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Celebrate  Nature,  Art  and  Creativity  in  Maine.

Wendell Gilley delighted in helping others find connections with nature and creativity. Our Museum sustains his legacy through vibrant art exhibitions and a wide range of hands-on creative and educational programs for all ages.


Watch a video about Wendell Gilley.
 

Beginner Paper-Cutting: Autumn Leaves

Delve into the art of paper-cutting with this workshop for beginners at the Gilley. You’ll make a mosaic of autumn leaves using paper,  X-ACTO knives, chisels, rulers, and scissors. Learn easy cutting techniques and strategies for planning your picture. Taught by Bar Harbor artist Lynda Millar, who also teaches beginner carving classes at the Museum. Space is limited and registration is required.

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Bird Chatter: Water and Woodland Bird Migration

Join field ornithologist Seth Benz for this exploration along the forested edge of the ocean. It provides shelter and food for migratory songbirds and an excellent vantage point to look for near-shore waterfowl. The Ship Harbor Nature Trail is an undulating path with spruce tree roots and shoreline boulders, both requiring attention to foot placement. Nearly 200 species of birds have been documented here, making it a national park hotspot. Crossbills to gannets, kinglets to sea ducks – all await you. Bring binoculars; a spotting scope will be provided. Binoculars are available to borrow from the Gilley with advance notice; make a note in the comments section when you sign up. Be sure to dress in layers suitable for the weather. Group size is limited to 14.

Meet at Ship Harbor Nature Trail.

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Full-day Printmaking Workshop with Sherrie York

Maine master printmaker Sherrie York returns to the Gilley to teach a full-day printmaking workshop using multiple colors. The class is suitable for advanced beginners to intermediate printmakers. Bring a lunch. Class size is limited, and registration is required. 

Materials will be provided – just bring an idea for a nature image you'd like to turn into a woodblock-style print. Participants must be at least 10 years old. 

 

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Spooky Trees Felting with Hilary Dow

Create your own felted wool wall hanging in this fun “spooky trees” felting class. Join fiber artist and instructor Hillary Dow for an afternoon of creativity and fun on Saturday, Oct. 25, from  1-3pm.

We will use wool sourced from Maine fiber farms to learn multiple needle felting techniques to transform puffy piles of wool into a seasonal landscape with a full moon, spooky trees and rolling tree roots that feature dark shadows with 3D depth. You can add a flying witch if you want to add a little extra flair!

All materials and tools will be provided and include a 5x7 prepared wool base, silver blue and yellow blended batts, and solid color roving. The rich variety of prepared colors allows for a painterly approach to needle felting.

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News

Delayed Opening Oct. 14

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Gilley seeks Development Director

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Gilley seeks Office Manager

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July 29 David Sears program rescheduled for March 2026

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Carving Classes added for July 5!

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Events

Landscape Embroidery Workshop

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Beginner Paper-Cutting: Autumn Leaves

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Bird Chatter: Wintering Birds of Western Mount Desert Island

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Bird Chatter: Water and Woodland Bird Migration

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ANP poet shares new work at Gilley

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Painting Technique Workshop: Dried Hydrangeas

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Spooky Trees Felting with Hilary Dow

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Pen-and-ink Workshop with Mattie Rose Templeton

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People-Nature-Art with Mattie Rose Templeton

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People-Nature-Art with Becky Keefe

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Full-day Printmaking Workshop with Sherrie York

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Paint 'n' Sip: Circular Winter Scene

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Paint 'n' Sip: Tufted Titmouse

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Community Open House & Art Show

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Haiku Workshop with Kristen Lindquist

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