“Dedicated to the Ones We Love”  Ceramic Stories in Porcelain Heart Sculptures

“There is a creak, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” - Leonard Cohen

Join us for an extraordinary two-venue exhibition featuring the latest body of work by Madeline Island artist Steve McHugh, running concurrently at WOW Studio + Gallery and LaPointe Art Center on Madeline Island. This captivating show centers on McHugh’s abstract ceramic hearts—each one a unique testament to the passage of time, memory, and the resilience of love.

Over the past winter, Steve McHugh has devoted himself to crafting these evocative porcelain hearts by hand, deliberately embracing their imperfections—erosion, scars, and textures that speak to the human experience. Under-glazes in black hues, finished through a traditional pit-firing process with organic materials, the hearts reveal warm, smoky tones and intricate surface details that invite reflection. These are not just ceramic sculptures; they are deeply personal narratives embodied in form, celebrating the beauty found in vulnerability and endurance.

The exhibition opens with a reception at LaPointe Art Center on July 11th from 4 to 7 pm, where guests can enjoy an intimate setting with food and beverages included. This is a perfect opportunity to meet the artist, experience the works firsthand, and immerse yourself in the thoughtful exploration of life’s emotional landscapes.

A second event will be held at WOW Studio + Gallery on July 13th from 6 to 8 pm. This evening gathering will feature live music with John Nielsen and Steve Law, and refreshments, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the viewing experience and offering another chance to engage with Steve’s moving collection of ceramic hearts.

Whether you visit one or both venues, the dual exhibition of Steve McHugh’s latest work promises to be a profound encounter with the elemental forces of memory, love, and transformation. Mark your calendar and join us in celebrating the raw, timeless beauty found in these hand-formed hearts.

Grant has been provided by La Pointe Center for the  Arts and Arts Wisconsin.