Join us for our monthly evening paint ‘n’ sip workshops with instructor Erika Elizabeth at the Gilley for a fun evening of learning and art. Students are guided step by step through the process of painting, with plenty of explanation and instruction along the way.

Each month has a different theme and inspiration-painting. For June, we’ll be painting Watercolor Stones.

Sip on wine, tea or seltzer as part of this adults-only class, which is suitable for artists of all levels who are at least 21 years old. All materials and beverages provided.

Expert needle-felter, fiber artist, and storyteller Hillary Dow of Binding Tales will lead this fun workshop at the Gilley, guiding participants through the process of creating a felted coral reef wall hanging. This workshop is suitable for all skill levels including beginners.

Learn needle felting techniques as you transform puffy piles of wool into a vivid and dynamic coral reef that features several types of coral in a variety of colors with dark shadows and 3D depth. 

The Wendell Gilley Museum is closed for installation of the Museum’s special summer art exhibition, Water Proof: Maine Artists Reflect on the Environment. The Gilley will reopen on Wednesday, May 27; from then until Halloween we will be open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, with some programs at other times. Check the Museum website for all the most up-to-date information about what is going on at the Gilley. Staff will be working during this time. To reach someone, call 207-244-7555 or email info@wendellgilleymuseum.org. We are offering an online-only presentation with renown children's author and illstrator Will Hillenbrand on Tuesday, May 5 at 7pm. Sign up for this free program via the Gilley website's calendar.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and look forward to seeing you when we reopen.

The Wendell Gilley Museum is pleased to once again co-host the Acadia Birding Festival in 2026, the festival’s 27^th year of offering stellar birding trips and speakers on Mount Desert Island, all during the annual spring bird migration. As usual, the Gilley will be hosting and recording presentations, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Museum.

All sign-ups for the Acadia Birding Festival go directly through the festival website at www.acadiabirdingfestival.com, and the schedule and other information can be there as well.  Anyone who is a paid attendee of the Acadia Birding Festival receives free entry to the Museum for the duration of the festival.