Bedford Woman Crafts Edible Tribute to Maud Lewis in Gingerbread

A resident of Bedford, Nova Scotia, has created a remarkable gingerbread house inspired by the famed local artist, Maud Lewis. Michelle Giles and her son embarked on this sweet project, crafting two gingerbread houses this year—one for a competition and another to celebrate the artistic legacy of Lewis and her husband, Everett Lewis.

The inspiration for their creation sparked when Giles’ son discovered a painting at a thrift store for just $1. “We love thrifting for treasures,” Giles shared. “A couple of years ago, my son found a picture in a toy room, and he really fell in love with the colours.” Intrigued by the artist’s name, she researched and learned about Maud and Everett Lewis, deepening their appreciation for the couple’s artistic contributions. Their newfound interest led them to watch films about Lewis and visit museums dedicated to her work, ultimately inspiring them to recreate her iconic house as a gingerbread masterpiece.

Immersive Details and Community Impact

Giles’ edible creation features intricate details that pay homage to Lewis’s style. The house includes edible paintings made with food colouring, and an intricately designed sugar window adorned with tulips, reminiscent of Lewis’s work. Inside, a print of the actual interior of the Lewis home from the museum complements a depiction of Everett with his chickens and fishing gear. “The Maud Lewis gingerbread house is completely edible and consists of a lot of small details,” Giles explained.

In addition to the Lewis tribute, Giles and her son also crafted a second gingerbread house. This two-storey structure, standing 20 inches tall, follows the theme of the classic poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The house has been sent to Chester, Nova Scotia, where it will be auctioned off to benefit local food banks.

The gingerbread house inspired by Maud Lewis is more than just a festive treat; it serves a charitable purpose as well. Giles has donated the creation to the Christmas Daddies charitable auction. This year, the 62nd annual Christmas Daddies Telethon is set to take place on December 6, 2023, broadcast live from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on CTV Atlantic, aiming to raise funds for families in need.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on this year’s creative journey, Giles emphasized how the thrift store find ignited their passion for Maud Lewis and her art. “If it wasn’t for the thrift store, we never would have found our passion for Maud Lewis or built the house,” she noted. The experience has inspired them to continue their gingerbread endeavors, with plans to participate in more local competitions next year, equipped with newfound techniques.

Through their artistic expression and commitment to community service, Giles and her son have not only honored a local legend but have also contributed to making the holiday season a little brighter for those in need.