Past Events

Make a wall hook from clay inspired by the Gilley’s exhibit “Nature’s Masterpiece: Elephant Photographs of Peter Beard,” which will in the museum’s special exhibits gallery until Nov. 4. Kathie Pratt will lead you through the process, and you’ll have something to take home with you at the end of the workshop. All materials supplied.

In this workshop we will look at the world through a filter that focuses on textures, shapes, highlights and shadows over a sometimes overwhelming range of color. It is a simpler way of looking at your subject, and captures it quickly. A selection of warm and cool toned papers will be provided, as well as pencils. There will be natural objects to choose to draw, or bring your own. Lettering, and combining drawing and text will be discussed.

No experience necessary just an interest in nature and being creative.

Taught by naturalist and artist Karen Zimmerman. All materials supplied.

Join master carver Steve Valleau for this unique three-class workshop to turn a stump into carved ducks. The class runs from 10am to 3pm on Friday, Sept. 22, Saturday, Sept. 23,  and Friday, Sept. 29. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Join painter Mary Brooking – the Gilley’s May 2023 People-Nature-Art speaker – for this special event at the Gilley. Using acrylics, Mary will demonstrate techniques for a creating sky-scape with birds flying. Participants will observe and paint along with Mary. All materials will be provided for this “quasi-class.” Participant numbers are limited. 

Mary enjoys exploring the way colors, textures and compositional form interact with the human senses on a primitive level, testing the balance of reality and abstraction in the context of the Maine landscape. The viewer is invited to enter these spaces mentally and emotionally. Mary's work has been characterized as “expressionist landscape.“ Acrylic paint as a medium forces immediacy and speed in execution, which fits Mary's style and temperament. For Mary, there is no right or wrong approach, no “getting it” or “not getting it” about subject matter - there are only layers of thought, which may sometimes be beautiful. Mary received her B.A. in Fine Art from Hiram College in 1978, cum laude. A 20-year career in graphic design and illustration preceded her present incarnation as a fine artist in Maine.

Paint a colorful elephant in acrylics on canvas, inspired by the museum's exhibit of elephant photos by Peter Beard and animal sculptures by Dan Falt.

Artist Erika Rosso will walk students through creating their own acrylic painting modeled after one of her watercolors. All materials provided as well as tea, seltzer and juice for this family friendly Paint 'n' Sip suitable for all experience levels, and those age 5 and older.

Students will each receive their own canvas to create a painting of an elephant adorned with color and jewels. Paintings will be created using acrylics so wear clothing that you don't mind getting messy!   

Carve a barn swallow in this 8-week class under the guidance of the Gilley's master carver, Steve Valleau, beginning on Oct. 21 and running through Dec. 16. There will be no class the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

This in-person class takes place at the Gilley from 9am-noon. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Carve a barn swallow in this 8-week class under the guidance of the Gilley's master carver, Steve Valleau, beginning on Oct. 21 and running through Dec. 16. There will be no class the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

This online-only class takes place at the Gilley from 1-4pm. Class size is limited and registration is required.

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.

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.

Class size is limited.

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.

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.

Class size is limited.