| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | January 29, 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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CALL FOR ARTISTS
NATURE'S PALETTE (March 15)--The Montgomery Center for the Arts wants art inspired by the Rhythms in Nature. The show opens on the Spring Equinox, March 20, at the MCA. The exhibition is free and open to everyone. All entries will be exhibited. Click here to register and for more info.
The MCA is also looking for volunteers. Click here to sign up for the "Movers and Shakers" email list and receive notifications when they need help with events, projects and more. The Google doc requires signing in with your Google account.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on Vermont Life phoographer David Juaire. 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.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Artist Eric Tobin felt the quiet stillness in the Vermont air in a series of paintings at the Bryan Gallery in Stowe and on Facebook .
The gallery has exhibits of the landscape painters of New England. The main showcase in Jeffersonville closed for Winter break; 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 FOR SALE
ST. ALBANS--14th Star hosts the Sunday Makers Market in the Taproom on Sunday at 12 noon - 3 p.m. Shop pop-up booths from local crafters/makers with new vendors every Sunday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ART YOU CREATE
ST. ALBANS--Maple Glazed Pottery presents Craft Night at 14th Star Brewing Company on Friday at 6 p.m. There will be Needle Felting with Daisy Fiber Art, Paint-Your-Own Pottery with Maple Glazed Pottery, or even bring your own craft and hang out. The cost is $0-25. Click here for more info for tickets and 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.
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. Facebook.
GATHERINGS
MORRISVILLE--The River Arts Open Studio begins A Community and Wellness Space for LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Allies on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Admission is free. The program creates "an inclusive, affirming, and creative space that promotes connection, belonging, and wellness through art and reflection." Participants can engage in themed art-making, journaling, and discussion together.
Open Studio will continue every other week through May 27. Click here for more info.
HUMANITIES
ONLINE and MARSHFIELD--Vermont Humanities continues Vermont Reads with The Light Pirate Book Discussion online and at Jaquith Public Library on Saturday at 1 p.m. Rachael Cohen will lead the discussion of Lily Brooks-Dalton's meditation on the beauty and violence of an untamable wilderness. The Light Pirate is already 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.
Call Anne Miller (802.426.3581) or click here for more info or to join the Zoom discussion.
ST. ALBANS--NWSWD talks trash with a twist in the Bliss Room at the St. Albans Museum
The first ever NWSWD Repair Cafe on Saturday at 9 a.m. is a chance to gather, learn, meet, and keep stuff out of the local waste stream. Reuse is the best use in the core pillars (reduce, reuse, and recycle) of waste management to minimize waste, conserve resources, and reduce pollution. There will be specialists for blades, bikes, clocks, fabrics/textiles, electronics/appliances, household items and more. Click here to register and for more info.
Then Ginger Nickerson fills the room with Trash Talk: Inside Stories from Vermont's Solid Waste Workers for SAM Talks on Saturday at 1 p.m. She will share the oral history, stories, and photographs from people working on the front lines of Vermont's solid waste system. Click here for more info.
FAIRFAX--Stone's Throw Pizza & Cafe hosts a Coffee Hour to discuss the pressing issues of the day on Saturday at 9:30 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. They "welcome and value all sides coming together."
NORTH HERO--Indivisible Champlain Islands hosts former Governor Howard Dean to speak on How We Rescue America at the North Hero Community Center on Sunday at 2 p.m. Governor Dean will offer his insight into how to insure that America remains the strongest, fairest, democracy in the world. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN and FAIRFIELD--VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region will host Advance Directive Workshops at two libraries. The events will focus on the Vermont Ethics Network's Advance Directive Short Form. Participants may upload the form to the Vermont Advance Directive Registry for review and acceptance. Click here to review the form.
The Haston Library Space has the event at the library on Monday at 11:30 a.m.
Bent-Northrop Memorial Library repeats the even on Monday at 3 p.m.
Space is limited so advanced registration is required. RSVP (802.369.9440) or email to register for either event.
ONLINE--Professor Kate Masur talks about Equal--The Surprising History of An American Founding Concept on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The talk will focus on the Reconstruction Era, when Americans for the first time tried to create a nation in which "all men are created equal." Click here to "register for this free event" for the link to the stream. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
FAIRFIELD--Heart and Soil Farm continues the Thursday Night Art Series with Kristina Bolduc to lead part 2 of Clay Earring and Pendant Forming this evening at 6 p.m. Participants will create three pairs of personalized earrings or two pairs and pendant. This Thursday is to glaze the pieces made last week. The cost is $90 for the two workshops. Click here for tickets or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST ALBANS--AIR member and teacher Dorothy Goulet leads the Practice Your Paintstrokes workshop at ReMarket on Saturday at 10 a.m. This workshop for the super beginner offers an introduction to basic skills. It will show how water behaves and cover brush and stroke types, color mixing, water control, and brush control, to develop muscle memory and plenty of practice.
ReMarket hosts a marketplace for local talent with crafters, antique sellers, artists, and upcyclers for thrifted finds, antiques, crafts, and artwork. "The basement" has classes, workshops, and gatherings to inspire and engage. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Arts Department begins a Three Part Painting Series: Lake Carmi Sunset with Jordan Bushey at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday at 2 p.m. The class will work through all the steps to paint Franklin scenes. The is $40 per class which includes all materials. Join for one class, or all three. Free registration is available for folks 65+ through a grant from the Vermont Arts Council. Email to check scholarship availability. Click here or stop by the Pub to register.
MORRISVILLE--Carmella Cyr leads the River Arts workshop Needle Felting 101--Mixed-Media Fusion today at 4 p.m. The beginner-friendly class will cover how to blend wool with unexpected materials such as rocks, feathers, buttons, wood, and more to create textures and sculptural effects. The cost is $30 with pre-registration preferred. Click here to register and for more info.
MILTON--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.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, January 29
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro often hosts live music on Thursday (or Friday) evenings at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with Cooper, Bob Recupero, live this evening at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburg Blues Jam makes its first stop for 2026 at the Opera House this evening at 7 p.m. Come enjoy the music or come sign up to play with the house band. Equipment is provided, but bring your instrument. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted. Food and a cash bar will be available. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday, January 30
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows Friday night, acoustic duo Bob & Shane at 5 p.m., followed by Moonbird for late night music starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
COLCHESTER--Bare Bones plays acoustic 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. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Jeremy Cannata plays the Winter Wine Down Music series at Snow Farm Vineyard Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Friday. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--Sleeveless Tease brings a night of live music and dancing to the Rail Trail Pub on Friday at 7 pm. Find them on Facebook for more info
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post will dance the night away to the classic tunes of Sanctuary on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, January 30-February 1
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in December. McMaple plays Friday and Justice 3 rocks the stage live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. She Was Right takes the stage on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Minced Oats plays neo-traditionalist Americana, bluegrass and roots music live on Saturday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Dan Parks on Friday and TBA 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, January 31
ENOSBURG--The Mill River Brewing Winter Warm Up Tour gets jerborned as they bring the party to the Opera House at Enosburg Falls with Jerborn on Saturday at 1 p.m. They're "turning up the heat with great beer, delicious food, and live music - all under one roof." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, February 3
SOUTH HERO--Doug's Open Mic Night comes to Two Heroes Brewery alongside the Starch Brothers Kitchen Takeover 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, February 4
ENOSBURG--Sage Machia hosts Country Karaoke Nights at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday at 7 pm. The boot scootin' boogie happens every Wednesday. 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.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 10 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
Lake Champlain Access TV was there when the Ken Clark Organ Trio played the Island Arts 2025 Summer Concerts on July 13, 2025. It's on LCATV.org.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFAX--The Library Book Club meets to read The Professor & the Madman by Simon Winchester at the Community Library this afternoon at 3 p.m. The book tells the tale of murder, madness and the incredible obsessions of James Murray and Dr. W. C. Minor, in the making of the Oxford English Dictionary. A Zoom link will be available to attend remotely. Call the library (802.849.2420) or email for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library hosts a Spelling Bee Library Fundraiser at the Dick Wright Pub on Friday at 6 p.m. Sign up to compete in the Youth, Adult, or Senior category, or sponsor a speller with a pledge per word. There are prizes in each category and the winners of each category will compete for the Grand Prize. Click here for the word list. Advance registration is encouraged. 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.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page True Crime Book Club meets to discuss With One Shot by Dorothy Marcic on Friday at 6 p.m. The brutal 1970 murder of former police detective LaVerne Stordock shocked his Wisconsin community. His widow confessed but the trail of secrets and lies did not end with her insanity plea. 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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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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