wooden bird carvings
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Celebrate  Nature,  Art  and  Creativity  in  Maine.

Wendell Gilley delighted in helping others find connections with nature and creativity. Our Museum sustains his legacy through vibrant art exhibitions and a wide range of hands-on creative and educational programs for all ages.


Watch a video about Wendell Gilley.
 

Pattern-making for Carving with Josh Brewer

Join Maine master carver Joshua Brewer at the Wendell Gilley Museum for this one-day class to learn the art of making a precise pattern for any bird you would like to carve. Carvers use patterns to guide their knife-cuts when carving birds from wood. While there are many books of patterns available, this class allows you to customize the look for your carving. Space is limited and reservations are required. All tools and materials will be provided.

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Paint 'n' Sip: Ice and Fog

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 February, it will be a striking scene of ice and fog.

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.

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Workshop: Family Pet Portraits in Watercolor

February's painting technique class is paws-itively fantastic! Work on a watercolor portrait of a family pet with Erika Elizabeth, who will guide students step by step. Practice the art of perfecting fur or scales in watercolor. Beginners welcome.

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Valentine's Nature-inspired Paper-cutting

Delve into the art of paper-cutting with this nature Valentine’s workshop at the Gilley. You’ll make a heart-shaped piece of art from heavy paper and populate it with plants, birds, and wildlife using paper,  X-ACTO knives, and rulers. Learn easy cutting techniques and strategies for planning your picture. This will be taught by Bar Harbor artist Lynda Millar, who also teaches woodburning and beginner carving classes at the Museum. Space is limited and registration is required. Students must be at least 13 years old.

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wooden bird carvings

News

Closed Saturday, Jan. 24

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Join us for Winter Session 2026 !

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Gilley welcomes new Office Manager

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Gilley welcomes new Development Director

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Holiday Break

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Events

Global Backyard Bird Count Outing

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People-Nature-Art with Painter Heidi Daub

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People-Nature-Art with Multi-media Artist Helene Farrar

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People-Nature-Art with Birding Guide Lillian Stokes

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People-Nature-Art with Sculptor Spencer Tinkham

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People-Nature-Art with Painter Sean Murtha

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People-Nature-Art with artist Susan Amons

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People-Nature-Art with sculptor Peter Dransfield

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People-Nature-Art with Children's Author Will Hillenbrand

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People-Nature-Art with Kristen Lindquist

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People-Nature-Art with Eco Artist Julie Crane

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Workshop: Watercolor Portrait Technique

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Workshop: Minimalist Watercolor Landscape

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Workshop: Family Pet Portraits in Watercolor

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Closed for Exhibition Installation

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Paint-mixing for Bird Carving

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Valentine's Nature-inspired Paper-cutting

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Workshop: Needle Felt a Coral Reef

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Paint 'n' Sip: Northern Parula

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Paint 'n' Sip: Mouse & Mushroom Under Strawberry Moon

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Paint 'n' Sip: Ink & Watercolor Barn Owl

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Paint 'n' Sip: Ice and Fog

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People-Nature-Art with Matinicus Carver David Sears

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