| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | May 21, 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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THUNDER, MUSIC, AND REMEMBRANCE
ENOSBURG FALLS--The Vermont Thunder annual ride arrives for a wreath laying ceremony by the American Legion and a patriotic concert by the Enosburg Town Band, all in Lincoln Park on Sunday starting about 3 p.m.
The Ride began as a 136 Mile Memorial Run, with one mile dedicated to each of the 136 Vermont veterans lost in the Vietnam War. It continues to honor veterans of all U.S. conflict while supporting Vermont veterans and their families who have ALL served and sacrificed. The Ride will start at the "Wall" in the Sharon rest area and will proceed to Route 7 through St. Albans and Route 105 to Enosburg.
OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND
AROUND THE STATE--Vermont's two day Spring Open Studio Weekend celebrates 34 years and begins Saturday at 10 a.m. Most Vermont artists and craftspeople work in studios in or near their homes. These founts of production and inspiration can be found in a downtown or at the ends of a dirt road. This statewide celebration is a chance to see the magic at work.
Some of the artists open their working studios to the public only during this weekend. It is an opportunity for them to talk about their work and to demonstrate the skill and processes used to make it. The participating artists plan to get work done as well as teach while visitors poke around.
The free Vermont Studio Tour site has maps and directions. The loop through Franklin County will be a great day's adventure. Or two.
The Artist In Residence Gallery has fine crafts and art by more than 40 local artists in St. Albans. Click here to visit.
Bryan Gallery features the landscape painters of New England. The galleries in Jeffersonville and Stowe will be open at least 11 - 4 on Saturday and Sunday.
Rebecca Nase Chomyn at Twisted Perception Metal Works builds steel sculpture, household ware, utilitarian and decorative pieces in Fairfield. Click here to visit.
Stephanie Garguilo at Beautiful Illusions Studio creates mixed media folk art in St. Albans. Click here to visit.
Maurie Harrington has watercolors, acrylics, prints, cards, murals, travel journals in North Hero. Click here to visit.
The Milton Artists Guild has more than 100 local artists on tap. Click here to visit.
Meta Strick paints, draws, cuts, carves, sews and assembles one-of-a-kind Art Dolls as well as paintings, ornaments, and oddities in her studio in Fairfield. Click here to visit.
Other statewide participants include furniture makers, glass blowers, ironworkers, jewelers, quilters painters, photographers, potters, print makers, sculptors, weavers, and wood carvers. Many galleries will host gallery talks and feature special exhibits in conjunction with this event. Click here for maps, directions, and more info.
ART YOU CREATE
FAIRFAX--Paint a Pot in a cozy evening of crafting, food, and reading at the Fairfax Library this evening at 5 p.m. They will have flowerpots ready to paint for spring. Materials and refreshments are provided. Call the library (802.849.2420) or email to register and for more info.
MILTON--Fiadhnait Moser will lead an Impasto Oil Painting Night, Spring Tulips at the Milton Artists Guild this evening at 6 p.m. The evening is Sold Out. The beginner-friendly class is a chance to try oil painting to create an impressionistic work using a palette knife and paint. The cost is $50. Click here to register and for more info.
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.
SHELDON--It's "Barn Quilt Therapy" as Kimberly Hess leads a hands-on Barn Quilt class at the Sheldon Historical Museum on Saturday at 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. "Creativity rules, perfection is optional, and everyone leaves with a stunning barn quilt of their own." No barn or experience is required. The cost is $125-225, depending on the board size selected. Click here to register and for 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.
EAST FAIRFIELD--Tuesday is Spring Craft Night to make an indoor decorative bird house with Tammy at the Bent Northrop Memorial Library at 6:30 p.m. Call the library (802.827.3945) or Click here ro register and for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Public Library hosts two gatherings this week.
Sip, Stitch, & Share meets at the library 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.
The Library's 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.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE BRYAN (May 24)--Online submissions are now open for Vantages and for Fur, Feather & Tails: New England Critters at Bryan Memorial Gallery. Exhibitors must join or be members of the gallery. Send images and documentation to bryangallery.org/artistartistsadmin . Click here for more info
CALL FOR SINGERS
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Community Chorus holds its final rehearsal at Dick Wright Pub on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for Memorial Day. The chorus has had six rehearsals and will perform the Battle Hymn of the Republic with piano accompaniment and a four-part arrangement of the Vermont anthem These Green Mountains in the Franklin Town Hall. Click here for more info, a video of the arrangements, and the sheet music.
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.
DANCE
ALBURG--Between the Lines Line Dancing offers Beginner Line Dancing 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.
HIGHGATE--Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg at the Highgate Manor concludes on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The class will teach progressive dance rhythms to varied genres of today's music. Line dance is not limited to country music. No experience needed. Bring clean, dry shoes to change into and dance in. Admission is $10 per class. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
SWANTON--The Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi hosts the annual Memorial Day weekend Heritage Celebration at Swanton Rec on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The celebration will be filled with tribal drumming, dancing, singing, food vendors, craft vendors, and more. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
GATHERINGS
MONTGOMERY--Fiber Arts Meet and Make begins at the Montgomery Center for the Arts this evening at 6 p.m. The gathering for those who create with crochet, knitting, weaving, sewing, embroidery, or hooking meets on the third Thursday of the month.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council 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.
FAIRFAX--Sarah Barnes leads Sketchbook Club at the Fairfax Community Library 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.
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.
GEORGIA--The Georgia Public Library Crafting Club meets at the library to craft together and give back to the community on Wednesday evenings at 6 - 8 p.m. They have plenty of equipment and materials with the instructions to make homemade fiber crafts to donate to those in need. Or bring your own knitting, crocheting, and sewing projects to the craft circle on Wednesday evenings.
HUMANITIES
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.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MORRISVILLE--Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr., concludes the two unit Drawing 1 Class for Portrait Drawing and Facial Structure at River Arts on Saturday at 9 a.m. This skill-building workshop will strengthen technical drawing skills and build artistic confidence. Students will learn front, profile, and three-quarter views with correct proportions and placement of features. The cost is $40 or register for both days for a discounted rate of $75. Click here to register and for 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--The Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week. 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.
Fiadhnait Moser continues the Acrylic Creatures on Wood workshop with a fawn and willow on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Paint a little woodland creature on natural 4-6 inch wood rounds using folk art techniques. All supplies are provided. The workshop is offered on Wednesdays from through August 12. The cost is $65 per workshop. Click here to register and for more info.
IN THE SAC
SWANTON--Artist of the Week. Swanton Arts Council bassist and watercolor artist Mike Barkyoumb paints marine landscapes and architecture. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council free Art Journaling Group meets in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on a new night on Wednesday 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 Wednesday of every month. Supplies are provided. Click here for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, May 21
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with a girl and her guitar as Laura Fedele-Rasco plays "all your favorite songs" this evening at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--MVU hosts Swanton Music Night in the Trahan Theater this evening.
Thursday-Wednesday, May 21-27
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in October. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. D. Davis and Django Soule light the night afire on Friday. They serve up Soul Stew on Saturday and bring out the Hammer Lane for an early show on Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. The sound system takes the day off on Tuesday. And Jim Charonko is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, May 22
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with David Miller in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG- -The Rail Trail Pub presents Richard Durazo for an evening of folk rock, blues, reggae grooves, and alternative originals and covers on Friday at 7 pm. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Quadra (Moe, Marc, Matt, and Mike) returns to the Old Post to open the patio if the weather agrees on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Summer Sounds favorites Joe's Big Band play the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. The 17-piece jazz ensemble performs music from Swing Era classics to contemporary jazz, blues, latin, rock and funk. General admission, standing room, is $20. Click here for tickets and more info.
Friday-Sunday, May 22-24
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has the return of McMaple for late night music on Friday night. Then they get jerborned with the full Jerband live on Saturday night. Music starts at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in May. Nate Michaud plays Friday and the Smokey Newfield Project returns live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The inaugural Smokey Newfield's Local Music Celebration at the Taphouse "had a great turnout and a great energy." With help from Kyle Stevens, Chris & Erica, and Jerborn, they raised $356 for Martha's Kitchen in St. Albans.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. The Shane Murley Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed Al's Pals on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Joe Adler & Joe Agnello take the stage on Friday and J.J. Booth (Jim Hamel and Jason Lee) plays live on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Cooper, Bob Recupero, on Friday and Summer Sounds favorite John Geno, the multi-talented front man of IncaHoots, 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, May 23
ST. ALBANS--Northwest Farmers Market fills Taylor Park with live music, handmade crafts, locally grown food, prepared foods, free kids activities on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Third Shift Vermont plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard has a Rose Wine Release Party with a special performance by George Murtie on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mr. Murtie and the Hive food truck both appear at 3 p.m. Click here for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2026 Meeting House Music Series presents Beg Steal or Borrow in a triumphant return outdoors on the terrace at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" at 4. The "triple crown bluegrass band" of Jeremy Sicely, Geoff Goodhue, Roland Clark, Fran Forim and Luke Auriemmo, have become a late spring tradition at the Meeting House.
There will be plenty of room on the Green to "kick up your heels and dance the night away." Grab and Go light fare and desserts will be available for sale or bring your own picnic.
Admission is by $10 suggested donation with those under 12 admitted free. Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. The proceeds go to the Meeting House Preservation Project and supporting live music in Vermont. Concerts are held outdoors, weather permitting or moved indoors if not. Call Nance Shaw (802.827.6626) or click here for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with Dee Davis and Marc Gwen and then Blue Blazes on Sunday. Music starts at 4:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--Singer/songwriter Jukebox Jake returns to the Dick Wright Pub for Live at the Pub on Saturday at 6 p.m. His debut album, The Road Less Traveled, can be found on all streaming platforms. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
Monday, May 25
NORTH HERO--Ryan Hanson plays originals and covers of acoustic rock and folk on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, May 26
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.
ST. ALBANS--Rock show! A-319, the BFA Modern Band, is in concert in the BFA Performing Arts Center on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Modern Band A-319 will take the stage with a high-energy set including music from Toto, Radiohead, Primus, Coldplay, Gorillaz, and more. They will welcome special guest performers and BFA alumni Nic Farinaccio and Will Austin, both now performing professionally, to open the show on drums and keys. Admission is free.
Wednesday, May 27
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery welcomes folk singer/songwriter Grace Palmer on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The BFA Spring Choral Review will fill the BFA Performing Arts Center on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Directed by Armand Messier with accompanist Melissa Ewell, the annual vocal music showcase highlights BFA soloists, the BFA Chorus, and the BFA Chamber Singers in a wide variety of musical genres. Admission is free.
SWANTON--Located in the historic Champlain Theater building, the Green Mountain Bistro has live music every Wednesday night from 6 - 8 p.m. A girl and her guitar, Laura Fedele-Rasco plays live this Wednesday at 6. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
Most libraries will be closed for Memorial Day.
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library Book Club takes up The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Botswick this afternoon at 3:15 p.m. The historical novel looks at four 1960s unhappy housewives who form a book club to discuss The Feminine Mystique and more. Call the library (802.849.2420) or email for more info or for the Zoom link to attend remotely.
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.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Mystery Book Club meets for The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The 1929 novel features Superintendent Battle and amateur sleuth Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent, who investigate a series of deaths linked to a secret society. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries to discuss The Dentist by Tim Sullivan this morning at 10:30 a.m. The first book in the DS George Cross series features the autistic detective investigating the murder of a homeless man. 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.
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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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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