| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | May 14, 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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SEASON LAUNCH PARTY
ST. ALBANS--The Decades is the Saint Albans Museum's themed costume party and kick-off for the 2026 museum season on Saturday at 7 - 11 p.m. There will be sets by DJ Cosmos, Moon Balloon, and Disco Phantom and projections by Vanish Works Experience Design.
The theme is "Gilded Age meets the Disco Era" to honor the country's 250th anniversary and the museum's 250th original exhibition Centennials. Dress up from the 1870s or 1970s--or a combination of both. Costumes can be real or imagined. There will be interactive art and projections with music and mingling, archival projections and costume photos, and a dance party with Disco Phantom
This event is a fundraiser. All bar proceeds benefit Education and Programs at SAM. Click here for more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--What the Cluck! The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on artist, illustrator, and cartoonist Sarah Rosedahl. 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.
STOWE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features Mt Washington in Spring by Erik Koeppel. It is in the Stowe galler 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
ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Once Upon a Rock host a Pebble Art Workshop this evening at 6 p.m. This workshop will use pebbles, rocks, stones, driftwood, and lake glass to create unique art. They provide guidance and inspiration; what you make will be completely your own creation.
The cost is $35. Click here or find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--Paint a Partner at the Saint Albans Free Library on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Participants will pair up with a friend, family member, or loved one paint portraits of each other. Registration is required. Call the library (802.524.1507) to register. This is an after hours program; the library will be open to program participants only.
SWANTON--"Make Ugly Art!" The Swanton Arts Council hosts part 2 of Art for Big Feelings in the maker space at the Swanton Free Public Library on Wednesday at 5:30 - 7 p.m. The workshop is a chance to express emotion, practice coping techniques. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Click here 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--Ms. Terri guides making Soulful Vision Boards at the Milton Artists' Guild on Friday at 5:30 p.m. The collage art is part play, part reflection, and part intuitive coaching. No experience needed. Materials will be provided, but bring magazines if you have them. The cost is $45. Click here to register and for more info.
Yarn & Yak with Kelli Shepherd continues 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
95th JUNE SHOW (May 30)--Submit up to two works for the NVAA June Juried Show at Visions of Vermont. Email the artist's name and contact info and jpg image(s) of the artwork, Click here for more info and guidelines.
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. Email Jim Walsh 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.
ST. ALBANS--Rail City Indivisible hosts a Contra Dance with Will Patton, Neil Rossi, Franklin Heyburn and Isabella Rottler and caller Mark Sustic in St. Albans City Hall on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30 and contradance instruction starts at 6:45. Bring your own nonalcoholic beverages and soft-soled shoes for dancing. Admission is by $25 suggested donation to benefit VT Asylum Assistance Project and Rail City Indivisible. Email 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.
FILM
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Hail the Conquering Hero on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Eddie Bracken plays a small town boy whose father was a Marine who died a hero in World War I. Preston Sturges's 1944 satirical comedy-drama. It may be Sturges' best work for Paramount. 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
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.
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.
GRANT NEWS
The Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a summary judgement against the National Endowment for the Humanities and DOGE on May 7. The ruling voided the terminations of grants to the Authors Guild and the American Council of Learned Societies, et al; declared DOGE and NEH actions unconstitutional; certified the class; and permanently enjoined the government from enforcing, implementing, or giving any effect to the Mass Termination.
Judge Colleen McMahon pointed out that "DOGE blatantly used protected characteristics as criteria for grant termination" and that "Until now, it had not been the Court's experience that the United States Attorney's Office in this district would advance an argument that was so blatantly contradicted by the evidence – but it certainly has done so here." DOGE used race and ethnicity--including grants concerning Black, Asian, Latino, and Indigenous communities--as well as national origin and immigration status; religion and religious identity (including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim subjects); sex; and sexual orientation, as criteria for grant termination.
The decision continues that "DOGE's use of race was certainly not remedial. It was punitive. DOGE, relying on ChatGPT and on Fox's and Cavanaugh's understanding of the Administration's hostility to 'DEI,' treated race as a criterion for disqualification."
The court ordered judgment in favor of the plaintiffs and retained jurisdiction to enforce the order.
HUMANITIES
FAIRFAX--Stone's Throw Pizza & Cafe hosts a Coffee Hour to discuss Voter's Rights and Free and Fair Elections 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."
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library presents Mike Familant on his Live Beyond the Footprints Tour in Franklin Town Hall on Saturday at 6 p.m. The New Jersey native and full-time, lead investigator and producer of the show In the Shadow of Big Red Eye will share his experiences researching and tracking down the truth behind Bigfoot. He will exhibit evidence and host a Q & A session. Click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MORRISVILLE--River Arts has three workshops this week.
Jen Volansky leads a Mindfulness-Centered workshop of Bright, Bold, and Joy-Filled Acrylic Painting this evening at 5:30 p.m. Participants will use Britto-inspired shapes and patterns to explore bold lines, bright hues, and playful marks. The cost is $30. Click here to register and for more info.
Chiara No leads the free Creative Art Series for 60+ Session 10, inspired by Chip Haggerty 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.
Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr., begins a two unit Drawing 1 Class for Perspective and Architectural Drawing on Saturday at 9 a.m. This skill-building workshop will strengthen technical drawing skills and build artistic confidence. Day 2 of the workshop will be May 23. The cost is $40 or register for both days for a discounted rate of $75. 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--The Milton Artists' Guild has four workshops this week.
Becky Chapell leads Beginner Pastels on Saturday at 1 p.m. The workshop will cover the differences between soft, hard, and pencil types and will explore blending and layering on various papers. The cost is $35. 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.
Julia Davenport guides the Spring Zentangle on Monday at 4 p.m. Participants will create Easter-inspired Zentangle patterns on a small scale using just a few simple supplies with touches of color to bring the designs to life. Zentangle is a drawing technique invented by the monk Rick Roberts and artist Maria Thomas to combine meditation and art. Beginners are always welcome. The cost is $30. Click here to register and for more info.
Fiadhnait Moser continues 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 fabric artist Aline Baker sews table runners, large totes, potholders, aprons, place mats, and more. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, May 14
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with She Was Right's Stewart Foster live this evening at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, May 14-16
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with James Shelly tonight at 6 p.m. plus two shows on Friday night, Sibling Reverie at 5 p.m., and then Something Reckless returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Wednesday, May 14-20
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in October. Phil Rosenblum leads Open Mic Night tonight. Sweet Cicely makes music on Friday. The Miller Brothers demonstrate relativity on Saturday. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday ad Tuesday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Blackwolf is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, May 15
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Barry Hayes in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents Dan Parks with a live acoustic show on Friday at 5 p.m. "Enjoy the food and drinks while I share some acoustic sounds." Find them on Facebook for more info.
PLATTSBURGH--Season 11 of Wood, Wire and Voice Coffee House concludes with the Missisquoi River Band in the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church chapel on Friday at 7 p.m. Patrick Murphy, Cindy Humiston-Weed, and Jim Weed will play original bluegrass and country tunes. Admission is free, but free will donations make this live music series possible. Call Peter Cadieux (518.569.2188) for more info. The series will resume in October.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan returns to 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, May 15-17
COLCHESTER--The May Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. Blues Without Borders kick it off on Friday at 6 p.m. then Jenny Red leads Karaoke on Saturday at 3 - 6 p.m. followed by Jeff Shelly on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in May. Roger Giroux plays Friday and then get jerborned with Jerborn live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Don't forget the Smokey Newfield Project Open House on Sunday at 3. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Alternate Take takes the stage on Friday and Geoff Kim and Bob Gagnon play jazz guitar 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 Dave Miller on Friday and Sister Speak 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.
The Clothier is reopening to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. - midnight.
Saturday, May 16
ST. ALBANS--Saturday is National Vintage Store Day. Spotlight Vintage celebrates with live music, giveaways, and a sale on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. Guitarist/singer Richard Durazo will play reggae and island-inspired tunes on the Forever Young stage at 2 - 3 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Spring has sprung and Northwest Farmers Market is again filling Taylor Park with live music, handmade crafts, locally grown food, prepared foods, free kids activities on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tom Bisson begins the season this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents George Murtie Live at the Pub on Saturday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Old Man Garage Band drives into the Rail Trail Pub on Saturday at 7 pm. The Enosbur Falls group has a wide repertoire of classic rock and new and old country favorites. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--Bella Voce Women's Chorus will perform a Musical Mosaic with guest artist Rebecca Kauffman, harp, in the McCarthy Arts Center on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature Gustav Holst's Two Eastern Pictures plus women composers Elaine Hagenberg, Rosephanye Powell and Anna Lapwood, and others. General admission is $25 or "pay as you can." Click here for tickets and here for more info.
Sunday, May 17
BURLINGTON--Foam Brewers presents Jeff and Gina on Sunday at 1 p.m. Gina Merlini and Summer Sounds favorite Jeff Wheel bring a show with vocals, guitar, viola, flute, tenor guitar, mandolin and fretless ukulele bass. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River helps the Smokey Newfield Project celebrate their 500th gig on Sunday at 3 p.m. Local musicians and music lovers can fill the lounge. The stage will host an open-mic style performance from Chris & Erica, Kyle Stevens, Dan Jarvis, Bill Simmons, and more. All tips for the open-mic will be donated to a local cause. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Bella Voce Women's Chorus will reprise a Musical Mosaic with guest artist Rebecca Kauffman, harp, in the South Hero Congregational Church on Sunday at 3 p.m. This concert may be sold out. The concert will feature Gustav Holst's Two Eastern Pictures plus women composers Elaine Hagenberg, Rosephanye Powell and Anna Lapwood, and others. General admission is $25 or "pay as you can." Click here for tickets and here for more info.
WESTFORD--Frevo returns to the Westford Music Series in Westofrd Common Hall on Sunday at 4 p.m. Featuring Peter Matthews, guitar; Wendy Matthews, flute; Steve Klimowski, clarinet; and Bonnie Thurber Klimowski, cello; the quartet offers fresh arrangements of music old and new.
Admission is free but a generous donation supports the musicians. There will be a pie raffle. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--BFA presents the Bobwhite / Comet Contest in the Performing Arts Center on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The senior scholarship competition will have laughs, skits, "great (and not so great)" dancing, and a family feud round. Admission is $8 or more. Tickets can be bought at the door or click here to "buy now and jump the line."
Tuesday, May 19
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 Tuesday. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, May 20
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 Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The 1968 fantasy novel follows a unicorn who believes she is the last of her kind and leaves her enchanted forest to find the others. Find them on Facebook for more info
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss the Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The 1993 dystopian novel is set in 2024 California, ravaged by climate change, social inequality, and economic collapse. It was banned in Texas and Tennessee for its intense content, graphic violence, sexual content, profanity, and anti-religious themes. The Book Group meets after hours at the library. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--Meet Vermont Poet Laureate, the poet and cartoonist Bianca Stone, either at the Swanton Free Public Library or on Zoom this evening at 6 p.m. Her poems have appeared in Best American Poetry 2011, Conduit, and Tin House, and her illustrations in watercolor and ink are a part of the Anne Carson project Antigonick. She is the granddaughter of former Poet Laureate Ruth Stone and is creative director of the Ruth Stone House Foundation. There will be a book discussion of The Near and Distant World. Click here to register and 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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