Tom McElroy

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Tom has been a student of art and history throughout his life.   At an early age, he came to the conclusion that history could be taught through art.  This was confirmed when he took a few courses in art history during his undergraduate and graduate studies.  After being exposed to the world of art history, Tom decided to see the world.  After his commissioning in 1973, he has always been able to travel and is drawn to European history.  His interest has led to learning how much of the Celtic world influenced the Greek, Roman, Viking, the early Gothic medieval period, and into the 18th century. 

Over the past several years, Tom has focused his studies of history on ancient Celtic art due to his highland Scottish ancestry.  He has also been able to combine his love of drums with Celtic art by using the Irish Bodhran as his primary “canvas” to highlight the beauty of this cultures’ knotwork, their designs and early Christian crosses.  The Bodhran (pronounced Bow Rawn) is used by many Celtic musicians, as well as other cultures, throughout the world. 

Tom is also carving Celtic crosses. If you ever have traveled in Ireland or Scotland, these crosses dot hundreds of cemeteries

Today, Tom lives in Oriental North Carolina with his lovely wife Alice.  Both are very active in the community and enjoy sailing and traveling abroad.