Burlington City Arts

BCA's mission is to nurture a dynamic environment through the arts that is accessible to all.

The mission of Burlington City Arts is to nurture a dynamic environment through the arts that makes quality experiences accessible to a broad audience. We do this by:

Supporting and promoting Vermont artists and advancing the creation of new work
Offering a wide spectrum of arts education and engagement opportunities
Presenting exhibitions and events that place Burlington in a global context, pro

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 09/11/2024

Calling all VT creatives! The Bright Ideas deadline is extended to 9/23!

Apply today for up to $8K in funding to bring your brilliant event concept to life at Highlight 2024, Burlington's official New Year's Eve celebration.

Proudly powered by VSECU, The Bright Ideas Project is Highlight’s engine for crowdsourcing one-of-a-kind happenings for an all-ages New Year's celebration that showcases the brilliance of Vermont's creative community.

Events may have elements of music, art, technology, food, literature, theater, and just about anything else you can think of. The more complete and inclusive your idea is, the better. We aim to create big, creative, unique experiences that people won’t find anywhere else!

We've collected some great ideas so far but we need YOU to help us add even more depth and diversity to our NYE lineup, so head to hightlightbtv.org to get all the details and apply today!

1,2,4,5 📸 Kyle Tansley
3,6 📸 Luke Awtry

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 09/05/2024

Right in the heart of ART Hop, BCA Studios is going to be the place to be this weekend!

Swing by Friday, 9/6 from 5-8 pm for our annual Art Hop open house, with self-guided Studio tours and exhibitions featuring work from our amazing teaching artists and studio assistants.

Your young artists will be jumping for joy at Family Make n' Take @ Kids Hop on Saturday, 9/7 from 10 am-1 pm! Visit BCA Studios teaching artist, Melissa Jones at our craft station and create your very own cyanotype masterpiece.

Peruse the SEABA Art Hop guide at https://rebrand.ly/Art-Hop-Guide and get ready for a weekend of South End Arts magic!

1,2 📸 Renee Greenlee

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 09/03/2024

While you're bouncing around Art Hop this weekend play some public art bingo and try to spot all of these South End landmarks!

Public art brings the story of our city to life and with Burlington's rich creative community, it's no surprise that you can find beautiful murals, sculptures, and installations around every corner. Learn more about the public art you encounter around town at thttps://rebrand.ly/BCA-Public-Art and get ready for a special weekend in the South End with SEABA's Art Hop on 9/6-9/8!

Steve Conant, Conant Metal and Light
266 Pine St

Mary Lacey, "Inside Out"
Dealer.com Office, 1 Howard St

Clark Derbes Mural
257 Pine St

Bren Alvarez, "File Under So. Co."
208 Flynn Ave

Kathryn Wiegers, Green State Gardner Mural
699 Pine St

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/31/2024

The perfect late summer BTV outing is a one-horse race, with "Essential Figure" and "Rachel Rose: Lake Valley" gracing the BCA Center on Church Street until September 15!

"Essential Figure" features exciting contemporary artists who are boldly innovating within the figurative tradition and reflect evolving social and cultural perspectives. In "Lake Valley," video installation artist Rachel Rose creates a dreamlike narrative centered on isolation, imagination, and longing for personal connection using digital animation, sound, and imagery from children’s literature.

Learn more about these powerful exhibitions at https://rebrand.ly/BCA-Center-Summer-Exhibitions and drop by the BCA Center Wed-Fri & Sun from 12-5 pm and Sat from 12-8 pm.

Suzy Spence, "Dirty Racer," 2023, Flashe and acrylic on canvas⁠
Hannah Morris, "The Crossing," 2022, gouache, Flashe, paper collage on board⁠
Enrico Riley, "Together Black and Yellow," 2022, acrylic on canvas⁠
Rachel Rose, Lake Valley, 2016, Video Still (detail)⁠, Courtesy of the Artist and Barbara Gladstone Gallery, NY.⁠

The 2024 exhibition year is presented by Mascoma Bank. BCA's summer exhibitions are sponsored in part by Leunig's Bistro and Café, the Maslow Family Foundation, and Todd Lockwood. Hospitality sponsors, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Farrell Distributing, and William Hill Estate Winery. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by The Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts.

4,5 📸 Renee Greenlee

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/30/2024

🚨 Important Twilight Series Updates! 🚨

You may have heard the news that the Vermont Department of Health has identified Burlington as a high-risk area for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Health officials strongly recommend that people in high-risk towns avoid spending time outdoors as much as possible between 6 PM and 6 AM to avoid mosquitoes that could carry the virus.

Under the recommendation of the Mayor's Office, and for the safety of our community, the Friday 8/30 Twilight Series concert featuring The Discussions is canceled. The Saturday, 8/31 show with Pontoon and opener Leddy Moss has been relocated to Contois Auditorium in City Hall. We are working hard to relocate the remaining September concerts and will share updates when available.

Come enjoy some smooth grooves with us on Saturday in Contois and be sure to wear your bug spray and stay safe out there!

https://rebrand.ly/Pontoon-Leddy-Moss

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/27/2024

There are only 2 more weeks to apply for up to $8K in funding from the Bright Ideas Project!

Every year the Bright Ideas Project, proudly powered by VSECU, funds the brilliant event concepts from VT creatives that make Highlight New Year's Eve shine.

The ideal idea supports, celebrates, and shares whatever sparks your inspiration while also having a positive impact on the greater community. Events may have elements of music, art, technology, food, literature, theater, and just about anything else you can think of. We look for big, creative, and complete ideas that create unique experiences people won’t find anywhere else.

Get all the details and apply by September 10 at 11:59 pm EST at highlightbtv.org!

The Bright Ideas Project is powered by VSECU

2,3,5 📸 Luke Awtry
1, 4 📸 Kyle Tansley

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/22/2024

Kick off your weekend with arts galore at a special Family Art Saturday BTV Market crossover! Round up your creative crew and join us outside in City Hall Park during the BTV Market on 8/24 from 11 am to 2 pm for a free all-ages drop-in art-making activity. Inspired by the powerful brushstrokes of Suzy Spence, whose large-scale paintings are on view in our summer exhibition, "Essential Figure," our amazing teaching artists will guide participants in creating their own energetic action portraits.

After the art-making, get even more inspiration from the 40+ amazing local artists, makers, and food vendors at the BTV Market! Enjoy lawn games and kids' activities, listen to Anna May at Market Music at 11:30 am, and get your groove on at Splash Dance, our DJ-fueled family dance party in the fountain from 1-3 pm.

Get the full scoop on Family Art Saturday and the BTV Market at https://rebrand.ly/BTV-MKT-Family-Art-Saturday and get ready for the kind of summer Saturday dreams are made of!

The 2024 exhibition year is presented by Mascoma Bank. BCA's summer exhibitions are sponsored in part by Leunig's Bistro and Café, the Maslow Family Foundation, and Todd Lockwood. Hospitality sponsors, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Farrell Distributing, and William Hill Estate Winery. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by The Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts.

2024 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation and the WaterWheel Foundation. Media sponsor, Seven Days. BTV Market has support from Lake Champlain Chocolates and The Friendly Toast.

📸 Renee Greenlee
📸 Sarah Jayne Kennelly

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/19/2024

Get your hands on some creative inspiration and register for the new season of BCA Studio classes today!

Registration is now open for Fall classes and workshops for adults, teens, and youth. With options like Wheel Throwing, Screen Print, Acrylic Painting, Darkroom Photography, Jewelry, Handbuilt Cocoa Cups, Botanical Photo Print, and so much more, there's something for every kind of art lover. As always, full and partial scholarships are available to all to make sure these important art education experiences are accessible to everyone in our community.⁠ ⁠

Spaces go quickly, so head to https://rebrand.ly/BCA-Fall-Classes and register today!

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/15/2024

Nothing says summer like a concert under the stars, so come out to the Twilight Series in City Hall Park this weekend for a quintessential BTV experience!

End the week on a high note with some psychedelic pop from Paper Castles at 7:30 pm. And come ready to dance on the lawn on Saturday when Andriana & the Bananas bring the dark pop-heart-rock and jazz vibes at 7:30 pm after opener Lily Golden kicks things off at 6:30 pm with some folky indie pop.

Learn more about these amazing shows and the rest of the Twilight Series lineup at https://rebrand.ly/BCA-Events

2024 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation and the WaterWheel Foundation. Media sponsor, Seven Days. Twilight Series is presented by VSECU

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/13/2024

A visit to "Essential Figure" is a vital item on your BTV summer bucket list! Don't miss the chance to check it off and experience this exciting exhibition in person at the BCA Center before it closes on September 15.⁠

"Essential Figure" features innovative contemporary artists Sophie Cangelosi, Jennifer McCandless, Hannah Morris, Enrico Riley, Suzy Spence, and Lorenzo Triburgo and Sarah Van Dyck. These artists push the boundaries of the art historical figurative tradition to reflect the social and cultural values of today.⁠

Learn more about "Essential Figure" at https://rebrand.ly/Essential-Figure and stop by the BCA Center on Church Street Wed-Fri & Sun from 12-5 pm and Sat from 12-8 pm!

Enrico Riley, "Together 1 – Reflection Power Spirit Confirmation," 2022, acrylic on canvas⁠

Suzy Spence, "George," 2024, Flashe and acrylic on canvas⁠

Sophie Cangelosi, "Birdwatchers," 2023, acrylic on birch panel⁠

Sophie Cangelosi, "I go down to the shore," 2023, acrylic on birch panel

The 2024 exhibition year is presented by Mascoma Bank. BCA's summer exhibitions are sponsored in part by Leunig's Bistro and Café, the Maslow Family Foundation, and Todd Lockwood. Hospitality sponsors, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Farrell Distributing, and William Hill Estate Winery. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by The Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts.


1,2,4 📸 Sam Simon
3 📸 Isora Lithgow

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/07/2024

Get up to $8K in funding for your brilliant NYE event concept and apply to the Bright Ideas Project today! ✨️

Highlight, Burlington's official New Year's Eve celebration, shines a spotlight on our unique creative community by crowdsourcing one-of-a-kind happenings from Vermont creatives through the Bright Ideas Project. Proudly powered by VSECU, The Bright Ideas Project funds events that may have elements of music, art, technology, food, literature, theater, and just about anything else you can think of! We look for big, creative, inclusive, and complete experiences that people won’t find anywhere else.

🔥 Fire up your imagination and get all the details on how to apply for the Bright Ideas Project by 9/10 at highlightbtv.org!

The Bright Ideas Project is powered by VSECU

1,3,4 📸 Luke Awtry
2 📸 Kyle Tansley

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/06/2024

We're still floating on air from the most fabulously foolish and fun-filled weekend Burlington has ever seen!

We are so grateful to each and every one of our phenomenal performers, stupendous sponsors, and the amazing audiences who made this year's Festival of Fools one for the books. We couldn't bring this three-day jubilee of joy to Burlington alone, and we're brimming with gratitude for all of our friends in foolery who make it possible, especially our longtime presenting sponsor, Community Bank. Relive all the revelry with Luke Awtry's gorgeous pictures at vtfools.org, and mark your calendars for even more merriment coming your way August 1-3, 2025!

We couldn't bring all of this fantastically foolish fun to Burlington without the support of our longtime presenting sponsor Community Bank, N.A..; Pitch Sponsors, Leunigs Bistro & Café, Ben & Jerry's, AARP Vermont, Pet Food Warehouse, and Hendrick's Gin; Supporting Sponsors, Rose Computer Technology Services, Burlington Beer Company, Eyes of the World Vermont, Red Square, Citizen Cider, and American Flatbread Burlington Hearth; Media sponsors, Seven Days, My NBC5, and The Point Radio

📸 Luke Awtry

Festival of Fools continues its 17th annual event 08/04/2024

Thanks to our amazing Festival of Fools media sponsor, My NBC5, for this great story on all the hilarious hijinks happening on The Church Street Marketplace this weekend. Come out and enjoy the final hours of this joyful jubilation today!

Festival of Fools continues its 17th annual event The festival of Fools is free to attend and open to everyone.

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/03/2024

Day 2 of Festival of Fools has dawned and we're feeling fresh and ready to be fooled all over again!

BTV's preeminent pageant of busking, music, and merrymaking continues with two more days full of brilliant buskers, mind-blowing musicians, electrifying entertainers, and fabulous festivities.

There's still plenty of time to get in on all of the merriment so head to vtfools.org (link in bio) to get the scoop and download the festival app for the latest schedules, performer bios, maps, and more.⁠

We couldn't bring all of this fantastically foolish fun to Burlington without the support of our longtime presenting sponsor Community Bank, N.A..; Pitch Sponsors, Leunigs Bistro & Café, Ben & Jerry's, AARP Vermont, Pet Food Warehouse, and Hendrick's Gin; Supporting Sponsors, Rose Computer Technology Services, Burlington Beer Company, Eyes of the World Vermont, Red Square, Citizen Cider, and American Flatbread Burlington Hearth; Media sponsors, Seven Days, My NBC5, and The Point Radio

📸 Luke Awtry

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/02/2024

Festival of Fools is finally here! Hope you’re rested and ready for three days of hilarious hijinks in downtown Burlington, VT, Friday, 8/2 - Sunday, 8/4.

For those fresh to Fools, here’s how the Festival works: there are shows at performance pitches up and down Church Street and in City Hall Park, with 100+ free shows featuring some of the world’s best buskers, street performers, musicians, and entertainers. And if that weren’t enough, there's also a Kickoff parade, marquee concerts, the Hendrick's Twilight Lounge, variety acts, and so much more fantastic foolishness.

Map out your fun-filled weekend now at vtfools.org or by downloading the Festival app for the most up-to-date schedules, performer bios, maps, and more!

It takes a village to pack this much joyous jubilation into one weekend and we couldn’t do it without the support of our amazing presenting sponsor, Community Bank, N.A.; Pitch Sponsors, Leunigs Bistro & Café, Ben & Jerry's, AARP Vermont, Pet Food Warehouse, and Hendrick's Gin; Supporting Sponsors, Rose Computer Technology Services, Burlington Beer Company, Eyes of the World Vermont, Red Square, Citizen Cider, and American Flatbread Burlington Hearth; Media sponsors, Seven Days, My NBC5, and The Point Radio

📸 Luke Awtry

17th annual Festival of Fools kicks off in Burlington 08/02/2024

Thanks to our friends at My NBC5 for dropping by this morning and helping us get hyped for Festival of Fools. The festivities start at noon on Friday and keep rolling until Sunday at 6 pm. Come out to The Church Street Marketplace and join in the fun!

17th annual Festival of Fools kicks off in Burlington The festival is free to attend and open to everyone. It all starts on Church Street at Noon and runs until 10 p.m. on Friday.

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 08/01/2024

Quench your thirst for foolish fun at the Hendrick's Twilight Lounge during the Festival of Fools!

Friday, 8/2 and Saturday 8/3 from 4-10 pm join us on the south lawn of City Hall Park to sip on a refreshing beverage in a secret garden under the stars while our Twilight concerts light up City Hall Park. Presented by our friends at Hendrick’s Gin, the Radio Bean bar will be serving up top-shelf drinks to pair with the top-shelf view of the City Hall Park stage. Grab a drink and the best seat in the house while you jam out to Moon H***h on Friday, 8/2 at 7:30 pm, with opener Omega Jade at 6:30. Come back on Saturday, 8/3 to rock out with Jupiter & Okwess, at 7:30 pm after All of the Rivers, featuring Avi Salloway and friends, kicks things off at 6:30 pm.

Go to vtfools.org for the full scoop on the Herndrick's Twilight Lounge and all of the other extra special events happening during the Festival of Fools Friday, 8/2- Sunday, 8/4!

It truly takes a village to make this much merrymaking happen and we couldn't do it without our longtime Presenting Sponsor, Community Bank, N.A.; Pitch Sponsors, Leunigs Bistro & Café, Ben & Jerry's, AARP Vermont, Pet Food Warehouse, and Hendrick's Gin; Supporting Sponsors, Rose Computer Technology Services, Burlington Beer Company, Eyes of the World Vermont, Red Square, Citizen Cider, and American Flatbread Burlington Hearth; Media sponsors, Seven Days, My NBC5, and The Point Radio

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/31/2024

Pushing the boundaries of the human form in visual art, a visit to "Essential Figure," is the perfect pairing with the astounding antics on view at the Festival of Fools this weekend!

Just steps from the Church Street Marketplace where world-class buskers, acrobats, dancers, musicians, and more will be performing awe-inspiring feats Friday, 8/2-Sunday, 8/4, "Essential Figure" showcases work from an exciting group of artists who are upending the tradition of figurative art. Exploring diverse identities and narratives through the intersection of race, class, gender, and appearance these artists enliven and expand the figurative tradition in new ways while reflecting the evolving social and cultural values of today.

Get the scoop on "Essential Figure" at https://rebrand.ly/Essential-Figure and drop by the BCA Center Gallery at 135 Church Street, Wed-Fri & Sun, 12-5 pm, Sat, 12-8 pm.

Sophie Cangelosi, "I go down to the shore," 2023, acrylic on birch panel (detail)⁠

Jennifer McCandless, "Happy Old Marriage," 2020, ceramic⁠

Enrico Riley, "Together 1 – Reflection Power Spirit Confirmation," 2022, acrylic on canvas⁠

The 2024 exhibition year is presented by Mascoma Bank. BCA's summer exhibitions are sponsored in part by Leunig's Bistro and Café, the Maslow Family Foundation, and Todd Lockwood. Hospitality sponsors, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Farrell Distributing, and William Hill Estate Winery. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by The Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts.

1-3 📸 Sam Simon
4 📸 Isora Lithgow

The Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, July 31-August 6 07/30/2024

Thanks to our friends at Seven Days for featuring Festival of Fools, coming Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4, in the Magnificent Seven!

The Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, July 31-August 6 Summer is here, and there's no shortage of ways for Vermonters to connect learn and have a good time. We've compiled seven must-do events, including the annual Festival of Fools in Burlington.

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/29/2024

Put a creative twist on back-to-school season at BCA Studios! 🎨

Browse our Fall digital catalog now and discover the amazing offerings for adults, teens, and youth coming your way. Registration opens on Monday, August 19 at noon, so find the class, workshop, or camp that will ignite your imagination today and be ready to snag your spot. With options in a myriad of mediums for all experience levels, there's something to inspire every kind of art lover. As always, full and partial scholarships are available to all to make sure these important art education experiences are accessible to everyone in our community.

Flip through the digital catalog at https://rebrand.ly/Summer-Class-Catalog and save the date for 8/19 when registration opens!

📸 Renee Greenlee

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/26/2024

With a jam-packed lineup of magnificent musicians coming to Festival of Fools, 8/2-8/4 BTV will be dancing in the streets all weekend long! Alongside the brilliant buskers and electrifying entertainers joining us for this year's three-day jubilee of joy, we also have a killer queue of concerts coming your way. ⁠

Highlights include some of the most anticipated Twilight Series shows of the summer, with eccentric horn and drum trio Moon H***h headlining on Friday, 8/2 at 7:30 pm, after local legend Omega Jade gets things started at 6:30 pm. And as the sun sets on Saturday, 8/3, astoundingly dancy Jupiter & Okwess, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, will rock City Hall Park at 7:30 pm, after All of the Rivers, featuring Avi Salloway and friends from around the globe will kick things off with an entirely unique opening set at 6:30 pm. Street shows from VT balladeer-songwriter Fern Maddie and diabolically eclectic trio Obliquestra will keep the groove going up and down Church Street while Sunday Classical, on 8/4 at 10 am with Arc Benders Circus Zauber Magic Flute Enchantee, will combine acrobatics and opera to foolishly fantastical effect.

And these free shows are just the tip of the musical iceberg at Festival of Fools! Head to vtfools.org to get the scoop on the full lineup, digital program guide, and download the festival app today.

It truly takes a village to make this much merrymaking happen and we couldn't do it without our longtime Presenting Sponsor, Community Bank, N.A.; Pitch Sponsors, Leunigs Bistro & Café, Ben & Jerry's, AARP Vermont, Pet Food Warehouse, and Hendrick's Gin; Supporting Sponsors, Rose Computer Technology Services, Burlington Beer Company, Eyes of the World Vermont, Red Square, Citizen Cider, and American Flatbread Burlington Hearth; Media sponsors, Seven Days, My NBC5, and The Point Radio

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/25/2024

Bring your weekend to an enchanting crescendo at Sunday Classical!

Through August 25, come out to City Hall Park every Sunday at 10 am to sip coffee and enjoy some of Vermont's top classical musicians. Bring the kiddos and reconnect with friends and neighbors while you relax and recharge at this magical free series. Don't miss the Burlington Civic Symphony, BTV's premier auditioned community orchestra, on Sunday, 7/28.

Head to thttps://rebrand.ly/Summer-in-City-Hall-Park to learn more about Sunday Classical and all of our free Summer City Hall Park Programming.

1,3 📸 Luke Awtry

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/24/2024

Dive into some refreshing creative time with the ones you love at Family Art Saturday on 7/27!

Drop into the BCA Center for a free intergenerational artmaking activity inspired by internationally renowned artist Rachel Rose, whose immersive video installation, "Lake Valley," is on view in the gallery now. Our amazing gallery educators will show you how to create your very own dreamland using collage and drawing techniques.

Learn more about Family Art Saturday and "Lake Valley" at https://rebrand.ly/Family-Art-Saturday-July!

The 2024 exhibition year is presented by Mascoma Bank. BCA's summer exhibitions are sponsored in part by Leunig's Bistro and Café, the Maslow Family Foundation, and Todd Lockwood. Hospitality sponsors, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Farrell Distributing, and William Hill Estate Winery. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by The Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts.

1 📸 Sarah Jayne Kennelly
2,3 📸 Renee Greenlee
4 Rachel Rose, Lake Valley, 2016, Video Still (detail)⁠
Courtesy of the Artist and Barbara Gladstone Gallery, NY.

Potted trees bring life to a Burlington street that’s too crowded for planting - VTDigger 07/22/2024

Our friends at Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront and
Jill Badolato are looking for helping hands to add a POP of color to the “O.N.E. Branch Out on the Block” tree planters along North Street in the Old North End ahead of The Ramble!

Potted trees bring life to a Burlington street that’s too crowded for planting - VTDigger To compensate for the lack of greenbelts along the bottom of North Street, the Burlington city arborist and a local volunteer are trying to improve environmental equity.

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/21/2024

VT's vibrant creative community is here to welcome you to town at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport with new BCA External Exhibitions.

Offering a portal to Vermont artists' unique vision, the Howard Center Arts Collective's exhibition, "Windows." is on view through September. Working collaboratively, The Howard Center Arts Collective ensures that there are opportunities for local artists who have experience with mental health or substance use challenges to connect, create, and exhibit work.

Once you breeze through security, Todd Cummings' digital illustrations inspired by the limitless beauty of the Green Mountain State, will give you a piece of Vermont's natural wonder to carry with you wherever you go.

Learn more about these exciting exhibitons and all of the other BCA External Exhibitions you can find in private and public spaces throughout the region at https://rebrand.ly/BCA-External-Exhibits!

Todd Cummings, "Explore Vermont," digital illustration
Todd Cummings, "Lake Champlain Juniper" digital illustration
Todd Cummings, "Camel's Hump No. 3," digital illustration
Todd Cummings, "Caspian" digital illustration
Pamela Champagne, "On the Way to Vergennes," acrylic
Sarah Barnett, "Below Zero," photograph
Colleen Murphy, "Cloud Scape," mixed media
Kiana Corkum,"Blueberry Sunset," acrylic

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/19/2024

Festival of Fools on 8/2-8/4 is right around the corner, but today at Fools HQ we're pressing pause on all the preparations to celebrate our longtime partner in jubilance, Community Bank!

When the seventeenth annual Festival of Fools returns to downtown Burlington on Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4, we'll have Community Bank by our side once again as we bring three days of nonstop merriment to the streets for all to enjoy. 's motto is bank happy, so it's no surprise that they've been a key partner in bringing some of the most stupendous street performers, mind-blowing musicians, and electrifying entertainers to our community for over 100 free performances that thrill and delight crowds from near and far. Watch this space and vtfools.org (link in bio) for more on this year's festivities and rest up now so you're ready for three days of hilarious hijinks, 8/2-8/4!

We couldn't bring this jubilee of joy to our beautiful city without the support of our Presenting Sponsor, Community Bank, N.A.; Pitch Sponsors, Leunigs Bistro & Café, Ben & Jerry's, AARP Vermont, Pet Food Warehouse, and Hendrick's Gin; Supporting Sponsors, Rose Computer Technology Services, Burlington Beer Company, Eyes of the World Vermont, Red Square, Citizen Cider, and American Flatbread Burlington Hearth; Media sponsors, Seven Days, My NBC5, and The Point Radio

📸 Luke Awtry

Summer camp season in full swing across our region 07/19/2024

Thanks to our friends at WCAX-TV for dropping by BCA summer camp for this fantastic piece. Check it out and enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek at all of the amazing creativity happening at BCA camps this summer!

Summer camp season in full swing across our region Summer vacation leaves our region's youth with lots of time to spare. Our Aleksandra Sidorova shows us how some kids in Burlington are spending their summer.

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/18/2024

Calling all idea wizards! ✨️ Apply for the Bright Ideas Project for up to $8,000 in funding to bring your unique NYE event to life at Highlight, Burlington's official New Year's Eve celebration.

Proudly powered by VSECU, The Bright Ideas is Highlight’s engine for crowdsourcing one-of-a-kind happenings for an all-ages New Year's celebration that showcases the brilliance of our creative community.

The ideal proposal supports, celebrates, and shares what’s important to you while also having a positive impact on the greater community. Events may have elements of music, art, technology, food, literature, theater, and just about anything else you can think of. We look for big, creative, and complete ideas. For example, instead of submitting a performance from your band, try to think in a larger way about a multi-hour event that includes other performers, visual art, food, or other creative elements. The more complete and inclusive your idea is, the better. We aim to create unique experiences that people won’t find anywhere else!

Learn more and apply by September 10 at highlightbtv.org.

The Bright Ideas Project is powered by VSECU

3 📸 Luke Awtry
1,4 📸 Kyle Tansley

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/12/2024

Spend your Saturday supporting our local artists, makers, and food vendors at the BTV Market. After the recent flooding, there’s never been a better time to stand strong with our community and rally around our amazing Vermont makers.

Join us in City Hall Park from 11 am- 3 pm for 40+ amazing vendors alongside lawn games, live music, and more. Wear your dancing shoes and catch the Rustics at Market Music at 11:30 and at Splash Dance at 1 pm.

Check out the vendor map at the link in bio and come gather with community this Saturday.

2024 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation and . Media sponsor, . BTV Market is presented by and and has support from and . ⁠

1 📸 ⁠
2, 3 📸
4 📸

Photos from Burlington City Arts's post 07/10/2024

Kick off the weekend in style at BCA's Summer Artist Reception on Friday, 7/12!

We can't wait to come together with our creative community to celebrate the amazing artists behind "Essential Figure" and "Rachel Rose: Lake Valley" and Lydia Kern, the winner of the 2024 Diane Gabriel Visual Artist Award. Stop by the BCA Center at 135 Church Street from 5-7 pm and help us raise a glass to these wonderful artists!

Learn more about "Essential Figure" and "Rachel Rose: Lake Valley" at https://rebrand.ly/Summer-Exhibitions

Suzy Spence, "Little Dirty Star," 2024, Flashe and acrylic on panel⁠

Jennifer McCandless, stoneware⁠

Lorenzo Triburgo and Sarah Van Dyck, "Conjunction," 2020, inkjet print

Rachel Rose, Lake Valley, 2016, Video Stills
Courtesy of the Artist and Barbara Gladstone Gallery, NY.⁠

Lydia Kern , "Greening Force (Viriditas)," 2022 ⁠

Lydia Kern, "Ghost Twin," 2023

The 2024 exhibition year is presented by . BCA's summer exhibitions are sponsored in part by , the Maslow Family Foundation, and Todd Lockwood. Hospitality sponsors, , , and . Burlington City Arts is supported in part by & .⁠

1-3 📸

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Our Story

The mission of Burlington City Arts is to nurture a dynamic environment through the arts that makes quality experiences accessible to a broad audience.

We do this by:
• Supporting and promoting Vermont artists and advancing the creation of new work
• Offering a wide spectrum of arts education and engagement opportunities
• Presenting exhibitions and events that place Burlington in a global context, promote critical dialogue and encourage local participation
• Serving as the City of Burlington’s cultural planner by making the arts integral to the area's economic and civic development, urban design, and livability.


Burlington City Arts (BCA) has served the cultural and artistic needs of the Greater Burlington area for more than 30 years. Our vision is to fuse a dynamic relationship between the arts and community, to nurture creativity and imagination, and to ignite a passion for learning through the arts. We run a range of arts programs from The BCA Center (formerly the Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts) and throughout the city and have established The BCA Center (formerly the Firehouse Gallery) as one of the few exhibition spaces in the state dedicated to showcasing contemporary art. Coupled with our commitment to accessibility, the BCA Center and BCA Studios enable us to present an integrated series of art experiences that help set us apart from other art centers across the country and cement Burlington’s reputation as one of America’s most livable cities for the arts.

Videos (show all)

Navigating the most foolishly fabulous weekend of the year in BTV is a snap with the Festival of Fools app!Three days of...
Have accessibility questions about Obscura BTV? 🌘 Making sure everyone can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime April 8 eclipse ...
BCA Artist Studio Tour: Karen Cygnarowicz
Burlington City Arts: Thankful to be a part of a Thriving Arts Community
The 2023 Festival of Fools Returns to Burlington, Vermont 8/4-8/6
The 2023 Festival of Fools Returns to Burlington, Vermont 8/4-8/6
The 2023 Festival of Fools Returns to Burlington, Vermont 8/4-8/6
The 2023 Festival of Fools Returns to Burlington, Vermont 8/4-8/6
Artist Sarah Stefana Smith on her 2023 BCA Center Exhibition "Willful Matters"
BCA Artist Studio Tour: Misuk Weaver
Burlington City Arts 2022 Twilight Series Concert: Saint Mela

Address

135 Church Street
Burlington, VT
05401

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 5pm
Wednesday 12pm - 5pm
Thursday 12pm - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 8pm
Saturday 12pm - 8pm

Other Burlington museums (show all)
Frog Hollow Frog Hollow
85 Church Street
Burlington, 05401

Frog Hollow is dedicated to the exposure and appreciation of Vermont Fine Art and Craft. Through sales, exhibitions, and education, it exists to support the local community and to ...

Fleming Museum of Art Fleming Museum of Art
61 Colchester Avenue
Burlington, 05405

Web: www.uvm.edu/fleming

Harold Kaplan Pottery Harold Kaplan Pottery
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Harold Kaplan Pottery is located in Burlington Vt. under the biggest Chimney stack in the city.

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
1 Ethan Allen Homestead
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Art Gallery Ribond Art Gallery Ribond
382 Pine Street, VT, Сполучені Штати
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wide collection of masterpieces

The Gallery at Main Street Landing The Gallery at Main Street Landing
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The Gallery at Main Street Landing features Contemporary and Non-traditional art from Vermont artists as well as hosting a permanent video exhibition booth that shows video install...

KreepyBoiz KreepyBoiz
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Greetings, This page will display my artwork that is Weird, Creepy, and Cool.

Arts So Wonderful Arts So Wonderful
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We are a non-profit organization that supports local artists, creates murals, and removes graffiti!

Ruelle Fine Art Ruelle Fine Art
305 Saint Paul Street, Ste 321
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Kevin Ruelle is a fine artist who lives in West Bolton, Vermont.

Mixed Martel Arts Mixed Martel Arts
Burlington

Vermont Local, female visual artist that dabbles in a bit of everything! Available for commissions

New City Galerie New City Galerie
131 Church Street
Burlington, 05401

A hospitable space for the arts on historic Church Street, downtown Burlington, VT. Follow Joseph’s new creative ventures on Instagram @hallowell.music and @riverartsvt. Follow Su...

start small studios start small studios
200 Main St, Ste 14
Burlington, 05401