| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | January 2, 2025 |
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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ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This year starts out with the spotlight on art teacher and journal creator Dee Christie, landscape, abstract, and thematic painter Chris Jenkins, acrylic painter Jaimie Katon, and sheepskin fabric artist Audrey Linn with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. A.I.R. will continue celebrating the monthly Featured Artists in the gallery and on Facebook. ART ON THE WALLS
The art and fine craft cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 40 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--Bryan Memorial Gallery features tiny winter landscapes by Marieluise Hutchinson 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 - 5, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 6. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG (January 15)--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls invites directors to direct and produce one of three or more musicals this summer. Choose from Matilda, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or another title that can showcase large, multi generational ensembles. Click here for submission guidelines and more info. CALL FOR DIRECTORS
ONLINE--BU professor Brooke Blower talks about Americans in a World at War: Intimate Histories from the Crash of Pan Am's Yankee Clipper online on Wednesday at 7 p.m. "Register for this free event" for the link to the stream. For her most recent book, she reconstructed the back stories of seven Americans aboard the plane that crashed in Lisbon in 1943. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or Click here to register and for more info. HUMANITIES
MORRISVILLE--The River Arts January Open Studio Figure Drawing offers a full nude session today at 3:30 p.m. There will be a combination of short and medium-length poses, and a longer-form pose at the end. River Arts limits nude sessions to ages 16 and older. This session isn't just for figure drawing; sculptors, painters, and photographers are welcome. The cost is $15 with pre-registration preferred. Click here to register and for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild Art Center has two workshops this week.
Social Sundays continue at MAG with free weekly art classes for families 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.
Express Yourself in a Bellydance Veil Workshop with Donna Aviano on Sunday at 4 p.m. Participants will learn basic bellydance moves and veil techniques and a fully choreographed veil dance routine. The cost is $15 for members or $20 for non-members. Click here for tickets and more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council will hold a Board Meeting and Updates in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Find the SAC on Facebook for the agenda and more info. IN THE SAC
About 21 percent of Vermonters have gotten the updated COVID-19 vaccine and 31 percent have gotten a flu shot, according to the Vermont Department of Health dashboard. Franklin County residents have even lower rates of protection: only 16% have the updated COVID-19 vaccine and 27 percent have gotten a flu shot. COVID NEWS
COVID-19, RSV, and influenza are still here whether Vermonters get the shot or not. Variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continue to emerge. KP.3, MC.16, and XEC remain the dominant circulating variants. The current vaccine formula protects against serious outcomes of all current variants of the virus.
Because of the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the COVID-19 Surveillance Report will be next updated on December 30, and return to its weekly cadence on Wednesday, January 8. COVID hospitalizations and deaths continue to ease after shooting up in August and September but respiratory illnesses do surge as we move indoors for the winter. 106 cases were reported in the week ending December 14, down from the week before. In total, 1,229 pandemic deaths have been reported as of December 14, meaning COVID claimed two more Vermonters' lives in the past week.
Vermont's wastewater monitoring has shown shows that the levels of the virus have been fairly constant. According to the Vermont Department of Health, wastewater data shows some of the COVID-19 in the community "because an infected person sheds into the water no matter if they're sick or not." Obviously those of us on septic systems (mound systems, tanks, or cesspools) are not included in the data so the actual numbers are higher.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends multiple vaccines, including the new COVID-19 vaccine and an updated flu shot. Medicare continues to cover vaccines without cost sharing. Most adults with health insurance and all children can continue to get the vaccine without cost-sharing. Vermont's universal vaccine program covers the cost of the COVID-19 vaccines at all primary care offices for adults without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover all costs. We can now order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The tests available for order are rapid antigen, at-home tests requiring no lab drop-off. Many COVID-19 tests have longer shelf life and extended expiration dates.
My own plan remains unchanged, especially since our precautions have waned and the current variants dodge all but the most up-to-date immunity. I got the COVID, Flu, and RSV shots, and the boosters, and I still take precautions because neither vaccine nor "natural immunity" is 100% foolproof. I wash my hands. I double mask with a genuine N95 mask (not a bandana and not a "chin strap") plus a surgical mask everywhere I can't control the airflow. It isn't much of a burden and it mostly protects me from all the people without masks I see in stores and concerts.
Thursday, January 2 ON STAGE LIVE
SOUTH HERO--Start the new year at the Blue Paddle Bistro where they often feature Acoustic Thursday on Thursday evenings at 5 - 7 p.m. They are already planning their 20th Anniversary party with Carol Ann Jones in March. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's hosts a Blues Night with Jim Branca, this evening at 5 - 9 p.m. The Winter Blues will continue on the first and third Thursday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, January 2-4
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a new year of music with Jesse Agan tonight at 6 p.m., two shows Friday night, Chris & Erica at 5 p.m., and then the Free Range Band arrives for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Moonbird live on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, January 3
JAY--The Bullwheel at Jay Peak presents Ryan Sweezey and the Midnight Walkers on Friday at 4 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--The Buck Hollers play the Friday Night Winter Wine Down inside the tasting room at Snow Farm Vineyard on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Food will be catered, call Kristen (802.922.8074) for all pre-order food requests. Admission is free. The cozy evenings continue every Friday through March 28. Click here for more info.
Friday-Sunday, January 3-5
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. They start the New Year with Dan Parks in a special solo show on Friday st 6 p.m. and Ryan Hanson live on Saturday night at 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.
Sunday, January 5
ADAMANT--Sap Line will kick off the Winter Sunday Series at the Adamant Community Club on Sunday at 3 p.m. Grace Martin, Fiona and Emmett Stowell, and Owen Kennedy will perform tunes and songs from Quebec, New England, Appalachia, and the British Isles. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, January 8
ST. ALBANS--The first Blues Jam of 2025 happens at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed and the House Band, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center launches 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. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros on Wednesday at 6 p.m. "Death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don't bond to "fragile" humans. They incinerate them." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Here's where I get to write up the arts and books and dance and music and theatrical hopes and guesses for 2025. This year's "looking forward columns" are spread over two weeks. This week, we have info about the coming year in the Arts Councils, art centers, and the Opera House. We will cover the Four Franklin County Festivals and our Town Bands plus Other Major Presenter plans next week. LOOKING FORWARD
Happy New Year!
ALL ARTS COUNCIL ACTIVITIES ARTS COUNCILS 2025
Summer Sounds stands on its own as a Town of Highgate Rec event. The All Arts Council's three primary goals haven't changed: continuing our popular programs, continuing our support of artists and other presenters, and continuing our partnerships. The AAC may also host several one-time shows. Email the All Arts Council if you would like to suggest or host a show.
AAC will hold exhibits for artists in all media and pays actual cash money for bands and solo performers in concert. If you are one or know one, Email the All Arts Council .
ALL ARTS COUNCIL WISH LIST
Every Franklin County presenter needs volunteers and money. From All Arts to Young Tradition-Vermont, please remember that volunteers and a permanent base make up the "back room" that each of these groups needs to continue the programming you enjoy.
If you want to write this column, plan an event, or do anything else in the arts, Email the All Arts Council . The AAC also needs volunteers to provide the marketing and technical help, have resources, and to host meetings and exhibits, and concerts and workshops for artists, other groups, and local presenters.
If you have an advertising budget to spend or space to lend for the year, Email the All Arts Council . If you want to run an arts program, Email the All Arts Council faster.
BURLINGTON CITY ARTS
Burlington is outside of our normal catchment area but several Franklin County artists are BCA members and their programming is of interest to us.
BCA will offer public art, exhibitions, events, classes, home studio, and artist resources throughout the year plus festivals and performance series including Becoming / Vermont, Bunny Harvey: Worlds Within Worlds, and Stephanie Morissette: Speculative Future, plus the Festival of Fools, Splash Dance, BCA Summer Concert Series, the Twilight Series, the BTV Artist Market writ large, Sunday Classical, the BTV Winter Market, and Highlight, the New Year's Eve Celebration. Click here for more info
IN THE ISLANDS
Island Arts has brought arts activities to Grand Isle County for over 30 years. This year, they should again have concerts, theater performances, and craft fairs for children and adults including classes, Paint and Sip events, and more for all ages from May through September. Click here or Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS CITY
St. Albans Community Arts is looking for active volunteers for a vibrant arts scene in the city. Without volunteers it will just drift apart. The Franklin County Quilters Guild 25th annual quilt show opens April 5. There may be art walks, music, the Festival of Trees, Creative Connections, and more. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON ARTS COUNCIL
The Swanton Arts Council will offer more programs in 2025. At the Board Meeting Monday, they will install the 2025 Board Members and discuss the emerging Artist Award and Youth Art Show, Free Art Programming, the Festival of Trees, Artist Showcase, Swanton Town and Village plans and more. Click here for more info.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ARTS CENTERS, GALLERIES, AND GUILDS 2025
The A.I.R. has an in-person gallery and online celebrations of more than 40 area artists. Their Rai$e the Roof fundraiser is online now. The gallery on South Main Street is open Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
BRYAN MEMORIAL GALLERY
The Bryan Gallery is eager to start new exhibits, events, and workshops for its 40th year in 2025. The main Gallery is closed until March for winter break but appointments are available. The new Stowe Gallery is open Wednesday - Sunday, 11-5. Call (802.644.5100) to schedule an appointment or Click here for more info.
MILTON ARTIST'S GUILD
MAG has an online shop, in-person gallery, and online workshops for every artist with Social Sundays for the whole family every week. The MAG online shopis open 24/7 and the gallery itself is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MAG's Annual Letter of Appeal is online now. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTHERN VERMONT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION
Jonathan Brigham is NVAA president. The NVAA board will vote in officers and board members and to discuss the 2025 calendar this month. They may host the June Juried show at Visions of Vermont Gallery in Jeffersonville and the Fall show at Village Frame Shoppe. Click here or Find them on Facebook for more info.
RIVER ARTS
The Morrisville Art Center offers "Arts for Everyone" with exhibits in the Folley Hall and Copley Studio Galleries as well as off-campus plus an ambitious schedule of programs including figure drawing, sewing and felting, soft sculptures, upcycled journals and mixed media, wheel classes, kiln, and much more. There will be monthly Sip N' Slurry or Paint and Sip evenings plus Meditate & Create evenings and look for a fresh collaboration between Morrisville Alliance for Culture and Commerce and River Arts for more Music on Main this summer. Art100 takes place in February. Click here .
THE OPERA HOUSE ON STAGE 2025
The Opera House at Enosburg Falls offers a mix of major productions, touring, and community events from vocalists in concert, musicals, and theatricals, to talent shows and art shows. Productions are volunteer-based with small honorariums granted based on the proceeds of the show. The 300 seat historic center of the performing arts serves 14 local communities and more. Their new season begins January 2snow4.
The House wants to know what you want to see in 2025 and needs volunteers. Email to volunteer or get involved and Click here or 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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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
email us
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