Designs for a unique twist on the traditional button have been unveiled by renowned pointillist illustrator Randall Peterson in honor of St. Paul's 140th Winter Carnival.
The buttons are designed to capture the essence of this annual cold-weather festival, with each one meticulously crafted using tens of thousands of individual dots drawn in pen. The style is a testament to Peterson's dedication and patience as an artist, which he describes as "meditative."
One button features an iconic ice castle from the first St. Paul Winter Carnival in 1886, while another depicts families building snowmen in front of the State Capitol building. These illustrations are not only visually striking but also reflect Peterson's passion for preserving the history and community spirit of the festival.
The design process was a labor of love for Peterson, who spent an average of 75 hours on each button. "I like to persevere in it and have the patience to do it," he quipped about his artistic process, which left some unimpressed team members – but earned him respect from the Winter Carnival's CEO.
Fans can now get their hands on these stunning buttons at select businesses across St. Paul or purchase them online for $5 each or as part of a pack. A special commemorative pin can be added to make it an even more unique collectible for $20.
Peterson, who grew up in the Midway area and has since called Forest Lake home, was inspired by the historic buildings and community events that define the festival. His artwork is not only a celebration of St. Paul's heritage but also a reflection of his own artistic process – a testament to the power of patience, dedication, and creativity.
The 2026 Winter Carnival will take place from January 22nd to February 1st, offering visitors a chance to experience the festival in all its glory.
The buttons are designed to capture the essence of this annual cold-weather festival, with each one meticulously crafted using tens of thousands of individual dots drawn in pen. The style is a testament to Peterson's dedication and patience as an artist, which he describes as "meditative."
One button features an iconic ice castle from the first St. Paul Winter Carnival in 1886, while another depicts families building snowmen in front of the State Capitol building. These illustrations are not only visually striking but also reflect Peterson's passion for preserving the history and community spirit of the festival.
The design process was a labor of love for Peterson, who spent an average of 75 hours on each button. "I like to persevere in it and have the patience to do it," he quipped about his artistic process, which left some unimpressed team members – but earned him respect from the Winter Carnival's CEO.
Fans can now get their hands on these stunning buttons at select businesses across St. Paul or purchase them online for $5 each or as part of a pack. A special commemorative pin can be added to make it an even more unique collectible for $20.
Peterson, who grew up in the Midway area and has since called Forest Lake home, was inspired by the historic buildings and community events that define the festival. His artwork is not only a celebration of St. Paul's heritage but also a reflection of his own artistic process – a testament to the power of patience, dedication, and creativity.
The 2026 Winter Carnival will take place from January 22nd to February 1st, offering visitors a chance to experience the festival in all its glory.
Randall Peterson is a genius! He's taken an event that's so iconic and beautiful, like the St. Paul Winter Carnival, and turned it into something truly unique and special. I love how each button captures a specific moment or memory from the festival's history - it's like you're holding a piece of the city's heart in your hand 
. I can only imagine how much love and care Peterson poured into each design.
) of these stunning buttons. They make for the perfect memento or collectible. And at $5 each, it's an affordable way to show your love for St. Paul and its Winter Carnival. Let's give Randall Peterson a round of applause for his amazing artwork! 
These buttons are more than just cute decorations, they're a symbol of what's at stake – preserving our community history and spirit 
Peterson's dedication is admirable, but we gotta wonder if this is just another case of "buying into" the local culture? I mean, $5 buttons for a limited time only? It sounds like corporate influence taking hold 
. And what about accessibility? Who can afford to buy these expensive collectibles? 
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they're soooo beautiful and the story behind them is amazing! randall peterson's attention to detail is insane - tens of thousands of individual dots? 
that's dedication, fam! i wish i could get my hands on one ASAP 
can't wait for the 2026 winter carnival, gonna make sure to grab a button (or two) and rep st. paul's history 
I'm literally OBSESSED with these button designs!!! Randall Peterson is like a GENIUS! 
i mean, Randall Peterson is like a genius or something. 140 hours of pointillism? that's dedication right there 
and it's awesome that he put his own spin on the winter carnival history. i love how the design process was all about patience and perseverance – it's a great reminder to slow down and appreciate the little things 
, but it got me thinking - is this just another example of elitist art that only caters to the affluent? I mean, $5 each or as part of a pack? That's a bit steep for your average Joe. What about accessibility and inclusivity? Shouldn't something like this be available to everyone, regardless of income?
I can only imagine how much time and effort Randall Peterson put into creating these stunning buttons... 75 hours for each one? That's dedication! 
It's amazing how something as simple as a button can become such an iconic representation of St. Paul's Winter Carnival. The attention to detail and love for history in his designs is truly beautiful 
. I love how he incorporated iconic landmarks from St. Paul's history into each design - it's like a time capsule of sorts. The fact that he spent 75 hours on each button just shows how passionate he is about his craft 
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theyre already $5 each tho, but like, its worth it for the art alone!