Spring 2025 Craft Revival Draws Crowds to Downtown Thunder Bay
THUNDER BAY — The Spring 2025 Craft Revival returned to downtown Thunder Bay on Sunday, featuring 19 venues across the Waterfront District. The popular community event transformed the area into a vibrant marketplace with live painting, art vendors, musicians, performers, and pop-up cafés.
Among the many artisans was Jaclynn Benvenuto, who showcased her North and Little Lovables brand at Mariner’s Hall. Known for creating fun and functional accessories, Benvenuto’s display included key wristlets, keychains, and essential oil diffusers.
“My best seller by far is the key wristlets — a stylish way to organize your keys,” she said. “I think today will be a good day.”
A seasoned vendor, Benvenuto has participated in four Craft Revival events over the past several years. She said early shoppers were already messaging her about where to find her booth, eager to snag items before they sold out.
“Everybody in Thunder Bay loves supporting local,” she added. “I love seeing familiar faces and meeting new customers.”
Benvenuto also helps organize other markets like Sip n’ Shop and has expanded her product line to stores in western Canada, including the Okanagan region.
First-time vendor Nancy Coulter also made her debut at the event, representing her business, McKenzie Art. Based at McKenzie Beach, Coulter draws inspiration from the surrounding water and nature to create “functional art” through acrylic pouring.
“I make coasters and glass candle holder plates — pieces you can actually use,” she said. “Craft Revival is a great way to get involved with the community and support local artisans.”
Coulter regularly sells her work at Station Market and Fireweed Crafts and maintains an Instagram page where she shares process videos of her artistic technique.
