Stowe Free Library invitation to mushroom foraging talk & tote bag art project

April 25, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

The Friends of the Stowe Free Library share two upcoming program highlights with nearby communities. 

Free presentation: The Mushroom Forager 

On Thursday, May 1, The Mushroom Forager pays a visit to the library at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. Based in Richmond, The Mushroom Forager is instructor, lecturer and writer Ari Rockland-Miller and his spouse and partner Jenna Antonino DiMare, experts on wild and cultivated mushrooms and edible plants.

They will share their passion for the art and science of hunting wild mushrooms, and to make mycology safer and more accessible. Their talk will cover what species to look for and which to avoid when searching for mushrooms in the forests of Vermont that harbor a wide diversity of wild mushrooms, from spring morels to summer favorites like chanterelles, black trumpets, and porcini. 

This presentation features a visual tour of the region’s top culinary wild mushrooms, emphasizing seasonality. The Mushroom Forager's work has been featured on CNN's Great Big Story, New England Public Radio, Vermont Public Radio, and in magazines including Vermont Life, Northern Woodlands, Long Trail News and the Vermont Almanac. More information at:  themushroomforager.com.

This talk is free and open to the public.  

Tote bag art project

The Friends of Stowe Free Library are getting ready for their 40th Anniversary Book Sale with a special collaboration to celebrate artistic talent in the community. 

This year's Summer Reading Program theme is "Color Our World," and the friends plan to spotlight local artists on the book sale's limited-edition tote bags.

Thousands of book lovers attend the sale each year and this year, they will be treated to unique commemorative tote bags featuring local art. Organizers call it a win-win-win as the artists gain visibility, book lovers take home beautiful art, and the library enjoys their support. 

Artists chosen will have their art printed on the book-sale bags which will contain a brochure highlighting the artists and where to find more of their work. Art may be used in promotions for the event. All proceeds support the Stowe Free Library's community programs, events and resources. 

The submission deadline is May 15. 

To enter, email stowelibraryfriends@gmail.com with either a link to, photo of, or attachment of your artwork. (Iinitial submissions can be any size—if selected, a print-ready image will be requested.)

Artists must own the rights to any submitted artwork. And previously created pieces are welcome—no need for library-exclusive work

This collaboration is about bringing our community together through art and literature—the friends are eager to see the submissions to illustrate this year’s theme of "Color Our World!"

For more information, visit the library website, call 802-253-6145, or email stowefreelibrary@gmail.com.