THUNDER BAY — The Spring 2025 Craft Revival returned at 19 venues in downtown Thunder Bay on Sunday.
The event brought together the community to participate in pop-up markets throughout the Waterfront District involving live painting, art vendors, musicians, performers, pop-up cafes and more.
Jaclynn Benvenuto was one of many vendors in the Mariner’s Hall and ran a stall for North and Little Lovables. She said her goal is to make fun and functional accessories for everybody.
“What I have set up today is mostly key wristlets, key chains (and) essential oil diffusers. I use food-grade silicone beads and wooden beads. And, I'd say the best seller by far is the key wristlets, so kind of organize your keys in style,” said Benvenuto.
Benvenuto has been running a stall for her business for about four to five years.
“I think I've done four Craft Revivals. So yeah, I'm pretty excited. I think today… it'll be a good day,” said Benvenuto.
Since opening, Benvenuto said she has already had several early shoppers message about her location to come and buy products because they know they “got to get there to get the best selection.”
She said she always looks forward to the exposure, meeting new people and customers and talking to the people of Thunder Bay.
“Everybody in Thunder Bay loves supporting local. There are so many new faces that come out,” said Benvenuto.
"I like seeing all my past customers that come specifically to buy the new products that I've just released, so yeah, it's always fun seeing new (and) past customers."
Benvenuto said she loves doing craft markets.
“I do Craft Revival. I do Sip n' Shop. I'm actually one of the organizers of Sip n' Shop. So, the big markets are always fun to do and I'm always looking at expanding into stores, too," said Benvenuto.
"I'm in a lot of stores out west… like in the Okanagan area, so… yeah, I like making those connections.”
Nancy Coulter also ran a stall for the first time in the building, showcasing products she produces under the business name McKenzie Art. She said it was exciting.
“I have an Instagram page, so I'm getting more followers there and I sell in a couple of stores, but I just thought Craft Revival would be just a fun thing to kind of get involved with,” said Coulter.
“I think it's a great community event and I think supporting local artisans is a good thing.”
Coulter lives out at McKenzie Beach, which she said inspired her through the water and nature.
“The work that I do is acrylic pouring and I call it functional art, so I like my pieces… (so) you'll be able to use them. So, I sell them as coasters and for plates for the glass candle holders,” said Coulter.
Coulter said she likes sharing her art.
“The technique in this medium that I work with is really interesting and on my Instagram page, I actually post lots of process videos for people to see how the process works,” said Coulter.
Coulter sells through Station Market and Fireweed Crafts, so if people don't find anything today, she added that they can always go to one of those two locations and hopefully find something there.
