Our monthly evening paint ‘n’ sip workshops bring instructor Erika Elizabeth to 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 October it will be wildflowers with a dragonfly.

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.

This full-day workshop takes place on Saturday, Oct. 4, and runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 6:30pm. It is led by local professional photographer, J.K. Putnam, and is designed to maximize learning opportunities and provide guidance on creating the kind of images you want to create. From sunrise to sunset, you will alternate between traveling around Acadia taking photos, and classroom time where we discuss a range of topics that lead to successful, self-expressive image-making. There will also be individual instruction based on your goals and your questions.

What do I mean when I say, self-expression? Am I talking about art? To be honest I struggle with calling myself an artist. I’m uncomfortable with that title. I’m a photographer. Photographer is a very comfortable title for me. But if I want my photography to be personal, I need to express my emotions, my thoughts, and the stories I want to tell through my imagery. I want to express to you, the viewer, how I connect with the subjects that I photograph.

The cost is $150 for Museum members and $175 for non-members. Spaces are limited. Registration is required.

Larry Barth’s talent and reputation as bird carver has soared during the 50-plus years since he first picked up a carving knife. He’s been dubbed a “Living Legend” by the prestigious Ward Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art of bird carving; and Barth has won Best in World at the annual Ward World Championships 19 times, more than any other artist. He will be at the Wendell Gilley Museum on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 8 to share his art, his talent, and his insights and observations as the Gilley’s People-Nature-Art presenter for October.

“It’s a thrill and an honor to host Larry Barth here at the Gilley,” says museum director Sean Charette. “ He is the best in the world at bird carving and we were founded to honor Southwest Harbor native Wendell Gilley, who was nationally renowned in his time for the realistic quality of his carvings.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 7 there will be a public artist’s reception at 6 p.m. followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. by Barth about the deep connection between his work and the natural world. On Wednesday, Oct. 8 Barth will give a live demonstration, creating a screech owl in clay and talking about his artistic process.  All events are free, but registration is required. Sign up at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/calendar.

Barth is “incredible at communicating things” in sculpture; he “takes away anything unnecessary” and leaves the feeling or essence of a natural scene,’ says Pat Godin, a contemporary of Barth’s and also a multiple-time winner of the Ward’s Best in World championship.

Larry Barth’s talent and reputation as bird carver has soared during the 50-plus years since he first picked up a carving knife. He’s been dubbed a “Living Legend” by the prestigious Ward Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art of bird carving; and Barth has won Best in World at the annual Ward World Championships 19 times, more than any other artist. He will be at the Wendell Gilley Museum on  Wednesday, Oct. 8 to share his art, his talent, and his insights and observations as the Gilley’s People-Nature-Art presenter for October. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, Barth will give a live demonstration, creating a screech owl in clay and talking about his artistic process.  This is an in-person event only. Free, but registration is required at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/calendar.