A concerned artist is on a mission to restore garden gnomes as respected public art pieces
FLAMBOROUGH – The garden in front of the Freelton fire hall and library stood empty for a few weeks this summer, after its sole occupant was gnome-napped. The diminutive statue disappeared quietly, almost without notice, but has since resurfaced – with a shiny new coat of paint, a name and a personal history.
FlamboroughToday received a cryptic press release at the end of July.
“Sybille Saxony (Matriarch) and Aldrich Oldking (Patriarch) of Gnomes Canada with Hyacinthe Godet, Director of the Department of Historical Markers, are pleased to announce the restoration of the statue of Brewer Freelton (before and after photos attached for use by Human Historians.”
A follow-up call to Michelle Marcotte, “Certified Gnome Restorer and consultant to Gnomes Canada,” shed some light on the mystery.
Marcotte noticed the condition of the wee fellow while she was in town visiting her daughter and her family, and felt compelled to restore him to his former glory.
Marcotte is a professional artist, with a special interest in gnomes. “That’s what gives me the self-permission to go and rescue these poor, distressed gnomes and put them back where they belong, in the condition that they belong,” she said.
Brewer Freelton has been restored to his original state after some TLC. Michelle Marcotte photo
When she saw the Freelton gnome, she knew she had to act. “It was in such terrible condition, I just went over there and swooped in and picked it up and took it home and restored it and put it back.”
Marcotte has rescued several gnomes in various places around southern Ontario, and even has a few friends who serve as lookouts for gnomes in need of a little TLC.
“If they see a gnome statue that is meant for public art and looks terrible, then I will rescue it and restore it,” she said, adding that it took some time to develop a method of painting them that will withstand the elements. She uses professional-quality paints and glazes to help them last as long as possible outdoors.
She also works to match the original colours as closely as possible, and repairs any chips or other damage. For one gnome with a missing hand, she shaped a new appendage out of modelling clay before repainting the piece.
But the gnome makeover is more than paint-deep. Marcotte, who has published several children’s books, creates a story for the pieces she restores.
“Known as the founder of the first Gnome community in Freelton, (Flamborough County, Middle Land, known as Ontario to Humans), Brewer planted the first rhubarb, strawberries, cherry trees and barley still known to be grown in the region today. In his spare time, Brewer created many barley and rhubarb-based drinks causing much good cheer in his community.
This marker was placed in the garden of the Freelton Firehall (Human location), to honour his community leadership and to honor the volunteer firemen, Gnome and Human who, when not busy protecting their communities, do on occasion enjoy the fruits of brewing.”
Marcotte’s affinity for gnome rescue took root during the COVID-19 lockdowns; when the Lewiston, NY resident couldn’t cross the border to visit her family, she bought a cottage where three gnome statues in need of repair were already in residence. “So I worked on them and gave them their stories, and now they reside in Freelton – a couple in Freelton, and one in Port Elgin.”
Marcotte says she is compiling gnome stories for a collection she hopes will make history appealing for young readers.
While it’s all in good fun, Marcotte says some of her human family members are aghast at her hobby. “But on the other hand, they do agree that the gnomes look a lot better after I’ve rescued them.”
“I figure it’s my contribution to public art in Canada.”
An invitation-only Gnome ceremonial unveiling was held on July 21, 2025. The Human populace is now invited to observe the restored statue in the firehall garden next to the Freelton Public Library.
Brewer Freelton has been restored to his original state after some TLC, and can be viewed in the garden at the fire station and library. Michelle Marcotte photo
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