MIDDLEBURY — Max Kraus is a retired engineer and businessman who moved to Middlebury 15 years ago. Once a self-described “family and trips snapshot” photographer with indifferent results, he became acquainted with digital photography where he could see the results in real time and later enhance the results.
Since then Kraus has photographed hundreds of images, and will be on exhibit at the Jackson Gallery, downstairs at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury, from May 17-June 16. An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 17, from 5-7 p.m.
Inspired by life and his explorations in and around Middlebury, he expresses a great appreciation for the seasonal changes in the landscape and farms of Vermont through his imagery. He often returns to favorite spots to capture them at various times of the year. His summer scenes are vivid in color while his winter views through snowfall are unique in their delicate texture and tones.
In addition to taking pictures of classical Vermont scenes, Kraus has chronicled many Town Hall Theater events through his images of production casts and crews and his candid shots of performances in action.  He has photographed eight years of the Opera Company of Middlebury performances, many of the Middlebury Community Players productions and exciting “J-Term” shows, collaborations between the Theater and Middlebury College.
Kraus will include a few pictures from these events in the exhibition. “I hope they convey the diversity of the productions that we are privileged to enjoy and my joy as I have watched these productions develop while meeting the talented actors and singers,” he said.
Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 12-5 p.m., and an hour before any public events at the theater. For further information call (802) 382-9222 or visit townhalltheater.org.