NSB Donates $1,000 to Gallery 302 in Bridgton
BRIDGTON—For over 20 years, Gallery 302 has served as a venue for local artists in the Bridgton area to showcase their creativity, display their talents, and exercise their love of a variety of art forms.
It began with a discussion in the local art community about the possibility of having a cozy gallery in the Bridgton village. Today, Gallery 302 on 112 Main Street has become a part of the town’s fabric. It’s operated by the Bridgton Art Guild, a dedicated cooperative run by over 40 artists that includes adult classes, children’s programs, a lecture series, and special events like the annual Art in the Park in July and the bi-annual auction of decorated objects by local artists, with this year’s theme of “decorated fish.”
“Gallery 302 provides a venue for artists and students of art to exhibit and sell original works including paintings, pottery, photography, fabric art, wood sculpture, jewelry and millinery,” said Shelley Pilsbury, President of the Bridgton Art Guild. “Gallery 302 houses the Burr Chase Art Center which offers classes and workshops each month for adults and children. Named for John Burleigh ‘Burr’ Chase, a beloved artist who passed away in 2014, the Chase family created an endowment in his name to encourage artists of all ages and make art available to all.”
The Bridgton Art Guild is a heartwarming story and a reminder of the impact and community building that art can inspire.
Norway Savings Bank was pleased to recently donate $1,000 to the guild in sponsorship of its biannual auction set for August 22, 2025. Proceeds from the event will further the organization’s educational outreach, including connecting with home-schooled children in the area as part of an art enrichment program.
“It’s incredible to see the creative and expansive programming at the Bridgton Art Guild and the many useful ways they use the space at Gallery 302,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “From cultivating a love of art in young people to providing experienced artists with a place to celebrate their creativity, it’s a remarkable organization and NSB is proud to support it.”
“We are one of the longest-running nonprofit art cooperatives in Maine, and generous donors like Norway Savings Bank have helped make dreams come true for so many people,” said Pilsbury. “The Bridgton Art Guild is dedicated to encouraging the appreciation of art and to enhance its presence in the Lakes Region and beyond. Support like this makes that possible, and we’re thankful for it.”
There are many ways to help or become involved with the Bridgton Art Guild. To check out their offerings and programs, learn how you can support the cause, or discover ways to purchase art, visit www.gallery302.com.
