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Board of Directors

Steve Butler
President
New Marlborough, MA

Andra Moss
Norfolk, CT

Liesl Carlson
Secretary
New Marlborough, MA

Wendy Wray Miller
New Marlborough, MA

Andrew Jack
East Canaan, CT

Supporters & Donors

Massachusetts Cultural Council

New Marlborough, MA Cultural Council

Monterey, MA Cultural Council

Greylock Federal Credit Union

Domaney’s Great Barrington, MA

Board of Directors

Andra Moss

Andra and her husband first found their way to a corner of the Berkshire Hills, Norfolk, Conn., in 2017. Andra has always worked in the non-profit world, most recently as Programs Director for a historic preservation organization in New York City and, prior to that, as Director of Operations and Pro Bono Recruitment with an international NGO. She believes strongly in the folk school ethos—there’s a good chance she crossed paths with MRFS founder Steve Butler at the Peters Valley School of Craft—and in the power of volunteers. In Norfolk, Andra is honored to be a member of the board of the town’s library and historical society and is an editor of the monthly newspaper. Her most recent project was learning to weave a chair seat, followed immediately by learning how to fix a poorly woven chair seat.

Steve Butler

Creating a community for learning such as The Mill River Folk School is a natural fit for Steve. He has over two decades of non-profit educational experience. He brings valuable knowledge and insight into the position of Director. He has taught as a guest instructor at various art & craft institutions and is a former Department Head at Peters Valley Craft Center and the Worcester Center for Crafts. As a furniture maker, he has been creating objects for over thirty years.

Born in Toronto, Canada, Steve began his career serving a formal apprenticeship. Upon completion, he worked in various woodworking shops. As his passion for art and craft grew, Steve pursued formal training at Sheridan College of Art and Design, majoring in furniture design. Graduating from Sheridan, he went on to study technological education at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Andrew Jack

From a quiet corner in northwestern CT, educator and maker Andrew Jack builds chairs the traditional way: by hand, with honesty, and with respect for materials he uses.  He uses a blend of contemporary and traditional techniques.  Andrew graduated with a degree in sculpture from SUNY Purchase. Upon graduation, what began with an interest in Studio furniture and a formative summer with master Windsor chairmaker Curtis Buchanan, has turned into a career shaped by low-impact process, deep satisfaction in joinery, and a strong belief that craft can be a powerful tool for well- being.

Liesl Carlson

Liesl Carlson is a maker and creative entrepreneur, and the owner and maker behind Carlson Creates. She has a deep respect for traditional craft, handmade work, and learning through doing. Alongside her creative practice, she brings a strong background in administrative and organizational support, with years of experience helping community-focused organizations run smoothly and sustainably. She is honored to serve on the board of the Mill River Folk School.

Wendy Wray Miller

Wendy Wray Miller has over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit, financial, and legal sectors focusing on growth and operational efficiency. Known for her leadership style and creative insight to decision-making she served as Vice President of Philanthropic Services at a major financial institution. Her professional background included relationship management and building functional teams that delivered measurable results to her clients and the financial institution.

Wendy and her husband John, whose Berkshire family roots date back to 1944, live in the town of  New Marlborough, MA, where she  has served on the Board of Assessors for over 15 years. Enthusiastic about the arts and its community impact, Wendy was a member of the New Marlborough Cultural Council for nine years serving as Chair for the last two years, where she contributed expertise in compliance as well as coordinating annual community events. She brings a unique blend of foresight, operational discipline, and a deep commitment to ethical leadership.  Wendy is passionate about supporting the arts and has volunteered in various related based organizations over the years. She is truly honored and excited to join the board of the Mill River Folk School and support its prodigious mission, dedicated to traditional arts, crafts, hands-on skills and community.