| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | March 19, 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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ROTARY HOME SHOW
ST. ALBANS--Rotary Club of St. Albans opens the 32nd Home & Recreation Exposition with free admission on Saturday and Sunday. The EXPO annual fund raiser takes over the Collins-Perley Sports and Fitness Center. 100% of the profits go to support the Rotary charitable work in this community. Expo has been the largest annual fundraiser for the club since the first event in 1992. The #1-rated Home Show in the state will be one of the biggest ever, featuring over 125 booths.
Building a new home this year? Planning a home remodeling project? That new space can easily help showcase your own collection of copper-bottom sculptures. Or perhaps you need, absolutely need, space for a house concert with Bad Bunny to reprise his Super Bowl extravaganza?
Rotary supports local organizations and particularly likes to help the start-up or expansion of local programs or facilities.
Admission is free. The doors will be open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Collins-Perley Sports and Fitness Center is located just off I-89 at Exit 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts an Opening Reception for the second annual Nature's Palette Art Exhibition on Friday at 5 p.m. This year’s theme is Rhythms in Nature. The show honors, thanks, reveres, and celebrates the natural world around us. Click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Cambridge Arts Council hosts an opening reception for When We Gather, artworks by S. Baron, at 60 Main Arts on Friday at 7 p.m. "When We Gather is about the bond that grows when we meet each other fully--through pride, insecurity, and curiosity alike." Refreshments served. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on photographer Sarah McGarghan. 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 landscapes of Vermont in autumn by Tom Waters. They are in the Stowe gallery 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
SHELDON--Sublimation has arrived at the Sheldon Municipal Library. Library trustee Jess Draper will demonstrate at a free class this evening at 6 p.m. Sublimation printers use heat to transfer ink onto materials like polyester, mugs, and metal, producing vibrant, durable, and permanent designs. Choose either a coffee mug or a tote bag to create. The class filled up fast so ask to be put on the wait list. Call 802.933.2524 or find the library on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The 14th Star Brewing Company Spring Paint-Your-Own Pottery Pop-Up with Maple Glazed Pottery in the Room is sold out on Saturday at 10 a.m. The cost of $25 includes one piece of pottery, glazes, instruction, and kiln firing. Walk-in painters welcome until 1 p.m. although there may be a wait for a seat. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts a Paint and Sip with artist Patrick Murphy on Saturday at 4 p.m. No prior experience is required. The cost is $40 and includes all supplies and two drink tickets. The event is a fundraiser for the MCA Building Project. Click here for tickets and 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--The Enosburgh Public Library has two Wednesday events.
Sip, Stitch, & Share meets 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.
Creative Creatures meet on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. The program is an opportunity try new crafts and meet other creative people. The group for young adults and up will try out several different seasonal and non-seasonal crafts. 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 for those who have never danced and those who have danced before 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.
CALL FOR SINGERS
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.
HUMANITIES
ST. ALBANS--The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Spring 2026 season continues with Franklin & Grand Isle County Forester Charlie Hancock to discuss The Forests We Share: Challenges, Change, and Stewardship in Northwestern Vermont in the Greg Brown Lodge this morning at 11 a.m. This conversation about the forests of our shared landscape will explore what makes our woodlands unique.
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.
ST. ALBANS--The St Albans Free Library hosts the VNA & Hospice for Death, Dying and Danishes this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The open community discussion will have coffee, tea, and some nibbles. Bring your own mug. The event is free and open to the public. Call Mary Pleasant (802.442.0540) or email for more info.
FAIRFAX--Stone's Throw Pizza & Cafe hosts a Coffee Hour to discuss the pressing issues of the day on Saturday at 9:15 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. This week will focus on accessibility to the topic of war, if and when. Green Mountain Indivisible "welcomes and values all sides coming together."
ONLINE--Vermont Humanities begins the two-session Infant and Toddler Learning through Children's Literature on Zoom today at 6 p.m. The course uses high-quality picture books and board books as the foundation for daily learning experiences. Teachers will learn how stories can guide routines, spark curiosity, support social-emotional growth, and inspire age-appropriate activities for even the youngest learners. Participants will receive a set of picture books and four credit hours. "Register for this free event" for the link to the stream. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626), Email, or click here to register and for more info.
THEATER
ST. ALBANS--The BFA One Act Play returns as BFA Theater presents She Kills Monsters, a One Act Play about adventure, fantasy and discovering your true path in the PAC on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Imagine completely average woman who wants exactly that until the day she wishes her life were a little less boring. Her wish comes true. The drama-comedy by Qui Nguyen tells the story of a woman who loses her parents and little sister in a car accident and how reality and imagination mix. Tickets are available at the door. Email Susan Palmer for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
FAIRFIELD--XX leads a Figure Drawing Primer Class at the 1830 Brick Store on Sunday at 2 p.m. The relaxed, beginner-friendly figure drawing class will work with a live, clothed model to learn gestures, simple proportions, and how to draw the human figure with confidence. The cost is $55. Click here to reserve a space and for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts has two workshops this week.
Crochet 101: Foundations & First Project with Carmella Cyr begins today at 4 p.m. The two-part workshop is designed for absolute beginners. The first session will cover the essential building blocks of crochet, starting with how to properly hold a crochet hook and yarn. Part II will be held next Thursday. The cost is $60. Click here to register and for more info.
Chiara No leads the free Creative Art Series for 60+ Session 2, Lino Cut Stamps 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.
ST. ALBANS--ReMarketVT offers workshops in the "basement" creative space. This week, Sally Tarr will lead the Basic Quilting Workshop on Saturday at 9 a.m. The hands on class will teach the basics of quilting and practice making basic shapes to create a design. The cost is $50. Click here to register and for more info.
MILTON--Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week.
Julie Jones teaches Brushstrokes & Hashtags: Social Media Made Simple to take art beyond the gallery walls this evening at 6 p.m. The workshop shows how to use Instagram and Facebook to build an online presence, connect with the audience, and promote artwork effectively. The cost is by donation but you will need a ticket. Click here for tickets and more info.
Treasure-hunting with a Sharpie. Alyssa Berthiaume of the Write Place, Right Time. leads Uncover the Poem in the Page, a Blackout Poetry Workshop at the MAG Art Center on Saturday at 3 p.m. Blackout poetry takes a used book page and redacts everything except the handful of words that become a poem. Will there be Shakespear or a visit from the NSA? All supplies are provided. The cost is $30 for members or $35 for non-members. Click here for tickets and 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--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.
MONTGOMERY--Annette Goyne continues the Spring 2026 Watercolor Classes at Montgomery Center for the Arts on Sunday at 1 p.m. This class to paint spring flowers will explore the process of glazing to build rich colors and how negative painting can make white flowers pop. The workshop continues on Sundays through March 29. Each class is $35 or $90 for all three sessions. Email or click here to register and for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council free Art Journaling Group meets in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Art journals, junk journals, art pages and more are on the table and make for fun for artists, writers, scrap bookers, and more. The group meets to share ideas and to take time to create. Gatherings are traditionally held at the library on the fourth Monday of every month. If you need supplies to get started, check out the library's Makerspace or click here for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, March 19
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with Stewart Foster live this evening at 6 p.m. The She Was Right member will bring the music of James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Jackson Browne. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Higher Ground hosts the UVM Battle of the Bands Finale with Mother of Pearl, Wet Denim, Tabarnak, and Swampytonk this evening at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. The four winning bands from prelim rounds will go head-to-head to open SpringFest 2026. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--Open Mic with Michael Perry happens every Thursday at Moogs Place. Music starts at 8 o'clock. "Come hang out." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, March 19-21
GILFORD, NH--The 99th New England Music Festival fills Gilford High School today through Saturday. There will be an Orchestra/Band Concert on Saturday at 2 p.m. and the Chorus Concert on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Click here for concert tickets and more info.
Friday, March 20
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows on Friday night, She Was Right at 5 p.m., followed by Something Reckless for late night music starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--Get ripped at 14th Star with Canadian deathcore rippers, Salem Trials, plus Overtime, No Son Of Mine, Shiny New Toyz, and Sabrehound in the Room at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 cash only. 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--John Cronin plays the Winter Wine Down Music series at Snow Farm Vineyard Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. The native Vermont musician performs Irish and folk music and tells stories. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Friday. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub hosts the Old Man Garage Band, the rock and roll band from Enosburg Falls, on Friday at 7 pm. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--(Sham)rock & roll at Cityside to the "fun, music, dancing and partying you'd expect on St. Patrick's Day" with Justice3 live on Friday at 8 p.m. The party is just going on a little longer. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Quadra returns to the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. to rock the winter blues away. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, March 20-22
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub double header is extra special this weekend.
Rosie Newton and guitarist Caleb Barrett return to the Pub for an evening of songs and stories, from your favorite oldies to modern classics on Friday at 6 p.m. Ms. Newton may reprise Hallelujah and Mr. Barrett may repeat Alice's Restaurant Live at the Pub. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
The Bluegrass Jam fills the room on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. All instruments and skill levels are welcome. Come to play or to learn. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River gets jerborned with shows on Friday and Saturday nights in March. Chris & Erica play Friday and Jerborn returns live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Randy Beer on Friday and Tim Brick 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. J.J. Booth (Jim Hamel and Jason Lee) takes the stage on Friday and Emily Darcy plays live on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Ryan Sweezey and the Midnight Walkers play live at Sparky's on Saturday at 7 p.m. Look for "infectious originals and fitting covers" with Joshua Glass, keys and vocals; Chris Doncaster, bass; and Eric Belrose, drums. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host John Geno on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Dan Parks live on Saturday night at 6 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, March 21
ST. ALBANS--The First Congregational Church hosts an Open Mic and Coffeehouse on Saturday at 7 p.m. Perform, sing along, or listen, to music, spoken word, story telling, and skits. There will be refreshments and a pot-luck dinner and snacks. Call Greg Beeman (802.324.0308) or Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, March 22
KEY COLONY BEACH, FL--The KCB Community Association Concerts in Sunset Park series continues with Ocean Drive with KCB's very own Bob & Crystal Carew and Nick & Andrea Garcia live in the new tiki in Sunset Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. Free. Click here for more info.
Tuesday, March 24
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, March 25
SOUTH HERO--Vermont folk singer, pianist, guitarist, and singer/songwriter Frankie White plays Two Heroes Brewery on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. Click here 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 talks self publishing vs traditional publishing on NW Access TV and on YouTube. She recently concluded her weekly read of her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV.
NW Access TV was there when Amy Panetta discussed the Transcendent Power of Music in the OLLI Lecture last week. It's on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
Vermont Humanities has announced the 14 finalists for this year's Vermont Book Awards. The Vermont Book Awards honor exceptional local work in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature. Click here for all the finalists on the list.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Public Library hosts a poetry ready and book signing with Lady Madeline Rose on Saturday at 1 - 3 p.m. The poet and author of Love, Friendship & Family turned her passion into a career. Light refreshments will be served. Email to RSVP and for more info.
FAIRFIELD--Franklin County Photogs hosts a virtual Zoom group at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly to share and learn about photography. Join the Zoom Meeting with passcode: 311344 or click here for the Zoom link and more info.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Discussion Group meets for Isola by Allegra Goodman on Tuesday at 3pm. The historical novel is based on the true story of a 16th-century French noblewoman who is orphaned and abandoned on a desolate island in New France. Call the library (802.285.6505) or click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center Free Cart is inside. There are books, movies, and games, etc. A little of everything.
The Muffin Monday Senior Social Hour continues 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 Mystery Book Club meets for Sherlock Holmes--A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The 1887 novel introduces Holmes and Dr. Watson in a complex tale that travels from London to the American West. It is notable for introducing a magnifying glass as an investigative tool. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries to discuss All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman this morning at 10:30 a.m. The debut thriller follows a broke, former pop singer in London whose son becomes the prime suspect in a bully's disappearance. The group reads a variety of mystery genres and meets the third Thursday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Writers' Group meets in person at the Swanton Free Public Library this evening at 6 p.m. They meet the third Thursday of each month to share progress and join in the discussion about longer projects and anything else about writing, reading, publishing, and more. Email Becky Rupp or the Swanton Library 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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