Emma Willard in the News

Daydreams and Obsessions

January 26, 2007

arie-Louise McHugh finds strength in subjects known for their delicacy and subtlety. Her latest exhibit, “Daydreams and Obsessions”— on display at the Dietel Gallery at Emma Willard School through February 22—conveys the beauty in simple objects such as the pear, the cone flower, and the female figure, without controversy; focusing on the objects’ form and organic qualities.

McHugh knew as a child she wanted to capture or create images, she said, although her family did not see her artistic ambitions as a good career choice. Even her interest in graphic design—a venerable career in her native Switzerland—was not considered. But her pursuit of other careers always brought her back to the arts. Her art teachers intimidated her with the dry, abstract minimalism movement that was in style at the time. McHugh also tried photography but felt it was too limiting and instead began working with collage. Soon, she began painting and has not stopped since. Oil on canvas is her medium of choice for most of her work, and she finds gouache on paper also gives her a chance to explore ideas quickly, simply, and with wonderful rich colors.

The Dietel Gallery is located on the campus of Emma Willard School, 285 Pawling Ave., Troy. The gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is closed for school holidays and summer vacation. Click here for more information.

For more information about the Marie-Louise McHugh exhibit, “Daydreams and Obsessions,” at Emma Willard School, or to schedule interviews or photos, contact Steve Ricci at sricci@emmawillard.org, (518) 833-1785.