| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | March 12, 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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Pi Day
Don't forget that Saturday is Pi Day with a number of special events around the county. Celebrate wisely.
ART ON THE WALLS
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library welcomes local photographer and bird enthusiast Marie Rainville with a new exhibit and talk at the opening reception for Winter Backyard Birds this afternoon at 4 - 6 p.m. Her photos will be on exhibit at the library through April.
MORRISVILLE--The Northern Vermont Artists Association celebrates the first NVAA exhibit at River Arts with an opening reception for the River Arts Member Show this evening at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The overall theme is new paintings by local artists with 34 works in watercolor, acrylic, or oils. The exhibit runs through April.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on potter Marissa Mason. 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.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Anna-Lena leads a Paint & Sip for "an evening of creativity and camaraderie" at Sparky's on Tuesday at 4 - 7 p.m. The step-by-step program is for those picking up a brush for the first time and for seasoned artists. The cost is $45. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard and Once Upon a Rock host a Pebble Art Workshop on Saturday 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.
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.
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 the Irish Eyes Art Show, the Community Ceili dance, the Instrument Petting Zoo, a Book Sale, and a performance of Irish traditional music by Lauren Martin and Fern Tamagini-O'Donnell with Dan Faiella at the Hotel Vermont with an open session to follow, and more. Many events are free or by donation. Click here for the schedule, tickets, and more info.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
SUMMIT LINES and ROADS TAKEN (March 29)--Bryan Memorial Gallery's first two call to artists of 2026 are now open and ready for works in two dimensions and any medium. Summit Lines explores New England's Mountain ranges. The Roads exhibit highlights works of art exploring the back roads and byways that shape our landscape. Call 802.644.5100, email, or click here for more info about submissions or the process.
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.
FILM
ENOSBURG--The Richard E. & Deborah L. Tarrant Foundation and the Vermont Community Foundation present the film Gone Guys at the Cafe Youth Center on Saturday at 3 p.m. 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. The film will be followed by a community discussion.
The event is free and open to the public. Click here to watch the trailer and find them on Facebook to reserve tickets and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Zach Scheffler and Franklin County Film Club have put together an award-winning evening for the 2026 Oscars at 14th Star Brewing Co on Sunday at 7 p.m. Bingo cards will be shared and bets will be made. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library as Paul Newman and Robert Redford dish up The Sting on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Directed by George Roy Hill, the two professional grifters con mob boss Robert Shaw. "One of the best screenplays ever written," it is also noteworthy for its music, particularly the adaptation of The Entertainer by Scott Joplin. 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.
GATHERINGS
FRANKLIN--Franklin Rec celebrates Pi Day at Dick Wright Pub on Saturday from 5 - 8 p.m. There will be pie by the slice--pizza, quiche, and dessert--each sold for $3.14, plus a pie auction, and other pi related activities. Click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--The River Arts Creative Art Series for 60+ with Chiara No begins on Friday at 10 a.m. Admission is free. Classes will explore a variety of art disciplines from painting and ceramics to bookmaking, writing, and creative clothes mending. The Creative Art Series will continue every week through May 15. Click here to register and for more info.
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.
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 season continues with Amy Panetta to discuss the Transcendent Power of Music in the Greg Brown Lodge this morning at 11 a.m. Music serves as the soundtrack of our lives, guiding us through joy, sorrow, and life’s most meaningful moments.
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.
FAIRFAX--Stone's Throw Pizza & Cafe hosts a Coffee Hour to discuss War, If and When on Saturday at 9:15 a.m. 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."
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library has two events on Saturday.
Coffee with the Mayor takes over in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room on Saturday at 10 a.m. Join Mayor Trudy Cioffi and new council women Liz Sato and Shannon Smith to have a conversation about the future of St Albans. Share your thoughts and ideas and hear theirs.
The library hosts a special Women's History Month presentation for Hidden Figures on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Three talented mathematicians worked at Langley Research Center during the space race in the 1950s and 1960s. The free presentation includes the show, the popcorn, cocoa, and tea. Click here for more info.
ONLINE--Vermont Humanities continues Vermont Reads with The Light Pirate Book Discussion of Lily Brooks-Dalton's meditation on the beauty and violence of an untamable wilderness as a hybrid event twice this week. The Light Pirate is 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.
Rachael Cohen will lead the hybrid discussion at Norwich on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Click here to attend the Microsoft Teams discussion. Call 516.317.1116, email, or click here for more info.
Rachael Cohen also will lead the hybrid discussion at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Click here to attend the Zoom discussion. Call 802.878.4918, email, or click here for more info.
ONLINE--Andrea Tamburro spoke about Intergenerational Trauma: Healing and Resilience for the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association Bridging Perspectives: Indigenous Narratives, Identity, & Healing Speaker Series. A teacher and researcher, Dr. Tamburro was the education director for a federally recognized tribe, has served as coordinator of multicultural programs in a mental health center, and as family services and mental health specialist in early childhood education programs. It's on YouTube.
THEATER
ST. ALBANS--The BFA One Act Play returns as BFA Theater presents She Kills Monsters: A One Act Play about adventure, fantasy and discovering your true path in the PAC this evening at 7 p.m. Imagine completely average woman who wants exactly that until the day she wishes her life were a little less boring. Her wish comes true. The drama-comedy by Qui Nguyen tells the story of a woman who loses her parents and little sister in a car accident and how reality and imagination mix. Tickets are available at the door. Email Susan Palmer for more info.
HIGHGATE--MVUHS presents the annual Mr. Thunderbird show in the Trahan Theater on Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 but bring in new or gently used collars, leashes or other dog accessories for a $2 discount. All proceeds from the gift baskets will be donated to Friends of Duke Rescue.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week.
Woodworker Christian Poupart will lead Craft Fairs 101 at the MAG Art Center this evening at 6 p.m. He will "unlock the secrets to standing out in a busy craft-fair crowd" with booth design strategies, customer engagement, pricing, and pitfalls. The cost is $20 for members and $45 for non-members. Click here to register and for more info.
Social Sundays continue at the MAG 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.
ST. ALBANS--ReMarketVT offers workshops in the "basement" creative space. This week, Dot Goulet will lead Watercolor Wonderful, a beginner -to- intermediate level workshop on Saturday at 1 - 4 p.m. The hands on workshop is for participants refine water and brush control skills with techniques like adding texture, blending, flat washes, blooms, and color mixing. Supplies for class use are provided. The cost is $65. 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.
MONTGOMERY--Annette Goyne begins the Spring 2026 Watercolor Classes at Montgomery Center for the Arts on Sunday at 1 p.m. This class to paint spring flowers will explore the process of glazing to build rich colors and how negative painting can make white flowers pop. The workshop continues on Sundays through March 29. Each class is $35 or $90 for all three sessions. Email or click here to register and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, March 12
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 Thursdays. This week, the series continues with Adlai Waxman 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.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs hosts Comedy for a Cause with Mark Wiley, Alex St. Louis, Gordon Clark, Marti Miller, and from Boom City Improv, Mel Ardelle and Dustin Bruley, all to benefit CarePartners Adult Day Center this evening at 7 p.m. Admission is $25. Call 802.524.1405 or Click here for tickets and more info.
MORRISVILLE--Open Mic with Michael Perry happens every Thursday at Moogs Place. Music starts at 8 o'clock. "Come hang out." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, March 12-14
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Mitch Terrichiano tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night starting with the Duncan Macleod Trio at 5 p.m., and then Tim Brick & the Enablers return for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Two for Flinching at 5 p.m., and Last Kid Picked at 9:30 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, March 13
COLCHESTER--Dan Parks gets spanked in the live and free Friday Night Live Music at the Spanked Puppy on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Second Hand Blues Live at the Pub on Friday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Manor presents an Evening at the Manor with Bobby Chevalier on Friday at 6:30 p.m. His shows feature great sing-a-longs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--O’hAnleigh play the Wine Down Music series at Snow Farm Vineyard on 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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Better Angels will put on a show at the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, March 13-15
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in March. Cooper, Bob Recupero plays on lucky Friday and the Smokey Newfield Project is live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star has a double header this weekend.
Live Music in the Room offers Corey and Friends on Friday at 6 p.m. Corey Gottfried, Mark Barton, and John Peduzzi are an original material only band. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Next Stop! -- a Comedy Show is live in The Room on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The former Boston Comedy Club offers a brand new line-up of comedians each month. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. The M.S.J. Jazz Trio--Jerome Monachino, Gabe Jarrett, and Clyde Stats--takes the stage on Friday and the Jeff Salisbury Band plays live on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
Pi Day, Saturday, March 14
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro celebrates their 21st Anniversary with a Dinner Party on Saturday at 4:30 p.m - close. There will surely be pie, there may be frolicking, and the singing chef may make an appearance. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Saturday nights. Ethan Sawyer for a solo show live on Saturday night at 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.
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls celebrates pi and St. Patrick with Summer Sounds favorites the Tenderbellies with Will Austin on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30.
The Vermont-based acoustic quintet will take listeners through many corners of American music and beyond with original songs, harmonies, and strong improvisation. The first concert of the season will feature rowdy bluegrass and heart-wrenching blues to jazz standards and rock n' roll. Their latest album, When the Thunder Rolls, the result of a decade of gigging and songwriting, was released last year. Mr. Austin opens with his own songwriting rooted in folk and Americana.
Admission is $15 per person or $12 for seniors over 65. Click here for tickets and more info.
JERICHO--Good Shepherd's Annual Spring Fling presents the Green Mountain Celts, Tenpenny Bit, Iain MacHarg, and storyteller Andy Davis all at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday at 7 p.m. Following the concert there will be refreshment and fellowship. Admission is free. Donations and free will offerings will be donated to the Jericho/Underhill Foodshelf. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Email Joanne Ranney for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey presents the Crowe Hill Band for a special evening on Saturday at 8 p.m. There may be dancing pie and pints of green beer. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Wearing of the green. Sham-rock your night with Barbie N Bones at the Depot on Saturday night at 9 p.m. The $5 cover charge goes directly to the band. Food for purchase and cash bar will be available. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Ides of March, Sunday, March 15
SOUTH HERO--The Worthen Library hosts the third annual St. Patrick's Day Sing-Along/Ukulele session in the basement of the library on Sunday at 2 - 4 p.m. Enter from the back of the library. Bring your voices and your uke or just come and enjoy the Irish music. A light snack of Irish inspired food will be served.
KEY COLONY BEACH, FL--The KCB Community Association Concerts in Sunset Park series continues with the 79th Street Band live in the new tiki in Sunset Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. Free. Click here for more info.
St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sláinte. Sparky's presents Danny O'Parks live on Tuesday at 4 - 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Cobras return to the Old Post for a special early show on Friday at 4 - 7 p.m. "It wouldn’t be St Patrick's Day without the Cobras in the house!" There will be giveaways, corned beef and cabbage, and the best music around. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Smokey Newfield Project returns to the Jericho Cafe and Tavern for green beer and plenty of Irish-inspired food and music on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--90 Proof return to On Tap with a special St Patrick's Day program Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
SOUTH HERO--The Buck Hollers St. Paddy's Party comes to Two Heroes Brewery for the wearing of the green on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, March 18
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.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library Reading & Discussion Group takes up The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The novel blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural in a luxury hotel, a Ponzi scheme, and a mysterious disappearance from a container ship. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss Sold by Patricia McCormick on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The first-person young adult novel details the experiences of a 13-year-old girl from Nepal who is sold into sexual slavery in India. 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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