This exhibition brings together 12 highly regarded contemporary Maine artists whose work expresses a profound appreciation, and deep concern, for Maine’s lakes, rivers, and ocean. As attentive observers, these artists serve as valuable witnesses to environmental change.

Several of them use thoughtfully selected natural materials, while others repurpose found objects that might otherwise enter the waste stream. Some have served as resident artists aboard research vessels or worked closely with scientific organizations, and all of them channel their own experiences with Maine’s waters.

Together, these artists and their work spark a conversation about the fragility of our planet and ourselves that the Wendell Gilley Museum invites you to join.

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.

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.