A Gift for Gilley

This summer we look forward to celebrating Wendell’s 106th birthday and planning next year’s 30th anniversary of the museum. But what kind of gift do you get to honor the memory of a plumber from Southwest Harbor who believed that all people have some form of creative power for which they simply need to find an outlet? What gift for a man who found his artistic outlet after viewing a display of miniature bird carvings at the Boston Museum of Natural History in 1931?

The committee met to consider this gift. It was decided as is usual and customary that on the on the big day of August 21, admission to the museum will be free. But, as is common with committees, they wanted more. Ideas wandered from a moderate bash catered by one of our local chefs to an iPad and a host of others that are not worthy of mention. While we’re always up for a party, it didn’t seem lasting and what would we do with an iPad?

In the end it was decided the gift would be what you’re looking at now, a new website. Although Wendell never advertised and worked his magic with hand tools, we thought he would be pleased with the creative power unleashed on this new site. It tells a story, keeps you updated on the latest events and carving classes, lets you view pieces from the collection, and if you’re of a mind, even contribute. Go ahead and enjoy the site, have fun with it, and we look forward to seeing you at the Museum. In the meantime, we’ll keep connecting People, Nature, Art.