The Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird Carving is the major showcase for the
work of world-renowned bird carver Wendell Gilley, a Southwest Harbor
native who was one of the two or three recognized pioneers of this
indigenous American art form. For some fifty years, Gilley carved in
his home garage- workshop, a few blocks away. There, Gilley developed
his hobby into a profession and earned a reputation as one of the best
bird carvers in America. He sold carvings, from miniature songbirds to
life-size birds of prey to collectors from near and far and all walks
of life. At the same time, Gilley’s wife, Addie, built a
collection of over 100 of her husband’s carvings. Gilley
estimated that he carved over 10,000 birds, hundreds of species.
Eventually the Gilley home became crowded with eagles, chickadees,
owls, ducks and other bird carvings and the steadily growing stream of
visitors became too much for the couple to handle. Fellow carvers,
friends and patrons established the Wendell Gilley Museum in 1981 as a
non-profit organization.
In addition to the permanent Gilley collection,
the museum features changing exhibits of work by outstanding historical
and contemporary wildlife artists. Woodcarving demonstrations are given
daily during visitor hours. Workshops, from 1 day to 10 weeks in
duration, are offered throughout the year. A summer session is
especially designed for children ages 9 and up. Pre-registration is
required; ask for a current schedule and instruction fees.
The Museum Gift Shop has a wide range of unusual items that will please carvers, collectors, and nature lovers:
The Museum’s side entrance provides easy access for
wheelchair users. All public facilities, including rest rooms, are on
the ground floor and barrier-free. There is a wheelchair available at
the front desk for visitor use.
HOURS: June through October: Tuesday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm (10 am - 5pm during July and August); May, November & December (until Christmas): Friday- Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. Workshop is open January through April to Museum Members every Friday, 1 pm - 4 pm. Groups welcome by appointment. Classes and community events, as scheduled.
ADMISSION: Adults $5.00, children (5-12) $2.00, museum members and children under 5 free.
DIRECTIONS: The museum is located on the corner of Rt 102 (Main St) and Herrick Rd just north of Great Harbor Marina in Southwest Harbor, a 25 minute drive from Bar Harbor or Ellsworth.