Madeline Westcott
Kicker
Outside the Admiralty House in Mount Pearl was like a scene out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Big flakes of snow blanketed the ground while a white and brown spotted bunny hopped around the building – perfectly setting the scene for the Christmas market inside.
This year’s Christmas market was about more than just retail and shopping, it was about appreciating and preserving Newfoundland heritage, according to the vendors.
Admiralty House was full of handmade pieces made by local artists and crafters – colourful quilts, paint-covered canvases, and shiny ornaments lined the booths.
Quilting is a well-known Newfoundland tradition, and there was no shortage of it at Theresa Benteau MacLean’s kiosk.
The Burin Peninsula artist has been making handmade pieces all her life – just like her grandmother, whom her inspiration stems from.
“She could look at anything, and make something out of it,” said MacLean.
Her booth was covered by one-of-a-kind quilts, Christmas stockings, bookmarks, and even postcards.
“Handmade is more special. It makes you feel really special,” said MacLean.
Christmas markets are a great way to support local artists and keep money within the province, says MacLean.
“It’s awesome. It’s rewarding (when) someone actually likes what you make, because you never know what people might like,” said MacLean.
Selling her handmade crafts means more than just a source of income, it’s her way to meet other creative individuals and keep Newfoundland traditions, like quilting, alive.
“Someone’s creativity is what you’re paying for – it shows creativity is still alive and well,” said MacLean.
A few tables over, Lillian Blundon, shared a similar sentiment about her husband’s artwork. She says there’s no better feeling than seeing her husband’s creativity being appreciated.
“There’s no comparison – original is the way to go,” said Lillian Blundon. “I’m proud of him. I think he’s an excellent artist.”
As a kid in Bay de Verde, Blundon was always into drawing and sketching. But when he was around 10 or 12 years old, he observed adults painting with oil paints and realized that was the medium he wanted to work in.
“I’ve been doing it ever since,” said Randy Blundon.
He says much of his artwork is a nod to days gone by and structures that no longer stand.
“It’s also preserving our culture, our heritage, and that’s important,” said Blundon.
Some of his pieces include houses and buildings around the province that no longer exist except on his canvas.
He sells his artwork online across Canada. Blundon hopes his handmade pieces will catch the eye of someone who hasn’t been to the province before and inspire them to come see the province’s beauty for themselves.
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