The strikingly sunny Sunday of Apr., 21, 2013 marked the date of the second annual Prince John’s Medieval Festival hosted here at Plymouth State University. Both the English and Languages and Linguistics departments of the University, as well as the Medieval Society hosted the festival.
The beautiful weather, along with the equally beautiful performers, handcrafted novelties, gothic apparel, cookery, and not to mention the enthralled spectators – made for an eventfully pleasant afternoon.
From the ongoing face painting and three separate acts performed by the renowned Celtic magician Daniel Greenwolf, to glass etching and chainmail weaving workshops – there appeared to be no dull moments with the Prince John’s Medieval Festival.
Garrett Heinstrom, a New England native and craftsman had the largest display of crafts at the festival, utilizing an entire row composed of 6 tables full of his self-created art. Following in the footsteps of his carpenter father, Heinstrom has been a craftsperson for over twenty years. His creations include but are not limited to pocketbooks, buttons, and jewelry made out of various natural resources.
“Every figurine–whether they are related to Japanese mythology or simply inspiration from old photographs, gaming books, or anatomical drawings –has a story with a meaning behind it,” began Garrett Heinstrom.
Additionally, while some may turn to the profession of arts and crafts solely for profit, Heinstrom claims that he does it “for the fun.”
Taking anywhere from hours to weeks to create, Heinstrom has no problem with sharing his art with the world, stating, “Each of my creations has a life when I create them, and they begin a new life when I sell them. My hope is that they will be shared- passed down from generation to generation for centuries to come.”
The irony in Garrett Heinstrom’s statement is that his disposition regarding the monetary exchange of his Middle Age inspired crafts, is the exact premise that the occupants of the middle ages fostered.
Contrary to popular belief, the Middle Ages were not an exclusively dark and dreary era. As with every society in every time period, there were periods of wealth and joy as well as downfalls. Though seemingly struck by an imbalance of power, the majority of people, who belonged to the peasant demographic, celebrated most holidays and held festivals and feasted freely, just as the people attending the Prince John’s Medieval Festival did.
It seems that regardless of the anachronic differences between the enacted Prince John’s Medieval Festival of today, and the gothic fairs of yesterday, the influential middle age culture demonstrates the importance of a day’s hard work and a good night’s entertainment. Proving that history truly does repeat itself.