GRAY – The Gallery at Maine Wildlife Park completed its first season this year. Considered to be an experiment, organizers gave it high ratings.

“I think it showed real potential to raise consciousness about wildlife habitat and the environment through the art work of those who are inspired by it,” said gallery curator Pat Chandler.

Park Superintendent Henry Hamilton, who is also an art lover, felt the gallery was a great addition to the park. “We think it brought something special to the park this year. We felt very proud of it.”

The park, part of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, operates largely on the strength of its volunteer force, known as the Friends of the Wildlife Park, which number about 150.

Gov. John Baldacci was prevented from visiting the park on its open house day, but he wanted to acknowledge the Friends as “an extraordinary group that has made the park a place the state can be proud of.”

Gallery organizers Chandler and Toni Seger, founder of the Western Oxford Foothills Cultural Council, which sponsors the Gallery, with Hamilton, Friends president, Joe Jones, Lisa Kane and Marc Michaud of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife gathered at the governor’s office to present him with gifts from the Gallery.