and for more info.
These classes are presented by the Franklin Arts Department. Limited free registration is available for folks 65+. Email to check availability.
MILTON--Writer Darcy Marks leads From Manuscript to Marketplace: Publishing Workshop at the Milton Artists' Guild on Saturday at 3 p.m. The hands-on workshop will explore major publishing pathways such as traditional, small press, hybrid, and self-publishing. It will cover getting ready to submit, query letters, finding an agent/editor, and understanding contracts and timelines. A forensic toxicologist, Ms. Marks writes rebellious fantasy books for kids. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Click here to register and 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.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts holds the Macrame Coasters and Coffee workshop with Karen Gunterman on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. The beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop will teach essential macrame knots and techniques while creating a set of stylish, functional macrame coasters The cost is $30. Click here to register and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, March 5
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro often hosts Acoustic Thursday on Thursday evenings at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, March 5-7
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Dan Parks tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, the Bob & Shane Acoustic Duo at 5 p.m., and then Bad Horsey returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two Shane's Apothecary live on Saturday night at 5 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, March 6
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents the Missisquoi River Band with Will Patton Live at the Pub with an evening of traditional and original bluegrass on Friday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. 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 HERO--She Was Right 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.
ST. ALBANS--DJ Lady Livy hosts Karaoke Night at the Depot on Friday night at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan returns to the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. "While Phil is away the kids must play." Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, March 6-8
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in March. Kyle Stevens leads Karaoke on Friday and the Friction Band are live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week, Cooie Sings on Friday and Sister Speak returns 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.
Sunday, March 8
KEY COLONY BEACH, FL--The KCB Community Association Concerts in Sunset Park series continues with Miami-based Brothers of Others live in the new tiki in Sunset Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. Free. Click here for more info.
Tuesday, March 10
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 11
ST. ALBANS--The BFA Spring Instrument Concert will fill the Bellows Free Academy Performing Arts Center on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The concert will feature Bands 1, 2, Jazz Band, and String Orchestra. There will be a mix of music written specifically for concert band along with medleys from classic movies, the Jersey Boys soundtrack, Taylor Swift, James Brown, GF Handel, and nearly everything in between. "It is quite an eclectic show for sure," Eric Bushey said.
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.
Plan Ahead
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs hosts Comedy for a Cause to benefit CarePartners Adult Day Center next Thursday, March 12. Admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 15 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when Bad Horsey played the St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market on August 7, 2025. It's on YouTube.
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 Eloquent Page Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Captain Moxley and the Embers of the Empire by Dan Hanks on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The pulp adventure fantasy novel follows ex-Spitfire pilot Captain Samantha Moxley, a shadowy US government agency, former Nazis, otherworldly monsters, an archaeologist sister, and a race to retrieve two ancient keys. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts the Tuesday Night Book Group to discuss What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange on Tuesday Evening at 6 p.m. The estranged father and son are reunited by a medical emergency in Potsdam. 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.
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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