All aboard for Blind Trout series at Union Station’s Art Bar & Gallery

NORTH CANAAN — The upstairs office space of the Great Falls Brewing Company, tucked away in the historic refurbished Canaan Union Station Railroad Depot, has been transformed into a speakeasy on Friday nights. The Art Bar & Gallery is now presenting the Blind Trout series and will host open mics, storytelling, music and poetry.

On Friday, Feb. 16, the first open mic began with a poetry reading from the managing member of Great Falls Brewing, Chris Tripler. “We’re hoping it becomes a regular thing,” said Tripler, “A place for folks to come and hang out.” The brewery opened its doors in 2018 with its light and airy taproom downstairs.

The new upstairs space opened in November 2023. A call went out to local artists, and “we couldn’t believe the response,” said Tripler of the overflow of submissions. The walls are now lined with these submissions: paintings, pastels and drawings of landscapes and sunsets, and there is a section downstairs dedicated to transportation-themed art, paying homage to the Railroad Museum that is open on Saturdays.

But the Art Bar & Gallery isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s an invitation to engage in art firsthand. There are long tables with colored pencils, pens and sketchbooks, inviting folks to try their own hand at creative expression while enjoying a cocktail, mocktail or beer.

Next Friday, Feb. 23, the speakeasy will host fingerstyle guitarist Stephen Bennett from 8 to 10 p.m.

“He’s amazing,” said Tripler, “and we’re so lucky to have him.” The room was abuzz with excitement as The Art Bar stands poised to become a real gathering place for the community, a place to convene and create.