Welcome

The Wendell Gilley Museum is a community center that celebrates the life and work of Wendell Gilley, a pioneer in the field of decorative bird carving. It teaches the art of bird carving and presents art exhibitions and educational programs with a special focus on people, nature, and art. The Museum endeavors to inspire appreciation of the visual arts, engagement in artistic creativity, and respect and care for the natural world.

We are open Tueday through Saturdays late May through October; our winter hours are generally Friday and Saturdays. School and community groups are welcome to arrange programs and tours. Family activities, members’ carving club, and carving classes are scheduled through the year.

A special exhibition, An Abundance of Riches, woodblock prints by Andrea Rich, is open July through October 21.

special events and giving opportunities

Our sixth annual Flight of Swallows is a lovely evening for tasting a carefully curated selection of French wines, enjoying delicious food and wine pairings, and supporting the Wendell Gilley Museum. With live jazz music, carving demonstration, and a field guide to the wines, this celebratory and educational evening is an exceptional way to have fun with the flock. The event is held at the lovely Neighborhood House, 1 Kimball Road in Northeast Harbor. Tickets must be purchased before the event and are available online or at the Museum, 207-244-7555.