DANCE - FINE ARTS - MUSIC - THEATER - WRITING

ARTBITS by Richard B. Harper


VOLUME 30 * * All Arts News On the Web * * April 2, 2026

STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

      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.


     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 fabric artists Anne Standish and Dody Susslin 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.


JEFFERSONVILLE--Spring is here at the Bryan Memorial Gallery with works by Michael Glier, William Gotha, Erik Koeppel, and Eric Tobin. See them in Jeffersonville and on Facebook .
      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 or click here for more info.


ART YOU CREATE

MORRISVILLE--River Arts has a paint & sip and a Creative Circle Cafe this week.
      The in-person, April "Paint & Sip Bright, Bold, Joy-Filled" with Jen Volansky will meet on Friday at 6 p.m. The Britto inspired design brings a world of color, bold lines, big shapes, and joyful patterns in acrylic on canvas. The cost is $65 and includes all materials. Click here to enroll and for more info.
      The Creative Circle Cafe will continue 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.


ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Museum has a free Historic Paint & Sip with Linda Oakes Carvalho in the Bliss Room on Saturday at 10 a.m. This event was rescheduled. It is a companion event to the talk about Vermont's Historic Theater Curtains on April 24. There is no cost but registration is required. Click here to register 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.


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.


DANCE

ALBURG--Between the Lines Line Dancing offers Beginner Line Dancing at the American Legion Landon Post #60 on Fridays at 6 p.m. Bring clean, dry shoes to change into and dance in. Admission is by $5 donation per class, which is donated to the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department. Find them on Facebook for more info.


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.


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.


MORRISVILLE--Chiara No will guide the free Creative Art Series for 60+ Session 4 at River Arts on Friday at 10 a.m. The free series takes place every Friday morning and covers a variety of art disciplines from painting and ceramics to bookmaking, writing, and even creative clothes mending. Click here for more info and to register for this free gathering.


HUMANITIES

ST. ALBANS--The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Spring 2026 season continues with Professor and geriatric nurse Mary Val Palumbo to discuss Keeping Your Mind Sharp: The Role of Learning in Aging Well in the Greg Brown Lodge this morning at 11 a.m. This examination of the connection between lifelong learning and brain health.
      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.


RICHFORD--Historian Alan Berolzheimer discusses River Memories: Exploring Settlement Patterns on Waterways in Vermont at Richford Junior Senior High School on Friday at 6 p.m. This Vermont Humanities program examines how the development of settlements have contributed to the problem of flooding in Vermont. Call Christine Walton (802.848.3313), email, or click here for more info.


WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

MORRISVILLE--River Arts has two other workshops this week.
      Carmella Cyr will lead Needle Felting 101 Spring into Earrings this afternoon at 4 p.m. The beginner-friendly workshop teaches the basics of needle felting while designing spring-inspired shapes like flowers, hearts, or shamrocks. The cost is $30. Click here o register and for more info.
      Evie Mason will conclude the Watercolor Escape, Landscapes, Cityscapes & Seascapes Session 3 on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The session will include demonstrations, skill-building exercises, and plenty of time for hands-on painting with personalized feedback. The cost is $40 for a single workshop or $105 for all three. Click here to register and for more info.


MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has four workshops this week.
      Harnessing AI for Social Media Growth taught by Vermont mixed-media artist Julie Jones will be held online only this evening at 6 p.m. The cost is free for members or $20 for non-members. The workshop will demonstrate practical, accessible ways to integrate Artificial Intelligence into making art, storytelling, and audience engagement Click here to register and for more info.
      Local photographer AJ Murray will lead Intro to Photography on Saturday at 11 a.m. The workshop is free but registration is required. Students will be required to bring their own camera, either a digital SLR or newer mirrorless. Click here to register and for more info.
      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.
      Watercolor artist Shanley Triggs will lead the two-session Introduction to Watercolor Class on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The cost is $85 for members or $90 for non-members. Students will supply some materials for this workshop. The second class is April 14. Click here to register and for the supplies list.


FRANKLIN--Meagan Van Woert continues the Craft Series of Canvas Bags at the Dick Wright Pub today at noon. This class will cover monogram design. Each class is $40, which includes all materials. Join for one class, or all three. 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.


ON STAGE LIVE

Thursday, April 2
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with singer/songwriter/musician Adlai Waxman for a piano bar evening 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, April 2-4
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with George Murtie returning tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Dan Parks at 5 p.m., and then Sticks and Stones returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Just Us live on Saturday night at 5 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.


Friday, April 3
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents a girl and her guitar, Laura Fedele-Rasco Live at the Pub 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.


ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub has Live Music with Nathan Michaud on Friday at 7 pm. He will play classic rock songs from Pink Floyd, Cream, CCR, the Allman Brothers, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and more. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--The Depot hosts Karaoke Night with DJ Lady Livy on Friday at 9 p.m."Grab some friends, grab some food, grab some drinks, and grab the mic." Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.


SOUTH BURLINGTON--90 Proof returns to the Old Post to break out of the winter blues on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info


Friday-Sunday, April 2-5
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Real Big Blues on Friday and Sibling Reverie for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. The Owl Stars take the stage on Friday and Season of Yes 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 they host Will Austin on Friday and Arthur James 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, April 4
ST. ALBANS--The Depot presents a "racy reimagining" of As You Wish on Saturday night at 8 p.m. Doors at 7. The timeless fund raiser for Franklin/Grand Isle Community Action and CVOEO food banks stars Cordelia Curvy, Strange Charm, Cat Atrophy, Carmen Eroxide, Aphrobitey, Trinity Divine, and more for fencing, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, true lust, miracles, and plot twists. Admission is $15 plus fees. Food for purchase and cash bar will be available. Find them on Facebook or click here for tickets and more info.


Wednesday, April 8
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery presents Mike Mac on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The front man for Strange Machines plays from his catalog of originals and covers that span almost every genre. Click here for more info.


SWANTON--Located in the historic Champlain Theater building, the Green Mountain Bistro has live music most Wednesday nights from 6 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed and the House Band, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.


FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF

FAIRFIELD--The Bent-Northrop Book Discussion group meets to kick about Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer this evening at 6:30 p.m. The novel tells the story of a long-married couple as they face the wife's the end of life from cancer. She asks her two best friends, not her husband, to care for her in her final days.


GRAND ISLE--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 on Tuesday at 6 p.m. 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 discussion. Call Robin Berger (802.372.4797), email, or Click here 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.


ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page hosts two book clubs this week.
      The True Crime Book Club meets to discuss I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The true-crime book about the writer's obsessive investigation into the Golden State Killer, a serial rapist and murderer who terrorized California in the 1970s and 80s was published posthumously after Ms. McNamara died in 2016. Find them on Facebook for more info
      The Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The first in the science fantasy LitRPG book series follows Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut, two survivors of the alien corporation mining Earth's resources. Survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible. 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 ...
All Arts Council of Franklin County
Cambridge Arts Council
Franklin County Regional
Chamber of Commerce
Island Arts
St Albans Community Arts
Swanton Arts Council
Young Tradition Vermont

Music!

Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County
Summer Sounds
Summer Music at Grace
Downtown Summer Concert Series
Music at the Meeting House
Citizens Concert Band
 
Enosburg Town Band


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