| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | April 30, 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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VERMONT WEEK
JOHNSON--The Vermont Studio Center's Vermont Week 2026 welcomes Franklin County Visual Arts Fellows Sah Frechette of Georgia, Todd Kosharek of Fairfax, and Katharine Whitcomb of Swanton for a week-long, fully funded fellowship in residence on May 4 - 11. In addition to a studio, private lodging, and locally sourced meals, residents have access to the Center's Visiting Artist & Writer program for studio visits, consultations, and manuscript reviews.
Click here for more info.
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS, and MORE
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page, the Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association, and St. Albans Community Arts host the Vermont Spring Book, Postcard, and Ephemera Fair in St Albans City Hall on Sunday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Vermont dealers will have a variety of rare, antiquarian and used books, as well as maps, postcards, prints, posters and paper of all kinds. The event will include the Antiquarian Book Fair, Carol Ceraldi of Graham Hill Bindery for a book binding demonstration, and J. Kevin Graffagnino to do free book appraisals of Americana and Vermontania.
The local author open house with over 33Vermont writers will showcase the riches of words in the region with Carolyn Bates, art; A Y Berthiaume, memoir and non-fiction; Louella Bryant, fiction and kids; Michael Caldwell, memoir; J P Choquette, mystery; Peter Cobb, fiction; Jesse DuRona, kids; Trish Esden, mystery series; Millicent Eidson microbial mysteries series; Glenn Fay, VT biography and history; Max Folsom, Baker Somerset series; Elizabeth Gauffreau, fiction; Julia Greenshaw, fiction; Kathryn Guare, mystery; Conor Mcbride, international mystery series; Roberta Harold, fiction; Cindy Hill, poetry; Sue Jette, kids; Susan Kelleher, mystery and romance; Victoria LaFountain, romantasy; Michelle Love, romance; Lori MacLaughlin, fantasy; J B Manning, comic action thriller; S Lee Manning, thrillers; DonnaRae Menard, mysteries; Dan Marshall, mystery; Tamara Mathieu, memoir; Stephen Payne, biography and fiction; Alan Rubel, biography and Vermont sports; the Sisters in Crimes Table, mystery; Thomas C Stuhr, fiction; Kate Taylor, Vermont nature; and George Woodard, kids. That's a chance to meet some "old" favorites and make some new ones. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Mr. Graffagnino will also speak on the history and his experience collecting Vermontania at City Hall at noon. The former curator of UVM Special Collections has written twenty-five books including four Vermont histories, a biography of Ira Allen, and a bibliography of Vermontania. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
HIGHGATE--The MVU National Arts Honor Society hosts the Youth Art Show & Community Art Making Project in the Trahan Theater with works from the students of the Missisquoi Valley School District, all on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Spring Artist Market and the Missisquoi Mud Season Handmade Market also fills the MVU Gym on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Admission is free.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on multiple media artist Shanna Ratner. 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 artis ts 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 FOR SALE
HIGHGATE--The MVU National Arts Honor Society holds the Spring Artist Market and the Missisquoi Mud Season Handmade Market in the MVU Gym on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be 40+ local artists and makers and vendors with painters, stained glass, pottery, mixed media artists, printmakers, knit and crocheters, quilters, flower & plant vendors, metal smiths, woodworkers, jewelers, and more. This event is a fundraiser for their spring field trip.
The Youth Art Show & Community Art Making Project will also fill the Trahan Theater with works from the students of the Missisquoi Valley School District, all on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Admission is free.
SOUTH HERO--The Snow Farm Vineyard Artisan Market offers a "day of shopping, sipping, and celebrating spring" on Sunday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
ART YOU CREATE
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company hosts a Pet Portraits Paint n Sip with Linda Oakes Carvalho 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 for tickets and more info.
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Arts Department and Earth, Glaze & Fire of Vermont will offer two sessions of a Paint-Your-Own-Pottery Glazing Workshop with Stephania Fregeau on Sunday at 12 noon and 2:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to experiment with vivid underglazes on mugs or bowls. The cost is $35. Click here for tickets and more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Diamond Art Bookmarks with Mel in the Maker Space of the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 5 p.m. All supplies are provided. Admission is free but pace is limited and pre-registration is required. Email the Swanton Library or Click here to register and 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.
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 SINGERS
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Community Chorus rehearses at Dick Wright Pub every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for Memorial Day. The chorus will have six rehearsals and will perform the Battle Hymn of the Republic with piano accompaniment and a four-part arrangement of the Vermont anthem These Green Mountains in the Franklin Town Hall. Click here for more info.
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. Jim Walsh email for more info.
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.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
HIGHGATE--MVU hosts the All State Music Festival starting Wednesday and continuing each day through Saturday May 9. The annual event gives musicians from Vermont's high schools the opportunity to perform in a band, orchestra, chorus or jazz ensemble under the direction of national conductors. Three days of intensive rehearsals lead up to a series of public concerts including the Scholarship Performance, an a capella and Modern Band Performance, the Chorus and Jazz Ensemble Concert, and the Orchestra Concert.
ST. ALBANS--Franklin County Field Days has become a traveling fair for 2026 and the countdown is on. Save the dates July 30 - August 1 for three days of cow drag racing, music, and much more, all on Hubbard Lane (behind Tractor Supply). It has Fernand Gagne excited on Facebook.
FILM
NORTH HERO--Grand Isle County Mentoring and the Richard E. & Deborah L. Tarrant Foundation present the film Gone Guys at the North Hero Community Hall this evening at 5:30 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 Click here to reserve free tickets and for more info.
GATHERINGS
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub holds Quiz for a Cause, a Haston Library Benefit, on Friday at 7 p.m. Host Wes Kempton will lead the group in "beverage consumption while stimulating your grey matter with hand crafted, artisanal, small-batch trivia." Teams are encouraged. Admission is by $10 suggested donation per person, with all proceeds going to the library. BYOB. 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.
GEORGIA--The Georgia Public Library Crafting Club meets at the library to craft together and give back to the community on Wednesday evenings at 6 - 8 p.m. They have plenty of equipment and materials with the instructions to make homemade fiber crafts to donate to those in need. Or bring your own knitting, crocheting, and sewing projects to the craft circle on Wednesday evenings.
HUMANITIES
ST. ALBANS--The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Spring 2026 season concludes with Heart & Soil Farm owner Savanna Crossman to discuss Flower Farming and Growing a Business in Northern Vermont in the Greg Brown Lodge this morning at 11 a.m. She will explore agronomy and the art of growing local flowers in Vermont's challenging climate and will consider testing garden soil, crop planning, and more.
The weekly series has offered 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.
GRAND ISLE--Vermont Humanities hosts presents forester, bestselling author, and storyteller Ethan Tapper to discuss How to Love a Forest at the Grand Isle Free Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. He will talk about what it means to care for forests and other ecosystems at this moment in time. Call Robin Berger (802.372.4797), Email, or Click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MORRISVILLE--River Arts has three workshops this week.
Chiara No leads the free Creative Art Series for 60+ Session 8, Ceramic Bell and Wind Chimes at River Arts on Friday at 10 a.m. The 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 workshop.
Artist and teacher Kristen Murphy begins a four-session Barn Quilt Workshop on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Participants will be provided with a 2’x2’ board, select a quilt pattern, and explore color theory to create a barn quilt while exploring the historic roots. The series continues on Tuesdays through May 26. The cost is $135. Click here to register and for more info.
Mary Reilly explores Drawing with Tone: Advanced Graphite Techniques, a four-week course in super-realistic drawing on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The course will include layering, burnishing, and blending techniques using highlights, shadows, and midtones to create depth.
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--Milton Artists' Guild has three workshops this week.
Becky Chappell will lead Canvas Conversations on Saturday at 1 p.m. The short workshop is an opportunity for painters working in any 2D medium to get personalized support. Bring a current work, questions, or challenges for guidance, feedback, and practical advice. All skill levels are welcome. Admission is free but registration is necessary. Click here to register and for more info.
Social Sundays continue at the 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.
Fiadhnait Moser offers the Acrylic Creatures on Wood workshop on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Paint a little woodland creature on natural 4-6 inch wood rounds using folk art techniques. All supplies are provided. The workshop is offered on Wednesdays from through August 12. The cost is $65 per workshop. Click here to register and for more info.
IN THE SAC
SWANTON--Artist of the Week.
Swanton Arts Council artist Stephanie Archer makes wearable creations. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, April 30
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with George Murtie 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.
ENOSBURG--Second Hand Blue will host a Blues Jam at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls this evening at 7 p.m. Bring your instrument to sign up to play or just come and enjoy a night of music. Admission is free by donation. There will be a cash bar and food by donation. Amps, mics, and more are supplied. Click here for more info
Friday, May 1
It's finally May and tonight is the full moon.
NORTH HERO--Kraemer & Kin and Green Up Vermont host a Green Up Day kick-off in North Hero Community Hall this evening with live music and dancing to Matt Hagen at 5:30 p.m. and The Stragglers at 6:30 p.m. Dance under the full moon and enjoy the islands community. Families are welcome. Wood-fired pizza and beer will be available for purchase. No admission, attendance is free. Pick up Green Up bags. Click here for more info.
COLCHESTER--Justice 3 tears the roof off 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.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Laura Fedele-Rasco in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Sticks and Stones returns to the Old Post for some upscale ambiance on Friday at 8 p.m. 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
Friday-Sunday, May 1-3
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Lil' Deb on Friday and Ben Farney on Saturday for Live Music at the BrewCabin. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. JSB--the Jeff Salisbury Band takes the stage on Friday and Unruly Allies play live on Saturday. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Team Jarvis, the father-son duo Sean and Dan Jarvis, on Friday and the famed TBA may appear 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, May 2
ESSEX JUNCTION--Tim Brick & the Enablers return to On Tap for late night music on Saturday starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Sunday, May 3
COLCHESTER--Dan Parks plays all afternoon and adds to his summer set list at the Spanked Puppy on Sunday at 2 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, May 5
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, May 6
NORTH HERO--Singer, songwriter, musician, and composer Adlai Waxman plays live piano at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 6 p.m. "Great music, some singalongs and just a whole lot of fun." 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.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page has a busy week.
Jason Barney's newest book, Grand Hotels & Resorts of Northern Vermont, is in stock now with a photo of the Highgate Manor on the cover. Mr. Barney explores the history with historical anecdotes and slice-of-life stories behind some of the most prominent and historic vacation destinations in our region.
Writers Robin Boyle-Laisure and Tamara Mathieu will discuss cults at St. Albans City Hall on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. A book signing and Q&A will follow. Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Vermont Spring Book, Postcard, and Ephemera Fair fills St Albans City Hall on Sunday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Vermont dealers will have a variety of rare, antiquarian and used books, as well as maps, postcards, prints, posters and paper of all kinds. There will be an Antiquarian Book Fair, the local author open house, Carol Ceraldi of Graham Hill Bindery for a book binding demonstration, and J. Kevin Graffagnino to do free book appraisals of Americana and Vermontania. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Eloquent Page True Crime Book Club meets to discuss Cults by Parcast founder Max Cutler on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The storytelling podcast studio Parcast has focused on unearthing the cult leaders and followers and the world and culture that gave birth to both. He has analyzed of case studies to reveal the patterns that link the notorious figures from Manson to Applewhite to Koresh to Raël. 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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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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