Lawnmower art for Celtic Art Day



Poster by Philadelphia artist Ed Rooney

The International Day of Celtic Art, annually on June 9, is a celebration of the mysterious and eclectic style of art and decoration known as Celtic art. With ancient roots this style blossomed in medieval Ireland with such masterpieces as the Book of Kells, great sculpted stone high crosses and fantastic metalwork.  The day has been recently observed with exhibits, presentations.

Celtic landscape graphics by Steve Walker at the Andover Ponds, Rt 21, just north of Andover. Drone shot by Nick Davis.

In 2019 a conference in Andover, NY brought together artists and scholars from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the United States.

The COVID-19 restrictions have postponed the conference that had been planned for Downpatrick in Northern Ireland. Artists, galleries and museums have adapted to online and public presentations. The Groam House Museum in Scotland has been stepping up their online content featuring the collection of art by George Bain, the 20th century art teacher whose art and books is credited with fueling the current renaissance in Celtic Art. Artists, such as Ruth Black, also of Scotland, are using Facebook Live to bring special projects to a worldwide audience.

Celtic landscape design at the Hann Homestead by Steve Walker, 2 miles west of Andover on Rt 417. Drone shot by Nick Davis

Local Celtic jeweler Steve Walker has broken away from his usually tiny creative scale and used his lawn mower to decorate the landscape with interlaced Celtic designs at the Andover Ponds and in front of the Hann Homestead on Rt 417 two miles west of Andover.