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.

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. 

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.

Paint some of the last autumn flowers in this technique class taught by Erika Elizabeth at the Gilley on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 10:30am to 1pm. Using dried hydrangeas and painting from life, students will work in neutrals and blush tones incorporating wet into wet and drybrush techniques.  The cost is $36 per person for museum members and $43 for non-members.