Welcome

The Wendell Gilley Museum 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.

If you are feeling inspired, consider joining our creative community–carving classes, programs for kids, and members’ carving club continue into spring. And if you can’t fly in, follow the flock on Facebook. School and community groups are welcome to arrange programs and tours.

The Wendell Gilley Museum is excited to Host a major exhibition of Barbara Prey's Maine landscape paintings.

Earth, Sea, Sky

Our very special exhibition celebrates Barbara Ernst Prey's long engagement with the landscape and people of Maine, where she has been painting for more than forty years. The Gilley will be filled with color, as the artist's large-scale watercolor paintings of Maine, including many of Mount Desert Island exhibited for the first time, will be on view. The show is a unique opportunity to explore the work of a leading contemporary artist, known for pushing the traditional boundaries of the watercolor medium. Barbara Ernst Prey: Earth, Sea, Sky is on view from June 30 through October 14, 2018. An opening reception for the artist will be held on Sunday, July 8 from 5:30–7:30pm.

Gratitude and Giving

We are truly grateful for the generosity of so many members and visitors. Your support allows us to continue a long tradition of rich exhibitions and programs; it also makes our work so successful and enjoyable. Gifts in any amount are deeply appreciated and support our mission of preserving Wendell Gilley’s work and sharing his legacy of encouraging creativity and learning. Donations are tax deductible, whether they are for membership, annual giving, or the Flight of Swallows wine-tasting benefit, our delightful summer evening of curated wines, food, and conversation.