William “Scotty” MacCrea, Andover art teacher, circa 1968
The late William “Scotty” MacCrea will be honored at the International Day of Celtic Art Conference in Ireland, June 8-10. The IDCA Conference gathers artists and craftsmen working in the Celtic tradition along with scholars, collectors and other enthusiasts for the ancient artistic tradition of Ireland, Scotland and regions influences by Celtic culture.
The conference will be dedicated to MacCrea’s memory. His presentation at the first IDCA conference, held in Andover in 2019, was considered the highlight of that event. MacCrea, 1932-2019, was a longtime resident of Waterwells Road, Alfred. A graduate of Alfred University, he was a sculptor and calligrapher working in the Celtic style. He taught art at Andover Central School from 1958-1989 influencing hundreds of students. After his retirement he continued his art and also served his community as judge for the Village and Town of Alfred for 18 years.
Mike King, director of the County Down Museum, is the organizer of the 2nd IDCA Conference. King was very impressed with MacCrea’s presentation in 2019 and invited one of MacCrea’s former student’s, Stephen Walker, to make a short presentation at the opening of the 2023 Conference. The event will be held at the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Walker will also be presenting a talk titled Weaving the Endless Knot: the Folklore of Celtic Art at Downpatrick, which explores the evolution of influences of the 19th century Celtic Revival on modern ideas and perceptions of Celtic Art.
A local preview of Walker’s presentation will be given at the Allegany County Historical Society Museum at 11 East Greenwood Street in Andover at 6:30 PM on Thursday June 1. For more information call 607-478-8567.
