| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | Christmas Day, December 25, 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 collection spotlight is on elegant wood turner Barry Genzlinger. 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. ART ON THE WALLS
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features Collective Visions artist by Ann Cunningham in the main gallery and on Facebook .
The gallery has exhibits of the landscape painters of New England. This week, the main showcase in Jeffersonville is closed today and open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 - 4, and New Year's Eve, 11 - 2. The Stowe Gallery is closed today and open Friday and Saturday 11 - 5, Sunday 11 - 4, and New Year's Eve, 11 - 2. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
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 FOR SALE
ALBURG--Blinged up Christmas cowboy boots? Between the Lines Line Dancing offers a chance to work off the holiday meals with Beginner Line Dancing at the American Legion Landon Post #60 on Friday 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. DANCE
ONLINE--The American Abenaki Curriculum is now online with A Journey of History and Resilience. The first unit examines Abenaki history and living culture by addressing the "Compelling Question," How have the Abenaki people survived and adapted to their environment for thousands of years? Students will use what they have learned about Abenaki culture to explain the challenges that the Abenaki have faced and share examples from multiple sources (written narrative, artwork, photographs, etc.) of how the American Abenaki have survived and adapted. Click here for the FAQ and more info. HUMANITIES
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. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
ONLINE--Northwest Access TV presents Alex Foltz for Episode 5 of Foltz Studio, the live series of outdoor oil painting lessons. This episode finds him painting a river scene on French Hill and on YouTube. The Highgate native who now lives in the state of Georgia teaches viewers the art of plein-air oil painting across different landscapes in Vermont. The appears weekly on YouTube channel and to Franklin County Comcast subscribers on channel 1079 on Mondays at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 26 ON STAGE LIVE
COLCHESTER--The Duncan MacLeod Trio plays originals and blues influenced rock 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--The Buck Hollers kick off the Winter Wine Down Music Series series at Snow Farm Vineyard on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The winter music series will bring well known musicians, wine, and food every Friday through March. Click here for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post presents the Sibling Reverie (Old) Post Christmas Party on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, December 26-28
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has Dan Parks at 5 p.m. and Tim Brick & The tnablers at 9 p.m. on Friday night plus McMaple live on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in December. Carol Ann Jones and Will Patton play Friday. Mad Mojo performs live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Ryan Hanson returning 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, December 27
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's hosts Dan Parks, on Saturday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company hosts Jason Corbiere's Blue Christmas Bash, for an evening of blues and R&B on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River hosts Jesse Agan on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents longtime collaborators and musical storytellers Andrew James & John Gratton Live at the Pub on Saturday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Waves of Adrenaline plays contemporary folk live on Saturday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The Snowshoe Lodge & Pub present Tim Brick & the Enablers on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 30
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.
New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31
BURLINGTON--Burlington City Arts welcomes revelers to celebrate New Year’s Eve with Circus Smirkus, a Moth StorySLAM, Waterfront Fest, plus musicians and story tellers in Highlight 2025 on Wednesday starting at 11 a.m. The Highlight Button is your all-access ticket to every single Highlight event. Click here for more info and the complete schedule of performances.
ST. JOHNSBURY--First Night North 2026 and Catamount Arts celebrate the 32nd year of Vermont's longest running New Year's Eve performance festival with over 150 performers in over 75 shows in a dozen venues, all on Wednesday beginning at 4 p.m. Call 802.748.2600 or Click here for more info and the complete schedule of performances.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub rings in the New Year with Jim Branca on Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. They will have a countdown and toast every hour on the hour. Click here for more info.
MILTON--Justice 3 hammers in the New Year at the Milton Eagles Club on Wednesday. Doors at 6. Admission is $50. Tickets are available only at the Eagles Club. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's rings in the New Year with two favorites: Chris & Erica play first on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and then 90 Proof hits the stage at 9 p.m. No cover. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot closes out 2025 in style with a full night of live music with Barbie-N-Bones, dancing, food, and fun on Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $10-20. Find them on Facebook or click here for tickets and more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--New Years Eve at the Old Post has Quadra with special guest Fran Briand on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Party favors, champagne toast and more. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sticks and Stones return to On Tap for New Year's Eve on Wednesday starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or Find them on Facebook for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Sheldon anchors Franklin County's Barn Quilt Trail. The trail founder, Fern Mercure, brought the trail idea to the Sheldon Raiders. The first 12 barn quilts on the Franklin County Barn Quilt Trail were hung on Mother's Day in 2010. Fifteen years later, the trail boasts 638 barn quilts documented in 529 locations in Franklin County. Darren Perron did a segment on WCAX TV.
Live television goes tastefully wrong during this year's Ho Ho Ho Call In Show on NW Access TV. Somebody forgot to prep Santa on the cookies being taste-tested during the blindfold segment! Ho Ho Noooo! Actual tears of laughter from cast and crew during production of this live segment. It's on Facebook.
Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton sang Christmas on Facebook last week. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.
FAIRFIELD--The Bent Northrop Memorial Library is closed for the whole week between Christmas and New Years' Day through Friday, January 2, at 9 a.m. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
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 Mystery Book Club meets for Hamish MacBeth's Highland Christmas by M C Beaton on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The police constable is stuck with the long, lonely Christmas shift in freezing Lochdubh while his family vacations in sunny Florida. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Franklin County artists and presenters had a busy 2025. We'll start with the Arts Councils, check in on the Franklin County Festivals and Libraries, then wrap up with the Other Major Presenters. LOOKING BACK AT THE YEAR
The AllArts Council serves northwestern Vermont as a presenter, an event producer, and as a technical resource for artists and other groups. We had calls for local artists and musicians for gigs here and around the country. ALL ARTS COUNCIL
The community based All Arts Council brings the performing and visual arts to northwestern Vermont. Click here for more info.
Island Arts had a busy summer with artisan markets, book sales, family movies, film camp, folk dancing, group singing lessons, workshops, bluegrass jams, the a capella Lollapalooza, and more. Their summer shows on North Hero included Little Women, Alice in Wonderland, the Alexander String Quartet, Jacqueline Schwab, Summer Sounds favorites Mango Jam, Counterpoint, Skylark, Jorge Garcia Herranz, Haiduck & Heckerdorn, Vermont Jazz Ensemble, Sohyun Ahn, Top of the Mountain, and more. Click here for more info. ISLAND ARTS
The Morrisville community art center and presenter kept making art with exhibits in their hall, galleries, and off-campus plus an ambitious schedule of programs including in person figure drawing, sewing and felting, soft sculptures, mixed media, wheel classes, and much more. There were Sip N' Slurry, Paint and Sip, and Meditate & Create evenings. Click here to explore these art experiences for the community. RIVER ARTS
The Swanton Arts Council works to build an artistic presence and develop the artistic community in Swanton. This year, they hosted the Art Journaling Group, Writers' Group, plus Barn Quilt painting, take and make (art) kits, workshops, Youth Art Shows, the monthly book club, But I Progress, and much, much more. SAC held a Holiday Craft Show. Find them on Facebook for more info. SWANTON ARTS COUNCIL
The Vermont Abenaki Artists Association features certified "American Indian" fine, decorative, and performing artists. They offered Nebizun: Water is Life, the Abenaki Cultural Conservancy Collection, Deep Roots, Strong Branches, the Project Harvest Festival, Missisquoi Abenaki Heritage Celebration, Black Ash Pounding, Indigenous Peoples' Days, Abenaki Heritage Weekend and Arts Marketplace, workshops, and more. Click here for more info. VERMONT ABENAKI ARTISTS ASSOCIATION
"Vermont maple bringing families together." The 58th Vermont Maple Festival had a bucketful of events for the first (and sweetest) outdoor festival of the year. The Antique Show returned. The Craft & Specialty Food Show filled the Gym. The Saint Albans Museum presented an Americana Sampler with indie rock musician Chris Staples. The Sappy Art Contest attracted artists from all over. Taylor Park was packed with events. Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate, Pipsqueak the Clown, face painter Vermont Face and Body, Facemania, the Aim High Canines, Mr. Mike and the Big Blue Trunk, Yo! Joe What a Guy! and Creative Chainsaw Art by John, plus Kevin Herchen, the Conniption Fits, the Youth Talent Show, the Electric Youth Dance Company, April Cushman, Dan Fontaine and the Memphis Sun Mafia Band, the Fiddler's Variety Show, and Maddi Ryan all spent the long weekend with us. THE FRANKLIN COUNTY FESTIVALS
Milk from Moo to You. The 69th Vermont Dairy Festival had more entertainment and magical family activities than ever before. The Vermont Dairy Festival Scholarship Pageant highlighted the indoor entertainment. The free entertainment on two stages started off with EFMHS Rock Show winners the Revival and the Mountain Says No and continued with Ryan Sweezy & the Midnight Walkers, Bubbles, Chris & Erica, Pirate Man Dan, Jacob Green, Farmer Tom and Farmer Mack, Marko the Magician, Troy Millette & the Fire Below, the Maple Grove Band, Hot Pickin' Party, and Aaron and Alaria Doane.
The four best days of summer, Franklin County Field Days had news:"After a thoughtful and extensive land search, we've decided to take a new and exciting direction for Franklin County Field Days and we want YOU to be a part of it!
"Starting in 2026, Field Days will become a traveling fair, popping up in a new spot within Franklin County each summer! This new approach allows us to continue celebrating our vibrant agricultural roots while bringing fun and festivities to different corners of our community.
"Right now, we're on the lookout for a host location for the 2026 Field Days! We're searching for 50-60 acres of flat, dry land where we can bring the magic of the fair to life.
"Do you own land or a farm that fits the bill? Send us a message and we would love to chat and share more details!
"Let's build something amazing together. We can't wait to bring the fun back next summer!"
The generous appropriations for our Town Libraries do not cover all expenses. A donation will help your community library continue offering not only popular reading but also a wide range of the arts. Visit your library virtually or stop by to pick up a donation form or just hand them moolah. Click here for more info. BOOK REVIEW and THE 12 LIBRARIES
Franklin County Libraries opened their doors with books and community activities. Collectively, the libraries hold and have lent tens of thousands of physical and electronic books this year. The libraries also have a wide selection of electronic books and audiobooks available online. Click here for more info about all the libraries.
The Eloquent Page introduced a number of local writers (and their books) at readings and signings and events. The traditional, bricks-and-mortar bookstore in downtown St. Albans carries 35,000 new and used books plus book-themed merchandise and can find out-of-print titles.
The Artist In Residence Gallery in St. Albans featured dozens of northern Vermont fine artists with a focus on up to four different artists at the popular monthly featured artist live socials each month. Over the course of the year, those socials introduced all the AIR members, live and in person. The art cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats, and more, and is owned and operated by the artists and sponsors. GALLERY PRESENTERS
Bryan Memorial Galleryfeatured local artists and opened a second exhibition space in Stowe. The gallery of New England landscapes hosted workshops and exhibited Gems & Giants, Legacy, Land & Light & Water & Air, and more.
Cold Hollow Sculpture Park was open in June through October for an admission-free, immersive opportunity in five rolling meadows with about sixty large-scale sculptures by David Stromeyer. They had concerts, poetry readings, talks, workshops, and special events.
The Free Little Art Gallery directory of nearby FLAGs continues growing. The nearest is Free Little Art Gallery Essex Junction on Oneida Ave. Middlebury's Henry Sheldon Museum is home to the new Little Sheldon FLAG.
The Milton Artists Guild hosted Social Sundays for family art plus in-person classes, seminars, and workshops and more.
The Montgomery Center for the Arts held regular workshops, yoga, and t'ai chi. Their shows started with the Play Every Town Project. They held the MES Student Spring Art Show, the 3rd annual People's Art Show, Nature's Palette, Winter Tracking, Mug Painting Fundraiser, Acorn Processing and Propagation, Papermaking Workshop, Birch Bark Basketry, a Ken Cadow Book Reading, Capturing The Light, Nature's Legacy : Capturing Shared Values, Summer Watercolor Painting Classes, Film Night, Pumpkin Carving, and Punch Needle Rug Hooking and more. The MCA seeks your opinionsabout the MCA, events that interest you, the social impact of the arts, and more.
The Saint Albans Museum hosted the Garden Circle & Seed Swap plus SAM Workshops Queer Crafts with Blue Heron Art Studio, Stories from the Vermont Queer Archives with Meg Tamulonis, Wolf Peaches, Poisoned Peas, Madame Pompadour's Underwear with Rebecca Rupp, and Ira Allen: A Hard Founding Father to Love, and The Box, Project: Race, Rurality, & Civil Rights Americana Sampler with Chris Staples, Maple Festival Open House , Church Street Celebration, Sensory-Friendly Hours, Reptile Day, Activism from Vermont to Mississippi, Historical Societies Meetup, Santa's Workshop, and more.
Celebration of Expressive Arts operated through the summer at The Inn. Glen Bartolomeo and Kevin O'Shaughnessy; Amber Harvey and the Duo Peaches and Cream; Mimi Magyar and David Karl Roberts; and Myra Flynn all performed. This was CEA's final season. Local artists, writers and musicians have gathered to share original and thought provoking work. OTHER MAJOR PRESENTERS
The Church Street Sounds of the Season concert series presented the Vaughn Watson and John Riddle Hook and Hastings organ concert, the Vermont Cello Duet and Frevo at the First Congregational Church.
The Opera House at Enoburg Falls opened the season with Summer Sounds favorites the Tenderbellies. The season continued with Jazz at the House, V! A Night of Vivacious Variety, Prydein, Carolyn Enger, Peter Pan, Witches & Warlocks, the Youth Talent Search, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, the annual Craft Show, Gone Guys Film Screening, Christmas Follies, and more.
The Enosburg Town Band played live Summer Concerts on the Lincoln Park Bandstand on Tuesday nights. The Citizens Concert Band performed two shows in Taylor Park, plus the Town Green in Franklin, the Homer Knight Barn in North Hero, the Little White Church in Highgate Springs, and the Town Green in Bakersfield.
The popular Jig in the Valley returned for the 33rd year. Eight hours of music included the Dale and Darcy Band and Rusty Bucket, Carol Ann Jones and the Superchargers, Left Eye Jump, the Jim Branca Quartet, and the world famous Oleo Romeos' Big-Ass Review, plus special guests from near and far, all to support the Fairfield Community Center programs
The fourth annual Kingman Fest offered Jesse Agan and Morgan Myles live in a block party on Kingman Street.
The Meeting House on the Green Music Series brought a dozen high-caliber groups to the Meeting House starting with Jamie Masefield, and including Will Patton, Matt Flinner, and Pat Melvin; Beg, Steal or Borrow; the Atlas Tango Project; Coane, Rowell & Schabner; the Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble; Honey and Soul; Summer Sounds favorites Mango Jam and the Oleo Romeos; Kate Taylor; the Bob & Sarah Amos Band; and Paul Asbell. Most concerts were held outside on the terrace with lite fare and desserts on the village green. Proceeds from the series help fund the restoration of the building.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute hosted monthly talks on culture, humanities, and science.
Summer Music at Grace began their season with the 23rd annual Farewell Reunion featuring Owen Marshall and Jenna Moynihan. They continued with the Citizens Concert Band, Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen Gira, Uncle John's Band, and Frevo.
The Vermont Humanities Council hosted talks on arts, culture, humanities, and science both in person in local libraries and other venues and through their digital platform. VHC also chose The Light Pirate, by Lily Brooks-Dalton, as the 23rd Vermont Reads title this year.
Young Tradition-Vermont, now integrated into the Vermont Folklife Center, continued its programming. The YTV Festival offered live and live-streamed programs in Burlington City Hall and other locations. Their programs include Trad Camp, Fiddleheads, Touring Group, Youth Commission, Instrument Petting Zoo, and Instrument Loan Program.
Restaurants and bars in Franklin County had live music schedules. We enjoyed several Abbey Music Series, the Alburgh Oasis series, Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course, the Blue Paddle Bistro Live, two Farmer's Markets, music in The Room at 14th Star, a variety of shows at the Depot, new offerings at Irons & Ale, Kraemer & Kin's weekends, North Hero House evenings, the Snow Farm Summer Concert Series, the Taylor Park Summer Concert Series, plus regular weekends and Nobby Reed's Blues Jams at Twiggs, and more.
There were several other pop-up shows but most happened too quickly to catch our deadline. Check with your favorite places every day or so to find out if anything is going on.
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
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