Despite the rain just as guests arrived, The Artisan Table: A Folk School Garden Experience erupted into a joyful, memorable evening celebrating Appalachian craft, community, and cuisine. Held on June 8, 2024, the event welcomed 67 guests—including many newcomers to the Folk School for an evening of delicious food, local wine, artisan demonstrations, and shared connection.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible team who brought this new event to life. Chefs Terra Ciotta, Nanette Davidson, Susannah Thompson, Megan Lambert, Cornelia Cho, Maria Marquez, Sam Landes, and Avery Carpenter created a seasonal, locally inspired menu that wowed everyone. FernCrest Winery provided lovely wine pairings, and our musicians, Annie Fain Barralon and Geraud Barralon, filled the evening with beautiful, joyful tunes.

Guests explored hands-on demonstrations from artists including Sally Blankenship (indigo dyeing), Suzy DesLauriers (watercolor), and Martha Owen and Elizabeth Johnston (spinning), helping connect the garden-to-table experience with the Folk School’s roots in craft education.

Behind the scenes, dozens of staff members and volunteers worked together to ensure the evening ran smoothly and beautifully. Special thanks to:

• Morgan B. and Terra Ciotta for envisioning and leading the event
• Dylan McAllister, Joshua Harris, and Austin Bowling for their outstanding support with food service
• Jason Ebinger, who coordinated food and garden support with the Work Study team, who were truly amazing from set-up to service
• Tammy E., our bartender extraordinaire
• Lane G., Barbie W., Morgan S., and Rachel L. for communications, logistics, and onsite support
• Patty C., Maintenance and Housekeeping, for making our campus shine
• Sienna Shute, Autumn Madlock, and The Craft Shop for the stunning table centerpieces
• Adrianna, who helped with guest accommodations

We’re especially grateful to our board members—Lillian Gantsoudes, Janet Davis, Guy Griswold, Jack Smoot, Celia Larson, and Andrea Conarro—for their presence and support, as well as longtime Folk School friends who helped in countless ways.

Finally, heartfelt thanks to our guest speaker, Anne Woodford, whose words grounded the evening in meaning and reflection, reminding us of the importance of gathering to celebrate heritage, food, and community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make The Artisan Table such a beautiful success.

For almost a century, the Folk School has worked to bring people together for experiences in learning and community life that spark self-discovery.  When you financially support the Folk School and contribute to our Folk School Fund, you are supporting our work in helping make the world a more caring and creative place. Tangibly, that means supporting all parts of our campus by maintaining and equipping studios and historic buildings, enhancing our archive collections, supporting traditional Appalachian music and dance, and ensuring our outdoor spaces remain optimal for students and visitors alike. Your support of the Folk School Fund ensures that our community will be sustainable for the next one hundred years.