| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 27, 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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CALL FOR FILM MAKERS
NORTHWEST NIGHTMARES FILM FESTIVAL (October 16)--Submissions for the fourteenth annual chance for Vermonters to make "films for spooky glory" open on Tuesday. Entries will be judged by a panel of film enthusiasts. Filmmakers compete spooktacular prizes! Click here for more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park welcomes Artist-in-Residence Ca$h Cow AKA Ed Woodham for Free Range, the presentation, on Saturday at 2 - 3 p.m. The "elder Southern queer conceptual, social-absurdist artist, curator, producer, and educator based in New York City" has a multi disciplinary practice that explores community, identity, and the unexpected through art. Registration is encouraged. Click here for free tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on acrylic painter and mixed media artist Tess Follensbee . 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.
CAMBRIDGE--Bryan Memorial Gallery hosts Dinner with artist Andrew Orr at Poorhouse Pies on Friday evening. Cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner at 5:30. The dinner is a celebration of the collaborative project, A Journey of Place. Registration is required. Click here to register and for more info.
“A Journey of Place” is a 5-year project with four landscape paintings each year. Mr. Orr has chosen not-often-seen areas of Vermont. There will be special outdoor walks and hikes, dinners with the artist, demonstrations and artist talks. Each year, the new works will be sold at a special event in Stowe.
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 - 4, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 5. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
MILTON--September is National Chicken Month. The Milton Artists' Guild will celebrate with the chicken themed September Special Exhibit, Art of the Coop with an Opening Reception at the MAG on Wednesday at 5 - 7 p.m. Roosters, hens, farmyard life, and more will cluck through the art center with humor, realism, folklore, and nostalgia.
The MAG art center and gallery showcases the work of over 145+ artist members in Milton Square behind the Milton Post Office. They are open Monday and Wednesday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., and closed Tuesday. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week is photographer and nascent mixed media artist Sara Hayes. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ART IS A BENEFIT
ST. ALBANS--The Artist in Residence and the St Albans Free Library are hosting a Library Lover's Art Auction to support the library's brick restoration project.
Stop by the library's first floor between now and September 15 to view original artwork created by local Vermont artists. Buy $5 tickets at the library and drop them into the Mason jars next to the artwork you hope to win. There is also a silent auction for two large paintings. Winners will be drawn on September 15. All proceeds from the month-long, raffle-style art auction go directly to the historic project.
As a bonus, make a purchase at the Artist In Residence gallery during the event, bring your receipt to the library, and receive a free raffle ticket.
ART YOU CREATE
MILTON--Julia Davenport guides the Explosion Books class on Monday at 4 p.m. Participants will use cardstock, origami paper, and chipboard to cut, fold, and assemble one-of-a-kind, interactive layered pages that open in a dimensional, "explosive" way. The cost is $30. Click here to register and for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the in-person, August "Sip n' Slurry: Wall-Hanging Vase" with Jude Prashaw as the pottery twist on a Paint n' Sip on Friday at 6 p.m. Craft a functional and sculptural vase while learning building techniques.
The cost is $70. Click here to enroll 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.
ENOSBURG--Sip, Stitch, & Share meets at the Enosburgh Public 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. Click here for more info.
DANCE
ST. ALBANS--The Depot offers Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg on Thursdays at 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. The class will teach progressive dance rhythms to varied genres of today's music. Line dance is not limited to country music. Each session will include intermediate level lessons and dance, absolute to high beginner level lessons and dance teaching basic dance steps, improver level lessons and dance, and open dance and requests. Dance steps are called as needed and requests are welcomed. 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.
HIGHGATE--Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg also has returned to the Highgate Manor on Wednesdays 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.
FILM
EAST FAIRFIELD--The Fairfield Community Center presents free pizza, popcorn and a "phlick" on Friday starting at 7 p.m. Pizza from 7 - 8:30 p.m. and movie at dusk.
"In the wake of our biggest fundraiser, the Jig, we would like to put on an event to simply get together with the community. To thank everyone for their continued support and in line with our mission to serve the kids, seniors and famlies of our community." The end of summer free event has free pizza and popcorn and an outdoor movie. BYOS: Bring your own seating. Call Betty (802.827.6173) for pre-arranged seating for seniors of those with disabilities. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library 17th annual Film Noir Festival continues with 1955 British suspense film Cast a Dark Shadow on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Starring Dirk Bogarde and Margaret Lockwood, Bogarde later said, "The unwholesomeness of the hero was what was fun about it." 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.
GATHERINGS
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
FRANKLIN--Professor John Franklin, head of the UVM Classics Department, will discuss the ancient tale of Odysseus and his quest for worldwide box office domination at Franklin Town Hall this morning at 11 a.m. Dr. Franklin will talk about both the original work and the film. It's sure to be fascinating, whether you've seen the movie or not.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MORRISVILLE--River Arts has two workshops this week.
Evie Mason leads the beginner friendly Pen & Ink with Watercolor Workshop at River Arts on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Participants will explore line and wash techniques combining expressive ink drawing with soft watercolor washes. The cost is $45. Click here for more info and to register for this free workshop.
Fall Colors in Watercolor | Session 1 also with Evie Mason begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. The three-part intermediate watercolor workshop focuses on capturing the warmth and depth of fall. The cost is $45 for a single workshop or $120 for all three. Click here to register and for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts hosts Community Drawing Night with a live model on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The cost of $10 per person or less includes a "split model fee."
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.
Julia Davenport guides the Fall Zentangle on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Participants will create Tan-Renaissance tiles with Zentangle patterns on a small scale using just a few simple supplies with touches of color to bring the designs to life. Zentangle is a drawing technique invented by the monk Rick Roberts and artist Maria Thomas to combine meditation and art. Beginners are always welcome. The cost is $35. Click here to register and for more info.
MONTGOMERY--A three-part Mindful Making Art Workshop Series begins at Montgomery Center for the Arts on Sunday at 1 p.m. This class on "calming marks for mindful making" will begin with an exercise to encourage relaxation and creative flow. Students can then explore various materials or continue working with the technique introduced in class. Each class is $15. Click here to register and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, August 27
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series concludes with Cooie and Friends today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. "The rain date will always fall on the following Friday." Find them on Facebook for more info.
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts B-Town for Live Music Thursday Nights this evening starting at 6 p.m. The Barn has weekly live music, food trucks, and specialty tastings from May through October.
SOUTH HERO--The Devon McGarry Band plays the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, August 27-29
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Bob Cotton tonight at 6 p.m. and Just Us on Friday at 5 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Wednesday, August 27-September 2
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in Mo-Vegas. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. Big Homie Wes lights the night afire on Friday. Blackwolf returns on Saturday. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Jim Charonko may be there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, August 28
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Open Mic Night at the Swanton Free Public Library on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Share some music or a poem with other enthusiasts. Snacks provided. Click here for more info.
SHELBURNE--Soulshine & Smoke comes to Shelburne Vineyard on Friday at 6 p.m. as Soulshine Revival joins Vermont Tastee Grill for Southern pulled pork for an open air evening among the vines. BYO blankets and chairs. Admission is $5 plus service fee for the concert alone or $23 for the Meal+Music. Kids under 12 are free. Click here for tickets and more info.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Cooper, Bob Recupero, on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The pulled pork buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $15 per person ($7 for each child). You don't have to be a member; the public is welcome. Be sure to come early, usually around 6, to get a good seat. Call 802.893.0234 for reservations and click here for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Nathan Michaud in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Cobras return to the Old Post to carry on the legacy of Jimmy T on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, August 28-30
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. Evan Warner performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and the Mad Mojo Band plays on Sunday at 3 p.m. The "the newest hidden gem of the Lake Champlain Islands" is at Shore Acres where you can boat in or drive in. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in August. The famed TBA plays Friday and Jesse Agan returns live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in August. The Stragglers play Friday. The Lloyd Tyler Band performs live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Deb Murphy & the Boyz on Friday and the BBQ Band for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Good Gravy takes the stage on Friday and Jeff and Gina play 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 "end August like it's the Fourth of July" with a double header on Friday of Rockin' Ron Gagnon at 6:30 p.m. and Will Austin on the piano at 8. Then Kippincoe featuring Kip de Moll comes in live on Saturday night 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, August 29
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. David Karl Roberts plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents Side Hustle for their last gig in Vermont before they head south, live on Saturday at 5 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Family Lodge has a double header on Saturday. The Bierhall Summer Music Series takes music to the Biergarten on Saturday night with Mowgli Trio at 4:30 p.m. The Jazz Saturdays Series presents the Geoffrey Kim Trio on the Patio or in the Sunroom on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. Click here for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue rocks with the return of Neon Spoon on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The Vermont hard rock cover band is Adam Blouin, lead guitar/vocals; Patti VanScoy, instrumentalist/vocals; Jeff Blouin, bass guitar/vocals; Shawn Robitille, guitar; and Scott Seefluth, drums. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts the End-of-Summer Bluegrass Jam on Saturday at 630 p.m. All instrumentation and skill levels welcome. Come to play, or to learn. BYOB. Click here for more info
Sunday, August 30
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts Sister Speak on Sunday at 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. The Barn has weekly live music, food trucks, and specialty tastings from May through October.
NORTH HERO--Marsh Lights, an Acoustic Project, comes to the Island Arts Center (the Homer Knight Barn) on Sunday at 4 p.m. It will be an outdoor event with the option to picnic on the green at 3:30, weather permitting. The Bluegrass Gospel Project and Possum Haw alums play acoustic folk-grass music in a program that features songs composed by Colby Crehan. Admission is free thanks to anonymous donors but registration is appreciated. Click here to register and for more info.
Tuesday, September 1
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.
Wednesday, September 2
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.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ST. ALBANS--Local writer Walt McLaughlin will sign his latest book, Contemplating the Boundless, at the Eloquent Page on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. What happens when we think deeply about infinite Nature? The collection of essays delves even more deeply into the metaphysical than his earlier companion volume, Confronting the Unknowable. He will also sign some of the over two dozen books as well as chapbooks and other works he has written. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The monthly Swanton Free Public Library Classics Book Club meets to discuss Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. The famous coming of age adventure pits young Jim Hawkins against a mutiny led by Long John Silver. Call the library (802.868.7656) or 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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