Arts

Arts section

Next Stage Gallery Presents ‘METALSUM,’ New Exhibition by Jane Kolias

by hahrenholz | Arts

PUTNEY, VT — Next Stage Arts presents “METALSUM,” a new exhibition by Putney artist Jane Kolias, with an opening reception on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. The reception is free and open to the public; RSVPs are requested at nextstagearts.org.

“METALSUM” showcases Kolias’ inventive sculptures and metal quilts, transforming discarded objects into compelling works of art that celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the beauty of reinvention.

Inspired by nature and guided by the materials themselves, Kolias creates rustic sculptures from abandoned metal objects gathered from antique shops, thrift stores, scrap yards, rural roadsides, woodland walks, and even the occasional kitchen drawer. Each work begins with an idea but evolves organically as salvaged components suggest new possibilities, resulting in unexpected compositions that reveal the hidden character of everyday materials.

Deidre Scherer on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

Many of you have seen DEIDRE SCHERER’s unique art and exquisite layered fabric and thread creations. Her work evokes connectivity by revealing individuality, spirit and soul. Tune in for wonderful stories of one artist’s journey toward understanding by exploring new perspectives and expressions. Deidre is a member of the Rock River Artists in the Williamsville-Newfane area – Their 2026 Open Studio Tour is July 18 & 19.

Seth Knopp on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

YELLOW BARN’s music influence is international and innovative.  Artistic Director SETH KNOPP creates and explores new ways of experiencing music – chamber, classical and experiential – and brings a wide array of musicians to the annual Yellow Barn Festival. A pianist and educator, Seth also talks about exciting new developments outside the Big Barn, AND the 2026 Festival season which is Happening Now!

Peter Gould on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

One of our most popular performers and innovative theater educators, PETER GOULD is also a playwright, novelist and activist. Peter leads with humor and an innate magical approach to life.

Tune in for great stories and insights into wondrous possibilites… AND Catch his”Juliet & Romeo” Production May 20-23 at U-32 Performing Arts Center!

Becky Graber on”Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

BECKY GRABER shows us a sure-fire way to bring folks together in harmony – through singing! Join her and Brattleboro Harmonia (formerly The Brattleboro Woman’s Chorus) for her farewell concert as conductor on Mother’s Day, May 10 at 4pm at the Latchis Theater.

And tune in to hear personal stories of Becky’s life, singing, storytelling, composing, and teaching in the oral tradition.

Joey Morgan’s “Forgotten Not Gone” Opens at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Arts

PUTNEY—Next Stage Arts presents Forgotten Not Gone, a powerful new exhibition by Brattleboro-based artist Joey Morgan, with an opening reception on Sunday, May 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Next Stage, 15 Kimball Hill. The event is free and open to the public; RSVPs are encouraged at nextstagearts.org.

This new body of work—comprising 12 mixed media collages—emerges from the remnants of Morgan’s earlier project, Have You Ever Loved Me?, much of which was lost in a flood. Rather than reconstruct what was destroyed, Morgan has transformed those fragments into something entirely new. Forgotten Not Gone is an intimate and deeply affecting exploration of personal rupture, tracing the emotional terrain of betrayal, loss, and transformation.

BLACKOUT: How I Became White in America 

by GeorgeCC | Arts

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church will present the one-woman show BLACKOUT: How I Became White in America on Saturday, April 25 at 2 pm.  This original show is written and performed by Ethelyn Friend, actor, teacher and writer. Her performance reflects one white woman’s process of facing her direct links to slavery, a somatic, musical, and theatrical exploration of denial, guilt and response.  Friend notes this performance directly addresses “white America.”  The 90- minute show is followed by an optional community conversation.

Artwork by Gregory Damien Grinnell at Latchis Gallery 4

by saucer66 | Arts

Guilford VT artist, Gregory Damien Grinnell has worked in multimedia for most of his career, engaging painting, sculpture, film, audio, and site-specific installation to create works that explore both narrative and non-narrative perspectives.

His current practice investigates the sequential nature of these mediums, examining how a body of work can operate as a meta-narrative composed of interconnected sub-narratives. Within this intentionally constructed framework, thematic elements may be read either as deeply interrelated components of a unified environment or as more autonomous actions unfolding within a shared world.

Arlene Distler on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

April is Poetry Month ! Check out store windows in Brattleboro for “Poems Around Town” which is just one of ARLENE DISTLER’s many projects. She also co-founded “The Women’s Film Festival,” the Town Tree Board, and “Write Action”, among lots of other great assets to our town. A poet, journalist and artist, Arlene’s creativity and hard work are an inspiration for us all and have helped this community thrive.

Tiny Theater Celebrates National Poetry Month with Four-Weekend Poetry Reading Series

by tinytheater | Arts

Tiny Theater will celebrate National Poetry Month this April with an expansive four-weekend series of poetry readings honoring the rich diversity of poetic traditions across history and cultures. The FREE program will feature performances and readings spanning major poetic movements—from classical traditions to contemporary spoken word—along with special guest appearances and themed events.

Each weekend in April, hosted by ByWay Books & More,  Tiny Theater will host gatherings that highlight influential poetry periods and genres including Renaissance and Metaphysical poetry, Romantic and Victorian poetry, Faith and Devotional poetry, Modern and Postmodern poetry, and Contemporary forms such as spoken word, performance poetry, slam, and hip hop poetry.

Ben Stockman on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

BEN STOCKMAN has some great stories of his early years at NEYT, (New England Youth Theater); capturing the spirit and camaraderie that was the foundation which created his deep love of acting and directing. Now, as the Artistic Director at NEYT, Ben is continuing that tradition and creating inspired productions and new stories.

NXT Gallery Presents Home Land: New Paintings by Finn Campman

by hahrenholz | Arts

Next Stage Arts’ NXT Gallery will open a new exhibition, Home Land: Paintings by Finn Campman, with a public reception on Sunday, February 15, from 3–5 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney. The exhibition will remain on view through May 10.

In Home Land, Finn Campman explores painting as an act of orientation—both personal and geographic. His work reflects a deep attentiveness to place, memory, and presence, using the painted surface as a way to mark time and affirm connection. “My process is about the act of reaching out to make sure I know where I am,” Campman writes. “To check my coordinates, to mark a signpost for my memories—as if to say, ‘This is where I am now.’” The resulting paintings feel grounded and contemplative, tethered to the land and to the lived experience of being part of it.

Guilford Center Stage Announces 2026 Season

by DonInGuilford | Arts

Guilford Center Stage enters its second decade with the traditional spring and fall productions at Broad Brook Community Center.

The 2026 season opens the first weekend in May with “Shorts,” a program of small plays. Stage manager is Sue Kelly. Several works by regional playwrights are already in the lineup, and the group still welcomes script submissions by a January 23 deadline. Plays of about 8-10 pages are ideal, and a maximum of 12 minutes running time is suggested. Authors may submit pdf or word documents to producer Don McLean at don.inscape@gmail. com (or use the address to arrange to deliver a hard copy.)

Open auditions for actors for “Shorts” will be held in two sessions: Thursday, February 5 , from 5 to 7 pm, and Saturday, February 7, from 11 until 1:00 pm. No appointment is needed. Auditioners may come unprepared, or have a short monologue ready, and scenes from the short plays will be available for an impromptu reading. Auditions take place in the fully accessible upstairs theater room of the Broad Brook Community Center at 3940 Guilford Center Road, about 4 miles west of the Country Store.

Michael Bodel on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

Our local Dance Ecology is alive and well – and thriving! MICHAEL BODEL’s innovative dance projects open our minds and hearts to explore ideas, concepts and beauty in new ways through movement, sound, objects…even fragrance!

Deborah Luskin on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

Check out this show to hear Deborah Luskin talk about her new book “Reviving Artemis – The Making of a Huntress”.  She also talks about her kinship with Vermont, the land, hiking the Long Trail, and life as a locavore. Deborah has led writing workshops, programs for the Vermont Humanities Council, been a commentator on VPR and lectured widely.

NXT Gallery: Life in Vermont and Mexico – Paintings by Carol Keiser

by hahrenholz | Arts

Next Stage Arts presents a vibrant new exhibition by Carol Keiser, showcasing her colorful and evocative paintings inspired by life in Putney, Vermont, and her time in Mexico. The opening reception is Sunday, Nov. 16, from 4–6 PM at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney. RSVP at nextstagearts.org.

Keiser’s work is a visual diary, capturing the places she’s been, the experiences she’s had, and the emotions she encounters. Her focus on color—its energy, magic, and contrasts—drives each piece, whether a still life, landscape, or figure study. She often draws inspiration from memory, sketches, or her hand-painted tile designs, blending ceramics and painting in a joyful exploration of hue and composition.

This is What Democracy Looks Like – Call to Artists

by katherynallaway | Arts

We invite artists working in any medium — visual, literary, or performance — to submit works that respond to the central question:​

What does democracy look like?

This isn’t a literal question. It could be as much about what democracy feels like or sounds like. It’s as much about community as politics. We welcome works that celebrate, question, grieve, protest, or reimagine.

Reception for VT Watercolor Artists

by ann.newsmith | Arts

Twenty artists from the Connecticut River Chapter of Vermont Watercolor Society will exhibit their work at All Souls Church in the West Village Meeting House from September 7 through November 30. The public is invited to an opening reception on Sunday, September 14, from 3 – 5 p.m. Beverages and light refreshments will be served. The reception is free and open to all.

With more than 240 members, the Vermont Watercolor Society is dedicated to promoting the awareness and appreciation of watercolor to its membership at all levels of ability and to the larger community by providing opportunities and venues for participation, education, fellowship, and exhibitions.