About The Peace Gallery
The Peace Gallery doors opened March 2022 at 112 Main Street, Damariscotta, as a 501c3 nonprofit. Classes and events began right away, including programs specifically for veterans and their families, to community interest and movement classes open to all. The gallery will officially open Memorial Day Weekend showcasing the creative works of fellow veterans from far and wide.
What We Do
The Peace Gallery is a community resource where we nurture physical, mental, and creative well-being. We’re a life-long learning center, a performance room, a wellness center, and a gathering space. We host exhibitions, talks/discussions, workshops, music performances, and more. The space is also available for yoga, qi gong, tai chi and other practices that support health and well-being.
La Verna Nature Preserve, Bristol ME
Who We Are
Following in my father and mother’s footsteps, both WW2 MarineCorps veterans, I served in the Marine Corps 1968-1972. I served in VietNam in 1969-70 HMM364 as a helicopter crew chief. After discharge I took advantage of the GI bill and attended Providence College, Providence RI. After two years of college I moved on to open my first restaurant. After many moves and businesses in 1994 I moved to Maine with my wife and five children.
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In 2016 I attended a veterans retreat at Haystack Mountain School of Craft on Deer Isle Maine. The program included 30 veterans, approximately half women and men from all across the country. As a result of this program I became acutely aware of some of the hardships my fellow veterans face coping with daily life while internally struggling with the memories of their time in military service.
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The Peace Gallery is a direct result of that program. It's my way, my attempt to reach out and offer some assistance and compassion to my sisters and brother veterans.
-Bernie DeLisle
Left: Founder and President of The Peace Gallery, Bernie DeLisle
Right: Tyler and Gig DeLisle - both US NAVY volunteering their time to help stencil the gallery floor