POULTNEY — Stone Valley Arts at Fox Hill is launching its 2025 season with a vibrant lineup of music, visual art, dance, and literary events throughout April. With offerings for all ages and interests, the center invites the community to reconnect with the arts and one another in a dynamic, welcoming environment.
The season opens with a free concert on Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. by acclaimed Americana/folk musician Alice Di Micele. Hailing from Ashland, Oregon, Di Micele brings decades of experience and a deeply personal connection to nature, emotion, and healing through music. With 17 albums to her name, her rich vocal range and genre-blending style—infused with jazz, soul, funk, and rock—have earned her a devoted following.
Visual arts take center stage later in the month with the artist member show, opening with a public reception on Saturday, April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibit features works by over a dozen local artists and will remain on display through Sunday, June 8. Gallery hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
April is also Jazz Appreciation Month. Stone Valley Arts will host a free Jazz Café concert on Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m., featuring regional musicians and the West Rutland School’s Westside Jazz Combo under Zach Hampton’s direction. The Jazz Café offers an intimate space for audiences to enjoy live jazz in a relaxed, community setting.
In celebration of National Poetry Month, Stone Valley Arts is collaborating with Poultney Poetry Downtown, placing local poems in shop windows around town. A Literary Open Mic will be held at the center on Friday, April 25, at 7 p.m. The Poultney Poets Group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 1–3 p.m. for those looking to write or share poetry in a supportive environment.
Music lovers are invited to the Community Music Jam on Sunday, April 13, from 4–6 p.m. This acoustic jam welcomes all genres—bluegrass, folk, blues, Americana—and encourages participants to take turns sharing songs and learning from each other in a laid-back setting.
Movement-based offerings round out the month, with the return of ballroom dance classes led by instructor Patti Panebianco. Classes began on Wednesday, April 2, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and continue weekly through June. The first class is free and covers a variety of ballroom styles, including East Coast swing, salsa, foxtrot, and rumba.
Starting Thursday, April 10, from 9–10 a.m., Essentrics Stretch and Strength classes with Diane Sullivan will be held weekly. Based on the method developed by Miranda Esmonde-White, this no-impact workout blends elements of ballet, Tai Chi, and physiotherapy to improve flexibility, posture, and overall well-being. Classes are $10, and participants are asked to bring a mat and water.
For more information about all upcoming programs, visit: stonevalleyarts.org.
