Watercolor art rides a wave in Waterbury
May 22, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti Watercolor painting has been enjoying growing popularity in Waterbury of late, and those interested in learning and seeing more have some options.
On Saturday morning, May 23, participants in a weekly watercolor painting class host a reception for an exhibit of their work on view in the Steele Community Room at the municipal center.
Waterbury artist Dorothy “Dot” Goulet has a show of her own now on exhibit at the Lamoille County Courthouse.
And the recent ownership change at Axel’s Art and Custom Framing has ushered in a new retail focus at the Stowe Street shop with a fresh focus on watercolor supplies.
Read more below.
Watercolors by participants in the Waterbury Public Library's weekly watercolor class are on exhibit in the Steele Community Room at the municipal building until June 23. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
Local watercolor artists share their work in the Steele Room
From the Steele Room. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
The artists who meet regularly every Tuesday to paint watercolors in the Waterbury Public Library’s art class have filled the Steele Community Room with an exhibit of their work, on view for the next several weeks. On Saturday, May 23, they will host a meet-and-greet reception to share their work and discuss their creative pastime.
Instructor Pauline Nolte invites the community to stop by to see the artworks and meet the artists, some of whom have been painting together for the past two years, and some who just joined this January.
Saturday’s reception will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
“Come share their enthusiasm with the discovery of their hidden talents and see the reward of their efforts, Nolte said. “In an environment of exploration, encouragement and inspiration, it is a revelation for some, therapy for many, and social interaction for all.”
Exhibiting artists in the show are: Sharon Baade, Tressa Brown, Sandy Cahill, Karen Gomez, Sara Hanson, Tricia Harper, Mary Kasamatsu, Rhonda Larrabee, Joanne Lattrell, Sally Madeira, Susan Rouleau, Betsy Wheating and Suzanne White. Nolte also has paintings in the show.
The exhibit will be up through June 23. The Steele Community Room is open during office hours at the Waterbury town offices, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, and Fridays (closed Thursdays).
The watercolor art sessions are a library program that welcomes artists of all levels, from brand-new beginners to accomplished watercolorists, to gather together weekly to work on their latest projects. Supplies are free for beginners.
In June and July, the gatherings will continue without instruction. “Feel free to come in with your own supplies and join friends for inspiration and encouragement to paint,” Nolte said, noting that structured classes will resume in August.
Updates for the watercolor group can be found on the Waterbury Public Library website here. New participants can register with an email.
Dorothy “Dot” Goff Goulet’s cardinal watercolor is part of an exhibit at the Lamoille County Courthouse Gallery. Courtesy photo
Waterbury artist has solo show at courthouse gallery
Vermont artist and longtime educator Dorothy “Dot” Goff Goulet is bringing her colorful, expressive energy to the local art scene in Lamoille County through her contemporary watercolor works and mixed-media creations.
Thirty-six of her pieces are now on display at the Lamoille County Courthouse Gallery in Hyde Park.
“What art offers is space — a certain breathing room for the spirit,” Goulet says, quoting writer John Updike’s sentiment that deeply reflects her artistic philosophy.
The courthouse welcomes visitors to view the exhibit artwork through early July. Courthouse hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Learn more about Goulet and her artwork online at dorothygoulet.com. For information regarding display space at the courthouse, email lccc.amc@gmail.com.
Watercolor supplies at Axel’s. Courtesy photo
Axel’s dives into art supplies, adds Tuesday hours
The new team at Axel’s continues after the Stowe Street business recently changed hands. Now under the same ownership as The Drawing Board in Montpelier, the Waterbury shop will continue its custom framing business. New for the shop is the addition of retail art supplies, starting with a wide selection of watercolor materials such as inks, papers, kits and more.
The store has started a monthly watercolor club featuring a single color for artists to collect. More online at axelsgallery.com.
Axel’s also has increased store hours, adding Tuesdays. It’s now open Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.