News

And the winner is...

...the Greater Yellowlegs!

This winsom and distinctive bird is a type of sandpiper and will star in this autumn's carving classes, which run weekly Oct. 17 to Dec. 12.

This Greater Yellowlegs was created by Wendell Gilley in 1972 for his wife Addie Gilley.

Art show benefits Gilley

The Gallery at Somes Sound is honoring the Wendell Gilley Museum during its October show featuring work by artist Robert Wellings. A portion of the proceeds from sales of Mr. Welling's work will be donated to the museum, supporting the Gilley’s mission of bringing people closer to nature through the arts.

Birds in Art returns to the Wendell Gilley Museum in 2021

The Wendell Gilley Museum is honored to host Birds in Art from June 11 through Aug. 14. It will include a new piece by Maine artist Sherrie York, a friend of the Gilley who conducted a popular printmaking class here in 2020. An international juried show, the exhibition includes work by a wide range of accomplished contemporary artists, who offer their unique interpretations of the avian world in a variety of media.

Birds in Art is organized by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin, and following its debut there, 60 artworks embark on a national tour to a select venues each year. This will be the third visit of Birds in Art to the Gilley and we cannot wait to share the exhibit with you.

Opening July 2

We are excited to be opening the Wendell Gilley Museum to the public for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning July 2. Admission will be by reservation only, as we are limited to 10 people in the building at a time in accordance with the best guidance for the prevention of Covid-19. Museum hours on those days are 10am to 4pm, with the last reservation at 3:30pm.

To make a reservation, email reservations@wendellgilleymuseum.org. While in the museum, face coverings are required and we ask that you maintain a distance of six feet between you and other people; that's about the wingspan of an adult bald eagle.

O Solo, Bee-O!

Some bees just like to be alone. Mason bees and leaf-cutter bees are non-stinging solitary bees that nest in cavities. You can help them find a home by building a bee house with a kit from the Wendell Gilley Museum. In these bee houses, the cavities are 5-inch-deep drilled holes — deep enough, we hope, to be safe from a woodpecker tongue.

Our kit involves a little hammering and as much painting as you want. This is a great family project. Kits are $12 … plus send us a picture or video of your completed project. To order, email director@wendellgilleymuseum.org with your name and mailing address. If you are local, we have a no-contact pick-up system. You can send us a check at Wendell Gilley Museum, PO Box 254, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 or, make a donation through our website HERE.

Learn & Do ONLINE

Visit our Learn & Do page for lots of fun and inspiring online art projects, created by local artists. You'll find videos about using clay, collage and collotype printmaking to create your own birds, as well as a download-able project to make mythological bird gods and goddesses! Image: Thunderbird mythological bird project by Erica Rosso. Expand to read more...

Over the course of the next month, we will be adding new projects from local and Maine artists including Ranee Levasseur, Allison Maurias, Rebekah Raye, Carol Shutt, Sherrie York, and of course, museum artist Steve Valleau. So check back often! We'll also be offering small, socially-distanced classes outside in our new tent - check the Events page for details of these.

New Addition to the Flock

Welcome Melinda Rice-Schoon!

We are excited to welcome Melinda to our flock at the Gilley. Melinda has worked with other Mount Desert Island non-profits, including the Seal Cove Auto Museum and the Jessup Library, and she brings a rich background in communications and public programs. Melinda will help us continue to grow our programs and spread the word about the exciting things going on at the Gilley. We are already enjoying her enthusiasm - welcome Melinda!

Gilley Members Gallery

Member's Gallery

Our members have been getting creative! Visit our Exhibits page and our Member's Gallery to see some of their wonderful work. Bee Houses and Collages based on our online offerings (learn more on our NEWS page), carvings, and more. More fabulous art coming soon...

NEWSLETTERS

Join the flock

Current newsletter

January 2020