As a Folk School blogger, one of the most requested pieces of information I receive from locals is: “Why don’t you introduce the Hosts?” Well, as a former Work/Study and Host, I think it’s a great idea. So without further adieu… Let’s get to know a little bit about our current senior host, Meredith!

Host Meredith Bridges in Mongolia

CP: Where are you from and what do you do there?
MB: Stone Mountain, GA, but currently I live in Mountain Rest, SC. I design and make leather travel gear for my craft business Nomad Travel Gear.

CP: You make a living through craft – very cool. How did you get into making travel gear?
MB: My mom is an airline employee, so I have been traveling my whole life. I was always looking for the perfect backpack and cases for traveling light, so eventually I started designing and making my own. Nomad Travel Gear was born to share the efficient and multi-functional designs I developed during my travels.  

CP: How did you hear about the Folk School?
MB: I found out about it from my mom, who has taken a bunch of Woodworking classes. She especially loves Marquetry classes.

Meredith is wearing the basket backpack she created in Susan Taylor’s class.

CP: What are your “silver bullets*?”
MB: Basketry: Totes and Backpacks with Susan Taylor
Knitting: Circular Machine Knitting – Basic & Beyond with Lucy Best
Beads: Beginning Beadweaving on a Loom with Ronald Midkiff

*A “silver bullet” is a class that the host picks that they will get into without the risk of being pushed out because of a full class. Each host gets to pick 3 silver bullets – the other classes they take are based on availability

CP: What’s your favorite place at the Folk School?
MB: Rock Room. It’s painted teal – my favorite color. It is well-equipped, there are big windows, there’s a stove, and you are right next to Woodworking.

CP: If you had a favorite Dining Hall meal, what would it be?
MB: The black bean enchiladas we had today were pretty delicious.

CP: Do you like to dance?
MB: Yes, the main reason I wanted to be host during this particular time of the year, was Winter Dance Week, which was so fun! I loved having three dances a day plus singing  – I would definitely do it again!

CP: If you were a contra dance move, what move would you be?
MB: Roll away with a half sashay.

CP: What’s your favorite residence at the Folk School? Where would you want to stay?
MB: I like quaint, historic farm-houses – so Farm House. Mill House is great too – I’d want to try to get that water wheel moving.

Co-hosts Leah and Meredith getting ready to do some rounds.

CP: What is your favorite thing about being host so far?
MB: It’s really nice to hang out with other craft people on a day-to-day basis. At home, I am used to working in the studio alone, so here it is nice to have a constant community of like-minded crafty folks.

Do you have questions that you want to ask a host? Leave your interview question ideas in the comments!

About Cory Marie Podielski

Cory Marie Podielski is a freelance graphic designer, photographer, and writer for the John C. Campbell Folk School. She has been writing for the Folk School Blog since 2012 and enjoys interviewing artists, musicians, and craftspeople. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the banjo, dancing, printmaking, playing in clay, and assisting in Folk School bread baking classes. podielski.com