BRIDGTON – After just one month, Gallery 302 has been dubbed a resounding success.

“All this has taken only 12 weeks to accomplish,” observed Ernie Kozun, Bridgton Art Guild co-chairman. “A few days felt like weeks as we painted the walls and built display units. But it’s amazing what you can accomplish with 35 volunteers.”

Guild members, eager to build on the success of their cooperative art gallery in downtown Bridgton, are eyeing the future.

In the face of dwindling post Labor Day crowds, shorter days, and lower temperatures, the guild is making plans through to the holiday season. On Aug. 18, a new show, Summer’s Trace, featuring guild members’ work will open. The public reception, slated for Aug. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, will give everyone a chance to preview the works. Summer’s Trace will be on view through Sept. 20.

Fall in Maine premiers just a few days later on Sept. 22 with a public reception on Sept. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The guild will be participating in Bridgton’s town-wide Early Bird Sale on Nov. 1. Gallery 302 will be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Bridgton Art Guild, begun in June, is a cooperative of some 80 artists and artisans from the Lakes Region and Sacopee Valley. Gallery 302 is exclusively staffed by the exhibiting artists who are also guild members. A small percentage of sales goes to sustain the guild and further its work in community arts education.

Gallery 302 has space for 50 artists and artisans to display their work all of it original, and all of it is for sale. Photography, ceramics, watercolors, pastels, prints, monotypes, oils, furniture and jewelry are among the items on view at the gallery.

Membership in the guild is open to anyone wishing to support the arts, artist and non-artist alike. Under the aegis of Bridgton Friends of the Arts, contributions to the Bridgton Art Guild are tax-deductible.

On Nov. 3 Gallery 302 features the first annual Holiday Show. Shoppers will have until 5 p.m. Dec. 23, to purchase original work. A public reception is slated for Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Gallery 302, at 38 Main St., will be open daily, from 10 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. Gallery talks, demonstrations by guest artists and various classes will be available to the public.

In November and December the gallery will be open late Thursday evenings, and during the weekends. Contact the gallery (207-647-2787) for detailed hours and events schedule.