Axel’s hosts concert gig poster exhibit through March 28

Shoot Out winners announced

March 10, 2026  |  By Lisa Scagliotti

Axel’s current exhibit of framed concert posters, ‘Proof We Were There,’ is on view through March 28. Courtesy photo

A visit to Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop through March 28 offers a trip to concerts past in the current show, “Proof We Were There.”

The group exhibition celebrates gig posters from iconic live music shows from the collections of eight longtime gallery clients. The framed poster art represents shared experiences, cultural moments, and personal milestones while serving as a retrospective of live music experiences that mattered enough to frame. 

In turn, gallery owner Whitney Aldrich observes that the collection is also a firsthand testament to the enduring relevance of custom framing.

Concert poster images courtesy of Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop

Aldrich explains that the idea for the show came from Mark Ray of Stowe Cider, one of the collectors with posters on exhibit. With the exception of Ray’s contributions to the exhibit, all of the other entries come from home collections of music fans spanning multiple generations, Aldrich noted. 

She shared that, as Axel’s enters an ownership transition to The Drawing Board in Montpelier, “Proof We Were There” feels particularly meaningful as it provides a reflection on the memories the business has helped preserve for people in the community over the years and a look ahead to the longtime business’s next chapter.

Stowe Cider is sponsoring the exhibition’s featured closing event, a free reception on Saturday, March 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. Dubbed “Sound Check,” the gathering will bring the collectors together for conversation as they share the stories – and the concerts – behind their posters. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.

Shoot Out winners announced

Whitney Aldrich of Axel's Gallery presents ribbons to 2026 Shoot Out photo contest First Prize and People's Choice Award winner George Jackman of Stowe. Courtesy photo

Winners in Axel’s annual Shoot Out photography contest were recently announced and the 2025 second-place finisher took both First Prize and the People’s Choice Award. 

Stowe photographer George Jackman’s photo of a Cape Cod seascape was the double-winning entry, Aldrich said, the first time both the judges and gallery patrons coalesced around a favorite image. 

Second Prize went to Charley Atwood of Barre. His winning entry was the first he had ever submitted to a competition, Aldrich noted. 

The annual contest invites both amateur and professional photographers to share their favorite images that best illustrate a theme chosen by the previous contest winner. The recent Shoot Out sought out photographs that demonstrated the theme, “It’s the Little Things,” chosen by Justin Highet of Enosburg, the contest’s 2025 first-prize winner. 

The winners receive gift certificates for framing by the gallery and camera equipment. In addition to choosing the next year’s contest theme, the first-prize winner is also invited to present their photography in a solo show at Axel’s Gallery later in the year, giving them a chance to introduce their work to the community. 

Aldrich said that the ownership change at the gallery will still accommodate the Shoot Out exhibition this year. “The new Axel’s owner has agreed to provide space for the first-prize winner to exhibit their photography this fall,” Aldrich said. “It will not be the whole gallery, but it is exposure, which is exactly what we’re trying to do with Axel’s.”

Located at 10 Stowe St. in Waterbury, Axel’s regular hours are Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. More information is online at AxelsGallery.com.