| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | June 11, 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
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts Flip the Switch with an Opening Reception and Silent Auction on Saturday at 1 - 3 p.m. The free-standing illuminating devices on exhibit are made mostly from reclaimed, reused, and recycled materials. Click here to RSVP and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on lifelong clay artist Deborah Shell. 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.
ST. ALBANS--NW Access TV was there for the Franklin County Quilters' Guild Quilt Show in April. The detailed work was arranged in St. Albans City Hall and on YouTube.
ART FOR SALE
VERGENNES--The Abenaki Heritage Weekend and Arts Marketplace features the Native Arts Market at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be jewelry, wampum, quillwork, stonework, woodworking, and more. Email or click here for more info.
ART YOU CREATE
MILTON--Becky Chappell will lead the new Neurographic Rocks at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center on Saturday at 1 p.m. Neurographics is a therapeutic art form that combines psychology, mindfulness, and abstract drawing. The practice uses free-flowing, intuitive lines to process emotions, reduce stress, and tap into the subconscious mind. No experience is necessary and all supplies are provided. The cost is $45. 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.
ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Free Library hosts Adult Crafts to make Beaded Wind Chimes downstairs in the main room on Wednesday at 10 a.m. The library will have all the supplies needed while supplies last.
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.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
ST. ALBANS--St. Albans Pride Corps hosts Pride in the Park with entertainment, food, and vendors all in Taylor Park on Saturday at 10 - 3 p.m. followed by the Rainbow Drag Show at the Depot at 8 p.m. Doors at 7. There will be an after party, silent auction and raffle with a dance party at 10 - 11 p.m. Admission to the park events is free but the drag show is $25-40. Click here for tickets and more info.
FILM
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with The World of Henry Orient with Peter Sellers, Paula Prentiss, and Angela Lansbury on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. An egotistical concert pianist tries to seduce a married woman while precocious schoolgirls get in the way. 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.
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
VERGENNES--The Abenaki Heritage Weekend and Arts Marketplace features storytelling, craft demonstrations, drumming, singing, the Native Arts Market, and a children's play area at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Citizens of Vermont's Elnu, Nulhegan, Koasek, and Missisquoi Tribes will share perspectives on life in the Champlain Valley. Bring a picnic and lunch while on the grounds. Admission is free. Email or click here for more info.
SHELDON--Hope Johnson presents Quilting in Community in Part 1 of the Fabric of Community series at he Sheldon Historical Society on Saturday at 1 p.m. The artist and quilter will exhibit and discuss quilts that showcase Vermont community connections and stories. Find them on Facebook for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery hosts Bradley Hendershot to lead the Texture Techniques for Winning Watercolors workshop on Friday and Saturday, at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Participants will think outside of the box to the use of drybrush, spatter and splatter, spritzing, scratching, scraping, scrubbing out, sponging, using opaques and other techniques. The workshop is open to all painting levels. The cost is $350 for members or $395 for non-members. Click here to register and for more info. Use the promo code "BMGmember" to receive the discounted member pricing.
MORRISVILLE--Susan Smereka leads the free Pride & Joy: Quilt Crafting Event at River Arts on Friday at 10 a.m. Participants will contribute to an original quilt design by painting, drawing, and altering fabric materials that will become part of the larger finished piece. Click here for more info and to register for this free workshop.
ST. ALBANS--ReMarketVT offers workshops in the "basement" creative space. This week, Rebecca Fagga will lead the Floral Foundations, a Watercolor Workshop, on Saturday at 9 a.m. The beginner-friendly, hands on workshop will explore the fluid, meditative world of watercolors. The cost is $50. Click here to register and for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Arts Department holds a Painted Mandala Class with Martha Kinney at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday at 1 p.m. The decorative mandala art form is over 2,000 years old. The mandala is a geometric group of symbols. Mandalas are often used to focus attention as a spiritual guidance tool and as an aid to meditation. The class will learn to use dotting tools and folk art style brush strokes. The cost of $40 includes all materials. Email or click here to register and for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts (SMArts) hosts Community Drawing Night with a live model on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The cost of $10 per person or less includes a "split model fee."
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has three workshops this week.
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.
MAG has teamed up with Backing the Brave to offer Creativity for the Courageous, a free workshop for first responders and their families. Gallery director Shea Harvie will host a BYOB Paint & Sip, Julia Davenport will lead a Zentangle activity, and there will be coloring pages for the kids, all at MAG on Saturday at 5 p.m. This free workshop is meant for first responders and their families only. Registration is needed as there is limited space available. Click here to register and for more info.
Fiadhnait Moser continues the Acrylic Creatures on Wood workshop with a fawn and willow on Wednesday at 6 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--Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week Jennifer Botting makes dreamcatchers. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, June 11
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Rushmore today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music every Thursday evening into September. "The rain date will always fall on the following Friday." Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST ALBANS--The St Paul's United Methodist Church Community Dinner will have both Betty's homemade sloppy Joes and the comedic standup of St. Albans' own J.D., all this afternoon at 4 - 6 p.m. Table service and takeout are available for$10/meal with children 6 and under for $5/meal. Click here for reservations, takeout orders, and more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Tim Brick returns to On Tap for a solo acoustic show this evening at 6 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
SOUTH HERO--Ryan Sweezey & the Midnight Walkers play pop and folk/rock for the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, June 11-17
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in June. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. The John Lackard Blues Band lights the night afire on Friday. Michael Perry & Tristan Sellars return on Saturday. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday and Tuesday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Lesley Grant is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, June 12
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet gets jerborned at Arrowhead Golf Course with Jerborn on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The Teriyaki chicken buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $15 per person ($7 for each child). You don't have to be a member; the public is welcome. Be sure to come early, usually around 6, to get a good seat. Call 802.893.0234 for reservations and click here 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 Sean Jarvis in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX--The Double E 2026 Summer Series presents StevieMac on the Old Stage on Friday at 7 p.m. StevieMac pays tribute to Fleetwood Mac and the solo career of Stevie Nicks. Admission is $30 plus service fees. Find them on Facebook for more info.
All shows at The Old Stage are rain or shine. Click here or email for the FAQ and more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Willistones make their debut at the Old Post on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Hans Jenny, Vinnie Lizotte, Cobalt Bleu, and Ja’Nea Hudson bring "rock and country and pop classics and everything in between." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, June 12-14
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar begins the season of live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. Jesse Agan performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and the Buck Hollers play on Sunday at 3 p.m. The "the newest hidden gem of the Lake Champlain Islands" is at Shore Acres where you can boat in or drive in. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in December. Bill Valliere plays solo Friday and returns in the Smokey Newfield Project live on Saturday night. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with June Jams. The Jeff Salisbury Band plays Friday. The famed TBD returns to perform live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Coast to Coast on Friday and Real Big Blues for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. 90 Proof kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Jenny Red for Karaoke on Saturday at 3 - 6 p.m. and the very busy TBD on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. The CombustOmatics take the stage on Friday and Switchel 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 Rockin' Ron Gagnon 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, June 13
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Dead Men Strumming Live at the Pub to play the music of the Grateful Dead on Saturday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Thalia for An Untold Story. Music by Female Composers in the Island Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. Mary Jane Austen on piano and Sofia Hirsch and Laura Markowitz on violin offer a variety of styles and arrangements, from solo piano to violin and piano, and violin duets alone and with piano. Composers range from Maddalena Lombardini Sirmen, Clara Schumann, and Gracyna Basewicz, Amy Beach, Rebecca Clark, Eva Saether, and Jessie Montgomery. Admission is free. Click here to register and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot presents the Rainbow Drag Show at the Depot at 8 p.m. Doors at 7. There will be an after party, silent auction and raffle with a dance party at 10 - 11 p.m. Admission is $25-40. Click here for tickets and more info.
Sunday, June 14
MONTPELIER--The American Legion Auxiliary presents America's 250th Celebration with Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton singing the songs of Elvis on the Vermont Statehouse Steps on Flag Day, Sunday, at 12:30 p.m. The celebration begins at 11 a.m. and continues through the afternoon. Admission is $20 and includes a light lunch. Bring your blanket or lawn chair. Call 802.223.3141 or find them on Facebook for more info.
Monday, June 15
NORTH HERO--Guitarist, singer, and songwriter George Murtie plays on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, June 16
MILTON--Fresh from the field and live from the stage, music fills the Milton Outdoor Performance Center at Bombardier Park on Tuesday at 5 - 8 p.m. Tuesday evenings have food, lawn games, and the Milton Farmers Market through August 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
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.
ENOSBURG--Free Summer Concerts in the Park begin with the Enosburg Town Band on the Lincoln Park Bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The evening also includes activities thanks to the Enosburg Public Library, snacks to support the Enosburg Business Association, and more. The concerts will continue every Tuesday through August 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, June 17
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The third annual Jam 4 SLAMT1D continues at the Old Post for a musical competition round on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series begins with the Citizen's Concert Band in the Cedric Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at the special time of 7 p.m. Under the direction of Jeremy Berger, the community band plays a series of free, outdoor summer concerts in towns around Franklin County. Their rich history dates back to 1947. Click here for more info.
Concerts are free for all every Wednesday evening through August 26. If the weather turns squishy, the concerts will move indoors. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--"Burger Night" is back in the historic Champlain Theater building where the Green Mountain Bistro has live music every Wednesday night from 6 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual events continue this week.
NW Access TV's new venture, Authors on Air is a service for local writers to create audio books.
DonnaRae Menard is in the process of dictating her new cozy murder mystery, Snuffling Up Bones, into an audiobook that she can distribute. The first book in The Pig and I Mysteries series features Doris Flynn and her 450-pound pet pig, Buttercup, who uncovers human remains. That leads to a local murder mystery involving the new sheriff and death investigator. It's on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when local writer and biochemist, Rebecca Rupp took OLLI on a journey through Eccentric History of Alcohol from Prohibition to what Paul Revere had in his glass. It's on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library Reading & Discussion Group takes up The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The National Book Award-winning memoir chronicles Ms. Broom's family history in a shotgun house in New Orleans East. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The 2005 memoir details her unconventional and nomadic childhood and her journey from poverty and neglect to a successful life as a NYC journalist. It has been challenged or removed for its mature, raw depictions of alcoholism, sexual abuse, intense poverty, and explicit language. 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--A new Swanton Free Public Library book club begins this week. The SPL Classic Book Club meets to discuss the Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien on Saturday at 1 p.m. The 1937 fantasy follows Bilbo Baggins on his unexpected adventure through the world of Middle-earth with a company of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf to reclaim treasure from the dragon Smaug. The novel is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings. Click here for more info and a link to register.
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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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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