Edward “Bear” Miller likes to wander out with his dog and French easel and make believe he’s Gustave Courbet on the Lower Hudson. He also loves adventuring with his wife and daughters among the high peaks of the Adirondacks.

Born and raised in the District of Columbia, Bear completed high school in Millbrook, NY, got his B.A. in history from Reed College (’93), apprenticed under Pacific Northwest sculptor Philip McCracken, taught social studies for twelve years (including five years at Colegio Menor San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador), and decided to focus on painting in 2009. Bear painted in oils at St. Albans School (under Sandy Larson), Millbrook School (under Lenny Beecher), at Reed College (under Michael Knutson), and has been mentored by Pennsylvania/Albuquerque painter Robert Stark since 2000. 

He earned his MFA from SUNY New Paltz in 2016 and maintains his home and studio in Tarrytown, NY. Bear has had many solo shows, including multiple shows in New York City, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, the Hudson Valley, and the Adirondacks.

How to watch Instagram Live:

One watches a live broadcast on the Instagram app on your mobile device or on Instagram.com. RiverArts’ profile picture will appear at the top of Feed with a colorful ring around it and the word Live. Tap or click their profile picture to view the live broadcast.

Salon Sundays | Virtual + in-studio

Explore Art in the Rivertowns this Spring with RiverArts’ Salon Sundays. Salon Sundays invite visitors to tour local artists’ studios and gain an inside view of their work and inspiration. An exciting opportunity to gain insights into the creative process, learn about techniques in a variety of media and interact with artists here in the Rivertowns community.

Events in February and March will be virtual, held on Instagram Live. In April, May and June, we resume Salon Sundays in-person.

Salon Sundays are inspired by the French salons founded in the 18th century as a means for new and emerging artists to gather and show their works in large numbers. Artists filled the walls, floor to ceiling, exhibiting anything and everything for the public and each other. Salons drew intellectuals, writers, poets, sculptors, painters, printmakers, supporters, and those interested in engaging with the creative community.

“We strongly encourage anyone attending a Salon Sunday to come with their curiosity peaked, ask questions, and learn who’s who in the local art community. It’s powerful to interact with artists in their space. We’re hoping this event will increase community involvement and provide a chance to meet one-on-one with area artists and experience art up close.” Jeff Dietz, Producer, Salon Sundays.