WOW Studio/Gallery

WOW Studio/Gallery Paintings, photography, mixed media, ceramics, greeting cards and sculptures.

Wow Studio/Gallery, tucked away on the tranquil shores of Madeline Island, this woodland retreat for artist Steve McHugh exudes a charmingly folksy and welcoming atmosphere.

Hours week of June 1st:Monday & Tuesday noon - 8pmWednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pmSunday noon - 3pm
06/01/2026

Hours week of June 1st:
Monday & Tuesday noon - 8pm
Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday noon - 3pm

Now open for the 2026 Season, come visit.
05/18/2026

Now open for the 2026 Season, come visit.

05/05/2026

“Color Enhanced” is a rectangular abstract landscape painting with a strong horizontal composition. The lower two-thirds of the canvas is dominated by a rich, textured, deep red color. Rising from the red section are vertical lines in various colors, including yellow, blue, and white, representing trees in a bog. These trees have an uneven, painterly quality, varying in thickness and length, and they stretch upwards into the top third of the painting, which is filled with a light, muted background that transitions from white to soft grayish tones. The vertical lines stand out vividly against the red and lighter upper background, creating a harmonious yet dynamic contrast. The piece evokes an abstract representation that suggests elements like tall grasses with slender tree trunks rising from a ground or field.

“These trees to me represent our ancestors, those who have
come and gone, but our memories of them remain;
these ancestors look over us and keep watch.”

Now available at WOW Art Studio + Gallery on Madeline Island

Experience the captivating allure of "Pond Side," this abstract representational painting evokes the serene beauty of M...
04/16/2026

Experience the captivating allure of "Pond Side," this abstract representational painting evokes the serene beauty of Madeline Island's lush landscapes, part of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, WI. Each brushstroke and texture in "Pond Side" is meticulously crafted to capture the tranquility and organic harmony associated with this enchanting locale. Discover how this unique piece seamlessly integrates natural inspiration and artistic expression, making it a perfect addition to any collection.

The artwork is a vertical painting of an autumn forest scene. Tall, slender tree trunks rise from the bottom, painted in shades of brown and gray, with the leaves rendered in vibrant hues of orange and red. The foliage is dense and fiery, filling much of the upper half of the painting with textured strokes that convey the rich, warm colors of fall. The ground is a mix of yellow and muted green tones, suggesting grass or undergrowth. The sky above is a soft, light blue, providing a calm contrast to the intense colors of the leaves. Reflections of the trees are visible in a body of water at the bottom, painted in subtle muted colors that mirror the forest scene. The overall composition evokes a serene, autumnal landscape with a strong emphasis on color and texture.

This oil and cold wax painting on wood panel measures 13.5" x 9.75 x 1.5", framed by a gallery floating frame measuring 14.25" x 10.5" x 2.5". Available at https://wowstudiogallery.com/original-art-works/ols/products/pond-side /gallery

03/17/2026

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

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 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.

Steve McHugh"Abstract # 26006" is an abstract mixed-media collage on paper featuring a bold interplay of colors and tex...
03/04/2026

Steve McHugh
"Abstract # 26006" is an abstract mixed-media collage on paper featuring a bold interplay of colors and textures. Dominated by vibrant patches of yellow, orange, and black, the piece incorporates rough, textured acrylic paint transfer that creates a dynamic visual rhythm. Vertical, evenly spaced black rectangles on a tan background form a central column, contrasting with the more chaotic splashes of color surrounding it. The left side includes a dense cluster of black and dark gray tones, while the right side displays brighter, warmer hues in a layered fashion. The painting emphasizes an energetic balance between structure and spontaneity through its varied application of paint and color contrasts.

This painting is an original piece of art is created by Madeline Island artist Steve McHugh. It is created using acrylic paint transfer, graphite, and crayons on paper. It is inspired by “Wabi-Sabi,” a Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, it encourages appreciating the rustic, weathered, and natural cycle of growth and decay.

The painting is @ 8"x 8" in 12" x 12" matt, using crescent Select, is 100% virgin alpha-cellulose, conservation-grade mat board. The Alpha-Cellulose fiber used for the surface paper, core and backing paper is acid and lignin-free and is buffered to maintain an alkaline PH balance. This is unframed and room photos with frames are just suggested options.
Available at and on sale till end of the week: https://wowstudiogallery.com/available-works/ols/products/abstract-26006

"Lone Tree" is an abstract landscape depicting a tall, leafless tree with a white trunk and sprawling roots that dominat...
03/03/2026

"Lone Tree" is an abstract landscape depicting a tall, leafless tree with a white trunk and sprawling roots that dominate the lower portion of the painting. The roots are rendered with swirling shades of blue and white, extending prominently across the foreground. The background transitions from a warm golden-yellow field to a rocky cliff with earthy tones of brown and purple. To the right, a cluster of green and orange foliage rises along the cliffside, providing contrast to the bare tree. The painting combines vibrant and earthy colors to create a dynamic natural scene focused on the tree’s structure, particularly its roots.

Painting a feeling of my home, and celebrating this tree’s success in survival. Check out my website at www.wowstudiogal...
03/03/2026

Painting a feeling of my home, and celebrating this tree’s success in survival. Check out my website at www.wowstudiogallery.com

"Creation Through Destruction" showcases a bold and dynamic composition with a dominant use of warm colors, primarily or...
02/24/2026

"Creation Through Destruction" showcases a bold and dynamic composition with a dominant use of warm colors, primarily orange and yellow, creating a vibrant background that fills most of the canvas. In the center-left, there is a large irregular blue shape that contrasts sharply against the fiery backdrop. The blue shape is textured and layered, surrounded by deep red and dark blue smudges and strokes, adding depth and complexity. Beneath the blue shape, a vertical blue form extends downward, suggesting a stem or support, while additional red and blue brushstrokes create an abstract base at the bottom. The overall texture is rough and tactile, with visible brush marks and areas of varied paint application, evoking a sense of movement and intensity within the abstract framework.

This painting is an original piece of art is created by Madeline Island artist Steve McHugh. It is created using acrylic paint transfer, graphite, and crayons on paper. It is inspired by “Wabi-Sabi,” a Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, it encourages appreciating the rustic, weathered, and natural cycle of growth and decay.

The painting is @ 8"x 8" in 12" x 12" matt, using crescent Select, is 100% virgin alpha-cellulose, conservation-grade mat board. The Alpha-Cellulose fiber used for the surface paper, core and backing paper is acid and lignin-free and is buffered to maintain an alkaline PH balance. This is unframed and room photos with frames are just suggested options. Available at: https://wowstudiogallery.com/available-works/ols/products/creation-through-destruction-

Wabi-Sabi, beauty from imperfection.This painting is an original piece of art created by Madeline Island artist Steve Mc...
02/23/2026

Wabi-Sabi, beauty from imperfection.This painting is an original piece of art created by Madeline Island artist Steve McHugh. It is created using acrylic paint transfer, graphite, and crayons on paper. It is inspired by “Wabi-Sabi,” a Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, it encourages appreciating the rustic, weathered, and natural cycle of growth and decay.

This artwork is an abstract composition featuring a blend of textured layers and brushstrokes. Dominated by deep blues and greens, the painting incorporates lighter shades of cream, beige, and white that create a sense of depth and contrast. A horizontal streak of bold yellow adds vibrancy and draws the eye while subtle hints of purple and gray provide additional nuance. The surface texture is varied, with some areas showing raised, tactile elements, adding a dimensional quality to the piece. The overall impression is one of dynamic movement and natural, organic forms interwoven throughout the painting. Available at:. https://wowstudiogallery.com/available-works/ols/products/sm26039

Address

2027 Benjamin Boulevard
La Pointe, WI
54850

Telephone

+17157472366

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