Upcoming events

Watercolors in Wonderland

July 13, 2020, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Join us to paint at Wonderland Trail in Acadia National Park. Instructor Erika Rosso will offer tips on capturing the spirit and personality of the birds we see with quick watercolor sketches using a gestural approach. Class size is limited to 8, ages 8 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult. Click on EXPAND to read more and reserve your spot.

All skill levels welcome. Cost is $30 ($25 for members). To reserve your spot, sign up at reservations@wendellgilleymuseum.org. Because the class takes place in Acadia National Park, you should have a park pass. You can buy it online HERE.

Following the best practices for combatting the spread of Covid-19, we will be practicing social distancing and cannot offer transportation; face coverings are required.

We recommended that you bring with you:
♦ your own portable or travel watercolor kit and watercolor pad or sketchbook – recommended paper options are Small Arches 140 lb block or several small sheets of any 140-pound watercolor paper with a backboard and masking tape or any watercolor pad/sketchbook;
♦ 2-3 watercolor brushes with good tips in varying sizes;
♦ small sealable jar of water for cleaning brushes;
♦ a small watercolor palette (or plastic egg carton);
♦ basic watercolor tubes;
♦ a rag or paper towel;
♦ a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

These items should all be available at Caroll Drug Store in Southwest Harbor, and Sherman’s in Bar Harbor. If you don't have supplies, let us know in advance and the museum can get you outfitted for a very reasonable price.

Plan to sit on the rocks, or bring a chair and easel. (Keep in mind you will be carrying everything with you from the parking area.) It is a flat walk of about a half mile from the parking area to shore, where the terrain is mostly boulders with some sand. There are no restroom facilities. Find out more about Wonderland HERE.

Friday Fun for Fledglings (Art Classes for Kids!)

July 17 - August 21, 2020

Join us under the Gilley Tent for fun art classes taught on select Fridays by Allison Maurais. Classes begin at 10:30am and are limited to 5 people only; children should come with an adult guardian. Reserve your spot by emailing reservations@wendellgilleymuseum.org. Cost of the class is $5 per person, and covers instruction and materials. All classes will be outside and socially distanced; face coverings are required.

Allison Maurais is an artist, and the the all-grade art teacher at Conners-Emerson School in Bar Harbor. We are lucky to have her join us on staff at the Gilley during the summers.

Click on EXPAND for a complete list of classes.

July 17 – Zentangle Birds
Create a wonderfully patterned bird drawing. The materials are simple, but these can be as complex and wild as you want. Suitable for kids in middle school and up.
July 24 – Printmaking
Design a colorful bird and print multiple unique copies to share. We'll be making 1 or 2 color prints using foam or softcarve (similar to linoluem, but easier to use) and water-based printing inks. For children 10 and up.
July 31 – Christmas in July
July is the perfect time to create an ornament from salt dough for this year’s Christmas tree. We’ll be working with flour, water, salt, ribbon, and textured items to press into the dough. Feel free to bring your own treasures from nature – shells, leaves, acorns, you name it – to use. For children 6 and up.
Aug. 7 & 14 – Pinwheels for Peace
Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by teachers Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan of Coconut Creek, Florida, as a way for students to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their lives. Make a pinwheel with your own unique design and help us cover the Gilley lawn in pinwheels for International Peace Day in solidarity with other organizations – including Conners-Emerson School in Bar Harbor – on Sept. 21. Suitable for kids in middle school and up. Find out more about Pinwheels for Peace at www.pinwheelsforpeace.com

Creating Foam Prints with Sherrie York

August 18, 2020, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Join us August 18 to make wonderful bird prints using simple materials and techniques - foam and line. Appropriate for all ages; under 8 should have supervision. Space is limited. Registration is required at: 207 244-777 or reservations@wendellgilleymuseum.org.

Artist Sherrie York is a talented Maine printmaker whose work will be featured in the Sumer 2021 Exhibition Birds in Art at the Gilley. https://sherrieyork.com/

Past events

Paint a Peacock

July 3, 2020, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Paint a Peacock with artist Erika Rosso -- Use interesting patterns and colorful paints on canvas to create beautiful peacocks in the style of artist Starla Michele. Class limited to 5 and is held outside under our new tent! Face coverings required. Ages 8+. Paints and canvas provided. $10 fee to cover materials. Contact reservations@wendellgilleymuseum.org for questions or to register.