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. 

"Water Proof" closes Aug. 22 at 4pm.

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.

Exhibiting artists are:

• Elizabeth Awalt
• Krisanne Baker
• Daisy Braun
• Michel Droge
• Sarah Haskell
• Alison Hildreth
• Jeannet Leendertse
• Nancy Manter
• Posey Moulton
• Anne Neely
• Celeste Roberge
• Ian Trask

Artist Siri Beckman, whose woodcuts comprise the Gilley's new exhibit "Into the Woods," will make a special guest appearance at this Sept. 3 event which is a gathering for Museum members to celebrate the Gilley, its mission to bring People Closer to Nature Through Art, and the members who make that possible. Enjoy light refreshments, and hear from Museum Director Sean Charette about the Museum's exciting plans for the future. 

Turn obstacles into inspiration and experiment with watercolors to learn how to turn an “oops” into an “awesome” in this painting technique workshop. Drips, mistakes and those “blossoms” that can happen with watercolor, you’ll work with them all. Join us at the Gilley with instructor Erika Elizabeth, who will guide students step by step to express their own creativity and learn.

This exhibition, which opens Tuesday, Aug. 25,  celebrates the traditional relief printmaking of Maine artist Siri Beckman. Though she also paints in watercolors and oils, she is best known for wood engravings and woodcuts—carving images into carefully selected wood blocks using specialized tools before proofing, refining and printing each edition by hand. A single small block can take dozens of hours to complete, from the first cuts to the final signed print. This show includes 41 of her prints featuring birds and landscapes and explores Siri's deep engagement with this process.