Edgewater Gallery at the Falls, One Mill Street, Middlebury

In Pastoral Impressions, celebrated local artist Joe Bolger presents a series that celebrates the beauty of rural life in Vermont—the light-drenched hills, quiet meadows, winding roads, and the ever-changing sky. Bolger pays homage to the American Impressionist traditions, focusing on the shifting warmth and coolness of the natural light and the way this transforms every moment. The result evokes a sense of tender nostalgia and joyful tranquility, honoring the quiet poetry of the present.

Bolger’s paintings are characterized by his commitment to plein air painting, a practice that allows him to observe and depict the transient effects of light in real-time. In this collection, Bolger has expanded his compositions, working on a larger scale. “While Plein Air painting has taught me to observe quickly and respond intuitively to the light and landscape, creating larger works invites a slower, more deliberate process. Larger canvases require deeper planning, more refined composition, and a fuller emotional engagement with the subject.”
Join us for an Artist Talk and Brunch on Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 AM, where Joe Bolger will share insights into his inspiration, artistic process, and painterly techniques. With decades of experience as an educator, including teaching at Middlebury Union High School, Joe brings clarity and warmth to his discussions about art. Enjoy coffee and light fare as we delve into the world behind the brushstrokes.

For more information about the Pastoral Impressions, call 802-458-0098 or email us at info@edgewatergallery-vt.com.