Exhibit Dates: February 1 – May 11, 2025 

Step into the world of sculptor and self-taught artist Ian Love, who brings new life to fallen trees near his Long Island home. Using trees that would have been thrown away, Ian transforms them into amazing works of art and furniture. Every piece is hand-carved with care, making each tree’s story come alive in a brand-new way.

A large piece of wood with a flat top painted white.

Spalting in wood, created by certain types of fungi within the tree, creates unique patterns.

Ian’s creations are truly one-of-a-kind! He starts with tools like chainsaws, grinders, and hand chisels to create beautiful textures and patterns. He uses a variety of woods—like oak, maple, walnut, and hickory—and even lets the tree's natural twists and imperfections guide his designs. You might spot marks from insects or fungus, turning what seemed like a flaw into part of the artwork's beauty.

Three oblong pieces of wood stacked on top of each other with a large round piece of wood on the top to make a table.

The beautiful design in this piece is created by a tree burl, a growth caused by injury or disease to the tree that produces a swirling grain.

In this exhibit, you’ll see incredible sculptures ranging from four to nine feet tall, made from whole tree trunks or smaller pieces joined together. There are also relief-carved wall panels that look like carved paintings, and furniture made from whole logs, including carved tables and chairs. Every piece shows how something discarded can become treasure. 

  • Come explore Ian’s work and learn about: 
  • The different types of trees used in art 
  • The cool tools and techniques that transform trees into masterpieces 
  • How Ian turns “trash” into beautiful creations 

Get ready to think about the trees around you in a whole new way, and see how creativity can make something old into something amazing!

Three black, ornate and carved wooden tables made from tree stumps.

In this exhibit, you'll see sculptures ranging from four to nine feet tall which Ian has made from whole tree trunks or smaller pieces joined together.

Artist Workshop

Echoes of the Forest: Create with Ian Love

Wednesday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how furniture is created or what inspires artists to sculpt from wood?  Come meet artist Ian Love, discover how he creates his work and practice some of the skills Ian uses throughout his creative process. 

Ages: 3 and up.  Free with Museum admission, but tickets required.