Gilley Events!

Bar Harbor artist Jennifer Steen Booher featured at Gilley in March

People-Nature-Art Talk free and open to all on Tuesday, March 25

SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Conceptual photographer Jennifer Steen Booher will delve into her unique art and complex artistic process at the Wendell Gilley Museum on Tuesday, March 25 as the museum’s People-Nature-Art presenter.

Join us at this Gilley for this free and fabulous monthly event to learn more about Jenn and her incredible art. A 6 p.m. reception will be followed by a 7 p.m. program that will be simultaneously livecast on Zoom. No charge, but registration is required at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org

Jennifer Steen Booher is an artist based on Mount Desert Island where she has been exploring and studying the intertidal zone for over 20 years, working with ecosystem dynamics, cultural history, and marine debris. As her understanding deepens, she has been experimenting with ways to address the drama and poetry she finds in these specialized fields.Her work explores the intersection of science and history, incorporating observations and concerns about environmental change.

Working in multiple media, including still life photography, cyanotype, and drawing, she teases apart the complex interactions underlying biological and cultural consequences of change in the local climate. And although they draw on verified and reliable data, the resulting images are rooted in curiosity and exploration. She never lost that childhood delight in poking around in seaweed on muddy knees, filling her pockets with shells and stones and sticky things, and incessantly asking, “Why?”

She has been a Resident Artist with Acadia National Park since 2015, and Artist-in-Residence with the Mount Desert Island Historical Society since 2018. Ms. Booher is the recipient of two Maine Arts Commission project grants, a Frenchman’s Bay Partners Environmental Stewardship award, and a Kindling Fund award from SPACE Gallery/the Andy Warhol Foundation Regional Regranting Program. She received her BA in Art History and Asian Studies from Vassar College, and her master's degree in Landscape Architecture and Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia.

Her work is on display at the Gilley and select pieces are available for purchase.

People-Nature-Art is a free monthly series that brings artists, writers, carvers, and creative types of all kinds to the Gilley to explore how nature and art interact in their work, and how their art impacts their own approach to nature.

Play with Clay at the Gilley: Bas Relief Jars

SOUTHWEST HARBOR— Join Kathie Pratt and work in clay to create a nature-themed bas relief that you’ll be able to complete and take home that day on Saturday, March 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Wendell Gilley Museum. Artists create a bas-relief by sculpting onto a 2-D plane to create and accentuate figures and objects, producing a 3-D appearance. We’ll be using polymer clay and baking it off, then painting it. Then, students will be shaping the bas relief around glass jars to make a decorative container. Class size is limited. Cost is $32 for Museum members and $40 for non-members. All materials and supplies are provided. Sign up at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/calendar

Come play Wingspan at the Gilley

SOUTHWEST HARBOR— Join Downeast Audubon at the Wendell Gilley Museum for a fun evening of Wingspan, one of the world's most popular board games on Friday, March 21 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Wingspan is a bird-themed board game where players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. It boasts beautifully crafted (and scientifically accurate) cards for more than 150 bird species, paired with gentle yet strategic gameplay. Whether you're a birder looking to dive into the gaming world or a gamer eager to learn more about birds, this game has something for everyone.

For those new to Wingspan, don't fret! Downeast Audubon board member James Longo will be on hand to give a tutorial and go over the gameplay, ensuring everyone gets off to a flying start. There will be another Wingspan session at the Gilley on a date to be determined in April.

Drinks and snacks provided.
Free, but please sign up to ensure we have enough game boards available. If you have any questions, call the Gilley at 207-255-7555 or email info@wendellgilleymuseum.org