A conference of Celtic Artists, scholars and enthusiasts is being organized to meet in Andover, NY June 7 to 9, 2019.
From ancient and medieval times, Celtic art has undergone a series of revivals and reinventions which continue to this day. Celtic art around the world has continued to grow in popularity in a variety of mediums. From the “Celtic Revival” period of interest (1840-1940) to the “Celtic Renaissance” since the 1990s, Celtic art is being created around the world. Its makers are as varied as the mediums in which they work – some working in very traditional mediums and styles, while others are taking their work into new technological formats and applications.
As this is the first such conference and it is unknown what level of attendance to expect, the organizers have chosen a venue and format that is flexible enough so that the gathering will be interesting and enjoyable for a very small group of a dozen or so, but can also be adjusted if fifty or more attend.
Presenters:
Dr. Donncha MacGabhan [Co. Limerick, Ireland] “A Magnificent Obsession; An Artist’s Response to the Book of Kells” Keynote speaker 11:00 AM Friday June 7.
Mike King [Co. Down Museum, Downpatrick] Restoration and conservation of Saint Patrick’s Cross
Catherine Crowe [Toronto] Ireland, Cradle of European Enamels
Ruth Black [Inverness, Scotland] "Embroidering the Past - using textiles to explore the Pictish Stones of Northern Scotland"
Michael Carroll [Chicago] “Illumination” a presentation of his own art.
Michael will also be teaching a three hour course on drawing key patterns by hand and eye titled “Maze and Key Patterns; the Diamond Method”starting on Sunday at noon.
Stephen Walker [Andover, NY] Medieval molding and casting techniques for chip carving and openwork in Celtic metalwork.
Gregory Hardy [Scio, NY] Modern Celtic Art: The Local Tradition.
William MacCrea [Alfred, NY] Celtic Art and the Diaspora: A Matter of Identity, Pride and Tradition
Ed Rooney [Philadelphia] Reimagining 8th Century Mysteries with 21st Century Spirit.
Steven Johnson [Chicago] Hidden Art; A look at how Information can be incorporated into knotwork.
More presenters to be announced.
What to expect:
Thursday evening there will be a welcoming reception at the Hann Homestead. Friday and Saturday there will be presentations and lectures that will include contemporary Celtic artists showing and talking about their own work and lectures and presentations on historic Celtic art, technique, aesthetic and cultural subjects.
Friday evening there will be a public reception from 5 - 7 PM for a gallery exhibit that all attending artists are welcome to display several pieces of their own art. This exhibit will be at Walker Metalsmiths Studio, 1 Main Street in Andover very ear the conference venue. The exhibit will be open all day Friday and Saturday.
Saturday evening there will be a ceilidh with food and live Celtic music by the Jamison Sisters and Pat Kane.
Sunday afternoon there will be a three hour workshop offered by Michael Carroll in freehand knotwork and key pattern construction. This class is offered as an optional extension of the conference.
Why Andover?
The organizers, Stephen Walker and Greg Hardy, are both former students of William MacCrea, who taught art, including Celtic art, at Andover Central School. A very successful exhibit of the local tradition of Celtic art was presented in September of 2018 at Walker Metalsmiths in Andover. Asking, “What can we do next?” the idea of a conference was proposed to correspond with the third International Day of Celtic Art on June 9, 2019. Several historic buildings in Andover are newly remodeled that would be excellent venues. The Hann Homestead is an early 19th century inn that has lodging accommodations and a suitable atmosphere for a welcoming reception, ceilidh gathering. A historic church has recently been re-purposed as the Village Hall with a beautiful large meeting space that is available for presentations and lectures.
Andover is very central to the population centers of the US and Canada, but is still a very rural small village in the Allegany foothills. It is in the southwestern part of New York State about two hours travel from Buffalo or Rochester. Toronto is three and a half hours away; New York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are each five or six hours away.
Andover, NY
Registration:
Preregistration $100 ($50 youth and students) includes all events, receptions, lunch on Friday and Saturday, Saturday night dinner and ceilidh. Extra tickets for the Saturday dinner and ceilidh are $35 per person. Walk-ins and registration after June 6 $110, $60 youth and students. The presentations are free to the public. Registration fee is for meals. Casual visitors may make a contribution for lunch if they care to join us.
People registered for the conference may attend Michael Carroll’s Sunday class; others may participate for a cost of $35 each.
Lodging:
Hann Homestead, two miles west of the Village of Andover. Conference rate $90 per room includes breakfast.
Microtel, Wellsville, NY. 8 miles from Andover.
Other lodging can be found in Wellsville, Alfred or Hornell.
Hann Homestead
Other things to do nearby:
Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY (57 mi)
NYS Museum of Ceramics, Alfred, NY (8 mi)
Fingerlakes, nearby to the northeast. (Keuka Lake at Hammondsport 52 mi)
Stony Brook State Park (34 mi)
Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino (64 mi)
Seneca Iroquois National Museum , Salamanca, NY (64 mi)