DANCE - FINE ARTS - MUSIC - THEATER - WRITING

ARTBITS by Richard B. Harper


VOLUME 20 * * All Arts News On the Web * * September 8, 2016

STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

      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.


     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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ARTS IN EDUCATION

      Join area artists and arts councils to celebrate National Arts In Education Week. It begins Sunday and continues through September 17.
      You can take part. Take just a couple of minutes to write a Letter to the Editor of the Courier, Free Press, or Messenger. Tell your story of why the arts in education matter to you.
      In 2010, Congress designated the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week. During this week, the field of arts education and its supporters join together in communities across the country to tell the story of the transformative power of the arts in education.
      In 2016, it is a particularly important time to celebrate arts education, as we usher in a new chapter of American educational policy with the new "Every Student Succeeds" Act and its many arts-friendly provisions. In the new law, the arts remain a well-rounded subject and are empowered to be central to a child's education in our public schools. More importantly, music helps kids learn math. Art helps kids learn language. Reading helps kids learn to write.
      Our municipal, school, and state leaders need to know about the impact the arts have on young peoples' lives and that they must support the arts in every district and every school in America.
      After sending in your letter to the editor, you can join the movement of thousands of arts education advocates celebrating National Arts in Education Week. Contribute to the visibility campaign on social media during the week of September 11-17, 2016 with the hashtag, #BecauseOfArtsEd. People from all walks of life can share their story of the transformative power of the arts in their own education and the impact the arts have had on their work and life.
      Here are some ways to participate:
• Write a letter. Take two minutes to write a Letter to the Editor of the Courier, Free Press, or Messenger. Tell why the arts in education matter to you.
• Post on Facebook. Tell the world your #BecauseOfArtsEd story on Facebook. Describe what you are doing now in work and life and how arts education has a positive impact with a photo! Be sure to use #ArtsEdWeek, too.
• Send a tweet. Share your quick #BecauseOfArtsEd story on Twitter. Be sure to include an image or video along with #ArtsEdWeek.
• Share a photo. Post your favorite arts education photo on Instagram along with your #BecauseOfArtsEd story about the impact of arts education on your life. Be sure to use #ArtsEdWeek.
      And be sure to send your letter or tweets to your school board and to our representatives in Montpelier and in Washington.


ART ON THE WALLS

ST ALBANS--The Northwestern Medical Center Gallery hosts the landscapes or photographer David J. Griggs this month. Mr. Griggs grew up in Middlebury, journeyed to the Southwest, returned to Highgate Center, and now lives in southern Vermont. But he keeps coming back to Franklin County. His contemplative images make up a solo show at the NMC Gallery this month.
      The show continues through the end of September.


JERICHO--The Northern Vermont Artists' Association currently exhibit at the old Red Mill includes "wonderful artwork by a diverse group of fine artists!"
      The show continues through September 27.


IN THE SAC

SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council has a busy week planned. Look for the Dam Ducky Derby Planning Meeting at the Depot Museum this evening at 6 p.m. The Dam Ducky Derby itself is scheduled for October 8.
      On Monday, the SAC Board will meet at the Swanton Free Public Library at 5:30 p.m. This will be the first official meeting of the SAC Board under the new guidelines.
      On Tuesday, SAC will host a Halloween in the Park Planning Meeting in the Swanton Free Public Library at 6 p.m. Halloween in the Park is scheduled for October 29.
      Email for more info.


ON STAGE LIVE

Friday
EAST FAIRFIELD--Summer Evenings with Vermont Treasures presents the Wing Walkers at the Meeting House on the Green on Friday at 7 p.m.
      Peter Riley and Rudy Dauth (of the Woedoggies) and Ryan Podd and Zack Alerio (of East Coast Leftovers) have formed the new band to play twangy Americana, classic country, and Honky Tonk. Mr. Riley's daughter Erin-Marvin Riley will join them for some beautiful ballads.
      Admission is by $10 suggested donation at the door and kids under 12 are free. Call 802.827.3275 to reserve a seat. The concert series helps fund the restoration of the Meeting House on the Green. Bring a picnic and enjoy the shady village green before the show. Great desserts are available throughout the evening and at intermission.


Friday-Saturday
ST. ALBANS--The Twiggs Comedy For A Cause series continues on the Main Stage Friday evening at 7 p.m. The evening will raise money to help people battling Alzheimer's; the proceeds benefit the Franklin County Dementia Care Coalition.
      Colin Ryan of A Stand Up Life produces the show. Admission is $20. There are just 75 seats available at the restaurant. Email Carrie Rae for tickets and more info. Make dinner reservations prior to the show since only drinks, appetizers, and desserts will be served during the show.
      Next up, Twiggs presents Cooper & LaVoie on Friday and Rosie & Trevor (that would be our own "little girl with the big voice," Rosie Newton, and Trevor Contois) on Saturday. Shows start at 7 p.m.
      Call 802.524.1405 or click here for more info.


Saturday and Sunday
SHELBURNE GEORGIA and COLCHESTER--It is a Carol Ann Jones weekend as Vermont's supercharged singer-songwriter books three events around Northwestern Vermont.
      The Dutch Mill Oktoberfest presents Ms. Jones on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Shelburne Cafe. The all-day seasonal soiree features live music, a barbecue, arts and crafts, and more, all in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. She will sing the National Anthem and perform an hour of her hits.
      The Supercharged Georgia Fall Festival features the Superchargers with special guest Jim Pitman on Saturday at 5 p.m. The 10th annual celebration is the Georgia Recreation Committee's largest event of the year with activities, food and fireworks.
      Ms. Jones will sing the National Anthem to open Vermont Remembers at Camp Johnson on Sunday at 8 a.m. The Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation hosts the annual event which includes an 11K, 5K, and a 1 mile youth run to honor our fallen heroes.


Sunday
WESTFORD--The Missisquoi River Band will open the 2016/2017 Westford Music Series in the United Church of Westford on the Village Common on Sunday at 4 p.m. Cindy and Jim Weed and Pat Murphy will play bluegrass inspired originals with special guest Neil Rossi on fiddle and mandolin.
      The Series supports the performers with free will donations. Call 802.879.4028 for more info.


FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF

FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library Thursday Book Group will share what members read over the summer and will distribute the October pick: Water: A Natural History by Alice Outwater this evening at 6:30 p.m. "Bring in copies of your favorites and tell everyone a little about them."
      The Fall Leaf Pendant project is a hands-on class led by local jeweler Elizabeth Finstad to make a beaded pendant on Saturday at 10 a.m. The cost is $10 including materials. Preregister at 802.849.2420.


FAIRFIELD--The Bent Northrop Memorial Library new Food for Thought series features Fermentation with the Flacks this evening at 6 p.m. This session will show how to ferment vegetables.


ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Public Library has Angel and the Badman on Classic Movie Night this evening at 6 p.m. The classic 1947 western stars John Wayne, Gail Russell and Harry Carey in the story of an injured gunfighter nursed back to health by a Quaker family. Films are shown on the 4' by 6' screen in the upstairs conference room cinema. Admission is free, along with popcorn and beverage.
      The Tuesday Night Book Club gathers Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. for Terrorists in Love by Ken Ballen. The book looks at the lives of six men and their motivations to commit deadly violence.


SWANTON--Book Butchering with Tanya Johnson returns by popular demand to the Swanton Free Public Library on Sunday at . The $5 per person fee includes instructions and all the supplies to make a Maple Leaf sculpture from a used book.


ON THE BOOKSHELF

      ArtBits features a quick weekly peek at library events in and around Franklin County. That popular feature has a page of its own at the Franklin County Bookshelf here on the AAC site at AllArtsCouncil.org/books. We also take an occasional peek at the bookshelf or night stand of the folks you know in and around Franklin County. Those reviews can be found on the ArtBits Bookshelf.


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 ...
All Arts Council of Franklin County
Cambridge Arts Council
Chamber of Commerce
Island Arts
St Albans Community Arts
Swanton Arts Council
Young Tradition Vermont


SUPPORT LIVE ARTS IN YOUR TOWN!


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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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