A Brush with Trees at Blithewold - Paul Olson’s Art Exhibition in Bristol RI

If autumn inspires you to seek out beauty, both natural and artistic, consider a visit to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island.

September 6, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Price: Free

Time: From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Venue: Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum

A Glimpse into Rhode Island’s Gardens Through Art

The exhibit features oil paintings by Rhode Island-based artist Paul Olson. Created on site at Blithewold over several summers, these works capture the arboretum’s majestic trees, shifting coastal light, and the quiet beauty of one of the state’s most beloved gardens. Olson encourages visitors to “walk the grounds—and see them through the artist’s eyes,” turning an ordinary stroll into a contemplative experience.

The exhibit is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Visitors Center. It is closed on Mondays. Admission is free, making this an accessible cultural outing during the fall and winter months.

About the Artist

Paul Olson is known for expressive plein-air landscapes that distill the complexity of trees, forests, and coastal environments. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (Illustration), he has exhibited widely, from Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Olson balances energetic brushwork with attention to light and atmosphere, reflecting decades of painting outdoors and a deep connection to the natural world. His works have earned top prizes at regional and national competitions. Beyond his studio and fieldwork, Olson has spent more than 30 years teaching art at institutions such as RISD and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Celebrating Art, Heritage, and Home

Blithewold’s “Brush with Trees” exhibition blends art and place in a way that speaks to the heart of coastal Rhode Island living. It invites you to explore not just the paintings on display but the very landscapes that inspired them. For homeowners and visitors alike, events like this underscore why the East Bay’s historic estates and gardens remain so treasured: they offer a living canvas where heritage, nature, and creativity converge.

If you’re looking to connect with the land and culture that shape our region, mark your calendar and head to Bristol. You’ll experience an artist’s vision of Rhode Island’s gardens—and perhaps see your own surroundings in a new light.

About The Authors

Edge Realty was founded in 1990 in the waterfront community of Edgewood, Rhode Island, inspired by the richness of the architecture and the quintessential Ocean State coastline. With a background in the arts, we took our creativity and strategic thinking into Real Estate. Since then, Edge Realty opened its South County and Newport locations, and has continued to expand; now operating throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, with referral partners worldwide. With three strong decades of sales in all aspects of real estate, from first time buyers to luxury homes, Edge Realty has sold thousands of properties- including one-of-a-kind architect designed homes, historic time pieces, and whimsical beach cottages. We bring the Art of Real Estate to you – with a Creative Edge.