| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | February 5, 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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ART YOU CREATE
FRANKLIN--Meagan Van Woert begins a Three-Craft Series of Canvas Bags at the Dick Wright Pub today at noon. This first class will cover stamping. Each class is $40, which includes all materials. Join for one class, or all three. Classes will be held on the first Friday of the month. Click here to register and for more info.
This class is presented by the Franklin Arts Department. Limited free registration is available for folks 65+. Email to check availability.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild and Milton Recreation & Parks host a free DIY Lantern Making event at MAG on Saturday at 1 p.m. Bring recycled materials or use those provided. The Lantern Parade to light up the Milton Winter Festival. Click here for more info and the ONLY way to register online.
ST. ALBANS--Elizabeth Cleary will lead the Body Love Paint and Sip at the Green Mountain Cafe on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. "Embrace every curve" in a women's boudoir photo shoot but in a paint and sip format. Ms. Cleary will draw a photo of a nude, boudoir, bikini, underwear, or ? On canvas to paint in this three-hour class. She calls the 11" x 14" canvas "perfect for a Valentine's Day gift to give to your partner." Food and beverages will be available to purchase. The cost is $65. 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.
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. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on artist and teacher Dee Christie, potter Marissa Mason, and artist, illustrator, cartoonist and recovering software engineer Sarah Rosedahl 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 online and on Facebook.
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.
STOWE--Bryan Memorial Gallery hosts an Opening Reception of From Field to Village, a solo show by John Clarke Olson, in Stowe on Saturday at 1 p.m. He is painting every town in Vermont. The gallery has exhibits of the landscape painters of New England. The main showcase in Jeffersonville is closed until March for winter break. 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.
CALL FOR SINGERS
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.
GATHERINGS
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.
HUMANITIES
ST. ALBANS--The Traveled Cup hosts Coffee & Conversation to discuss the FY27 Maple Run School Budget with School Board Vice-Chair Charlie Brooks on Saturday at 8 a.m. The informal coffee chats give community members a chance to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn more about the proposed budget ahead of Town Meeting Day. There will be two more gatherings, on February 21 and February 28.
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."
FAIRFAX--BFA Fairfax hosts an Anne Frank Exhibit Open House with guest speaker Heidi K Fishman on Tuesday at 12 noon. The Holocaust Studies students are presenting the Anne Frank travel exhibit from the University of South Carolina. Ms. Fishman, a second generation Holocaust survivor, is the author of Tutti's Promise.
ONLINE--Vermont Humanities hosts writer Carrie Tirado Bramen for American Niceness: From Plymouth Rock to Standing Rock online on Wednesday at 7 p.m. How and when did Americans become associated with being nice? Is niceness an indispensable part of a democratic personality? This talk will explore the many roles niceness has played in our social and political lives. "Register for this free event" for the link to the stream. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or click here or here to register and for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
ST. ALBANS--The Artist in Residence Gallery offers workshops in the "basement" creative space at ReMarketVT. This week, Lindsay DiDio will lead the Candy Heart Sun Catcher Stained Glass Class on Saturday at noon. No experience is required; all supplies are provided. The cost is $160. Click here to register and for more info.
FRANKLIN--Stephania Fregeau begins a Three Class Pottery Workshop at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday at 3 p.m. Ms. Fregeau will lead the class through all the steps to hand-build small pots. This first workshop will cover Pinch and Coil Pots. The cost for this series is $105 which includes all materials. Classes will be held on the first Friday of the month. Click here to register and for more info.
This class is presented by the Franklin Arts Department. Limited free registration is available for folks 65+. Email to check availability.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week.
Social Sundays continue at the MAG 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.
Learn Valentine Zentangle with Julia Davenport at the MAG Art Center on Saturday at 1 p.m. Zentangle is a drawing technique invented by the monk Rick Roberts and artist Maria Thomas to combine meditation and art. The cost is $20-25. Click here for more info to reserve a seat and for more info.
NORTH HERO--Josie Leavitt leads a Stand-Up Comedy and Storytelling Workshop at North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Curious but not sure where to start? The educational and low-pressure evening will help participants find their voice and build confidence. There will an open mic in March exclusively for stand-up comedy and storytelling--no music or poetry. 802.372.4732 or email to sign up and find them on Facebook for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, February 5
ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Recreation Department hosts the 2026 Daughter Gala today at 5:30 p.m. The enchanting evening of glitter, elegance, and Magic with lots and lots of purple for daughters and their escorts will include refreshments, music and dancing with hearts and glitter in the grand "Ball Room" of City Hall as a fund raiser for the Rec Department. The resident price is $63 per couple, $29 for each additional daughter; the nonresident price is $83 per couple and $39 for each additional daughter. There are no online or facebook tickets for sale. Click here to register and be added to the guest list and for more info. Check in at the desk on arrival.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with jazz singer/songwriter Bella Joan live this evening at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, February 5-7
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with James Shelly tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Tim Brick at 5 p.m., and then the Hitmen return for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Shane's Apothecary live on Saturday night at 5 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, February 6
ESSEX JUNCTION--Dan Parks plays "that song you like" on Friday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--Chris & Erica return to play original music and familiar country, rock and pop covers 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.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Jaded Ravins 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. The series continues with Laura Fedele-Rasco to play all your favorite songs in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Jon Sochin plays the Winter Wine Down Music series at Snow Farm Vineyard Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. The music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Friday. Click here for more info.
JOHNSON--Moog's Joint presents Hammerlane and Friends on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Koanesce for Live Music in the Room on Friday at 7 p.m. Pianist and storyteller Michael Nault brings riff-driven rock, country, jazz, and more. Admission is by $5 cover at the door. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Jenn, Mark, and Rob return to the Old Post as Bare Bones on Friday at 8 p.m. for all your favorite BnB songs. Find them on Facebook for more info
ST. ALBANS--DJ Lady Livy continues the `'s Karaoke Party on Friday night at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Food for purchase and cash bar will be available. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, February 6-8
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in December. Kyle Stevens leads Karaoke on Friday and Two for Flinching play 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. They warm up February with Roger Giroux on Friday and Sister Speak 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, February 7
MONTGOMERY--The Mill River Brewing Winter Warm Up Tour brings the party to the Montgomery Town Hall with the Smokey Newfield Project on Saturday at 3 p.m. They're "turning up the heat with great beer, delicious food, and live music - all under one roof." Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts their Bluegrass Jam on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. All instruments and skill levels are welcome. Come to play or to learn. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents Myra Flynn Live in Concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30. Vermont's acclaimed singer-songwriter and storyteller blends soul, indie, and folk into an intimate night of music from smooth, honey-rich ballads to soaring, full-band energy. She is also the host of the Vermont Public podcast Homegoings. Her music video of "the pandemic song you really needed" is on YouTube.
Tickets are $25 at the door. Seating is limited. Click here to meet the performer and here for more info about the show.
Tuesday, February 10
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, February 11
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.
ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues 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.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Josh Prior's Rations on NW Access TV isn't actually an arts show despite its success in national syndication. This week, the studio's programming coordinator visits a Super-Telephoto Frozen Waterfall with the station's newest camera and the scenery alone is the art. And, of course, "people enjoy watching others eat on the internet." It aired on Channel 1079 and is on YouTube.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 11 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
Nobby Reed played Wishful Dreaming-Hope For Peace on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFIELD--The Bent Northrop Memorial Library book Discussion Group will discuss the smash bestseller Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi by the fireplace this evening at 6:30 p.m. The bestselling novel follows the parallel and very different paths of two half-sisters and their descendants through eight generations beginning in slavery.
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 Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn, on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (who would much rather people call him Robert) has inherited his deceased father's job as a dragon exterminator. What happens next is not the fairy tale you may be expecting. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts the Tuesday Night Book Group to discuss Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Set in the English countryside, the suspenseful romance explores the love triangle between a happily married woman, her husband, and her first love. There are gunshots and twists. The group reads an eclectic mix of titles and meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Copies are available at the circulation desk. The Book Group meets after hours. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. 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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