‘If these walls could talk’
Handmade Holiday Market sparks opportunity to breathe new life into historic building
It’s one of the most unique spaces in Summerside, and yet many don’t know it exists.
But thanks to Moyna Matheson and Pam Montgomery the 19thcentury rooms – found under the building located at 6 Queen Street – were revealed to the public during the Handmade Holiday Market recently.
“If only these walls could talk,” Matheson said, leaning back and gazing at the exposed brick and stone foundation as a steady stream of visitors flowed down the stairs on Saturday morning.
“It housed the Journal’s printing machinery at one time, but we kind of see these rooms as endless possibilities.”
Matheson and Montgomery, the co-owners of 6Q, have plans for the 2,000-square-foot space.
“Pam and I have just started with this new venture called 6Q to have this new creative space in downtown Summerside, and although we have future plans for this space, we thought that a good way to kick things off would be to host a holiday market and get people in here,” she said.
“We have gathered local artisans to showcase their talent, but at the same time we are also introducing this new space to those that may be looking for a space in the future.”
“We’re looking at a shared office or collaborative space because right now there’s a shortage of rentable spots in the downtown core, so there are endless possibilities and we want to preserve this building,” Montgomery said.
With its visually distinguished curvature “the Journal building,” as it became known by residents, has been an important part of the downtown landscape since it was built in 1895.
Matheson and Montgomery have been renting the space on 6 Queen Street since June, with plans to purchase it in January 2019.
“It’s probably one of the most unique places in downtown Summerside,” said Matheson. “And we just want to show off the space today because we cleaned and shined it up and thought, ‘what better way than a holiday market.”
Among the six eye-catching vendors tucked behind the historic walls were Brendon and Brianna Henry.
“This poster is based on reference photos of Confederation Bridge, using a 1940’s idealistic art style,” said Brendan, a graphic designer by trade.
“This is my first foray into bridge art, as well as my first market experience along with my wife.”
Brianna, a floral embroiderer, said it was their goal as a couple to branch out on their own – and they were certainly not short on attention with their high-quality handcrafted items.
Matheson said she was pleased with the stream of people that poured through the doors from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.