| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | February 12, 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.
... FROM THE ARTBITS DESK ...
E-Mail Delivery
Sign up to receive the free weekly ArtBits
newsletter by e-mail
or by RSS feed.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on acrylic artist Jaimie Katon. 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 YOU CREATE
FAIRFIELD--Hearthside Handcrafts meet at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Fiber arts and crafting enthusiasts bring their own projects and connect to share skills and create memories on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Click here for more info.
GEORGIA--Awaken Yoga & Creative Arts Studio hosts a Little Valentine Gnome Paint 'N Snack with Kat on Friday at 5 p.m. There will be step by step instructions and Valentine snacks and laughs. The cost is $40/single or come as a pair for $75. Click here for reservations and more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the in-person, February "Paint & Sip | Winter Colors" with Evie Mason on Friday at 6 p.m. The relaxed watercolor session with step-by-step guidance will "draw inspiration from the stillness of winter-soft snowfalls, frosted trees, and the gentle glow of twilight skies." The cost is $65. Click here to enroll and for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard and Once Upon a Rock host the Love Is in the Air Pebble Art Workshop on Sunday at 12 noon. This workshop will use pebbles, rocks, stones, driftwood, and lake glass to create artwork. From framed pieces to candle holders, each piece is unique. They provide guidance and inspiration; what you make will be completely your own creation. The cost is $35. 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.
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
ST. ALBANS--First Step Dance, Vermont Ballroom Dance, and the St. Albans Rec present Sunday Swing on the City Hall dance floor on Sunday at 1 p.m. Open dance begins at 2. Learn (or re-learn) the basics of six-count Swing Dance. The class is ideal for brand-new dancers or anyone with just a bit of experience. Open dancing to a variety of swing dance music will follow the lessons. The cost is $15 for residents or $25 for nonresidents for the lessons or $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents for open dance alone. Click here to register and for more info.
FILM
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Three Days of the Condor this evening at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. The 1975 CIA thriller starred Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, and Max von Sydow. The free presentation includes the show, the popcorn, cocoa, and tea. This showing is an after-hours event. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot hosts a 50 First Dates Movie & Dining Experience on Saturday, Valentines Day, at 8 p.m. Movie at 8:30. Feel-good romance meets an immersive, tropical, movie-inspired culinary adventure. Tickets are $100 (plus fees if purchased through Eventbrite) and include the multi-course immersive dinner and movie. Find them on Facebook for more info.
GATHERINGS
FAIRFAX--Sarah Barnes leads Sketchbook Club in the library at BFA Fairfax on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The relaxed space is open to all ages and all skill levels to draw, try new art media, and build an artistic community. Bring your own supplies but materials will be provided.
HUMANITIES
ONLINE--The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum hosts Dr. Meg Mott to discuss Can Vermonters Be Free Without Virtue?: A Look at the Vermont Bill of Rights as a free public lecture on Zoom on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Dr. Mott, a political analyst and constitutional law expert, notes that Vermont's Constitution adds one important fundamental freedom. The Bill of Rights tells Vermonters to make "frequent recurrence" to the five civic virtues, justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality, without which we will lose "the blessings of liberty." Pre-registration is required. Click here to register and for more info. The event will also be recorded and posted to the museum's YouTube channel.
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. Green Mountain Indivisible "welcomes and values all sides coming together."
THEATER
ENOSBURG--V! For Variety returns to the Opera House at Enosburg Falls on Friday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7 for shopping and food and drink.
From Ancient Rome and the Moulin Rouge, to circus sideshows and underground speakeasies, burlesque has been swirling up our deepest desires for centuries. The Art of the Tease is in the House with Spritz Tease, Viola Heart, the F-Smarts and more for an adult-themed variety show with live music, cabaret, comedy, and burlesque talent. Admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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 Tuesday classes with Karen Winslow use 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, and include all materials.
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.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts begins a new, two-workshop series, Crochet Foundations: From Squares to Wearables, with Carmella Cyr on this afternoon at 4 - 6 p.m. The first session is to learn the essential crochet stitches and techniques to create granny squares. Return for the second session next week to join the granny squares into a cozy blanket, a stylish bag, or a unique accessory. Tuition is $60. Click here to enroll and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
IN PERSON at your HOME--The Green Mountain Chorus offers a Singing Valentine for either Friday or Saturday delivery. Employees, friends, relatives, or very special loved one will get a traditional Barbershop Love Song in four-part harmony delivered by an a capella quartet in formal dress. The cost is $50 and includes a small box of Lake Champlain Chocolates and a card with your own Valentine's message. (Outside their available area, the Quartet can call and sing over the phone. Telephone Singing Valentines cost $25.) Click here for more info.
Thursday, February 12
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro often hosts Acoustic Thursday on Thursday 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 singer/guitarist Jeff Shelly live this evening at 6 p.m. for "everything from Neil Diamond to Pearl Jam to The Beatles." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, February 12-14
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with the Pet Project tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Sibling Reverie at 5 p.m., and then the Better Angels return for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Cooper, Bob Recupero, at 5 p.m., and the high energy of Paradox at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, February 13
COLCHESTER--Justice 3 gets their groove on with a Valentine's Dance at the American Legion Post 91 on Friday the 13th at 6 p.m. Open to the public. Find them on Facebook for more info
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Combustomatics take the stage on Friday at 6 p.m. Click here 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--Summer Sounds favorite Carol Ann Jones 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--V! For Variety returns to the Opera House at Enosburg Falls on Friday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7 for shopping and food and drink. The Art of the Tease is in the House with Spritz Tease, Viola Heart, the F-Smarts and more for an adult-themed variety show with live music, cabaret, comedy, and burlesque talent. Admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Celebrate Valentine’s Day with 90 Proof at the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, February 12-15
ESSEX JUNCTION--The Sparky's double header starts with Two for Flinching making their Sparky's debut on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Then on Saturday Night, the second annual Sparky's Prom takes over for Valentine's Day starting at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in February. Pet Project plays Friday and the Smokey Newfield Project returns live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week Cooper returns on Friday and Will Austin takes over live on Saturday night for all the Valentines. 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, February 14
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Franklin's own Uncle John's Band Live at the Pub for sweetheart snuggling on Saturday, Valentine's Day, at 7 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
BURLINGTON--The Young Tradition VT Touring Group performs a special Valentine's Day concert at the North Star Community Hall on Saturday at 7 p.m. Led this year by Ethan Tischler and Alex Kehler, the ensemble of musicians from Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, and Quebec, will be touring Sweden in April. Admission is by suggested donation of $20 at the door. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Next Stop! -- a Comedy Show live in The Room on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The former Boston Comedy Club offers a brand new line-up of comedians each month. Admission is $25 (plus Eventbrite fees). Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
Sunday, February 15
KEY COLONY BEACH, FL--The KCB Community Association Concerts in Sunset Park series continue with Ericson Holt live in the new tiki in Sunset Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. Free. There will be blues, Americana, and a bit of soul. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, February 18
ST. ALBANS--The Bellows Free Academy Improv Drama Team returns to The Backroom at Twiggs for its annual charity Improv Show on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The enthusiastic, quick-witted students bring the laughs to raise money for the Samaritan House. Admission is by $5 suggested donation at the door. Find them on Facebook for more info.
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 12 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when the Tangents played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series on July 30, 2025. It's on YouTube.
Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton made a rare appearance as Captain Radical in front of a pirate ship and on Facebook on Friday. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
Most libraries will be closed on Monday for President's Day.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library Reading & Discussion Group takes up the Vermont Reads 2025 selection, The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton, on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The meditation on the beauty and violence of an untamable wilderness is a climate novel set in a near-future Florida. Find them on Facebook for more info
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library presents a belated Celebration of Scottish poet Rabbie Burns, The Ploughman Poet, with Wesley Kempton at the Dick Wright Pub on Wednesday at 6 p.m. There will be song and story, and books of Burns' poetry. Some snacks will be provided (probably no haggis), but BYO whisky. Click here 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 St. Albans Free Library Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss The Kite Runner by Khaled Hasseini on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The debut novel of friendship, betrayal, and redemption in Afghanistan is frequently challenged and banned in U.S. schools and libraries. The Book Group meets after hours at the library. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The monthly SPL Book Club meets to discuss Hang the Moon by Jeanette Walls at the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 6 p.m. The historical novel is set in Prohibition-era Virginia. A headstrong young woman returns home to reclaim her place in her family's moonshine business. Click here 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 ... |
||
Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
||
Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
email us
|
This article may also have originally been published in the traditional print media. It is Copyright © 2025 by Richard B. Harper. All rights reserved.
Archival material is provided as-is. Links are not necessarily maintained (if a link in this article fails, try Google.com or your favorite search engine). Thanks to recent misuse of copyright material on the Internet by individuals and archival firms alike, we emphasize that your rights to this article are limited to viewing it and printing it for personal use only. You must receive explicit permission from the All Arts Council and the author before reprinting or redistributing this article in any medium. Visit our Trademarks and Copyright page for more information. |