MFS Director

Jason Gold

My Philosophy
Many years ago, a single line from an obscure song shifted the course of my life: “I want to be a Great Man.” In 1998, I set out on a philosophical journey to discover what greatness truly means.
More than two decades later, I know that I have not achieved the world’s conventional definition of greatness—and I no longer seek it. Instead, I have embraced the pursuit of universal greatness: the daily commitment to becoming a better person. Better to myself, to my family, to my community, and to the world. This kind of growth happens not through grand gestures, but through small, intentional steps—and through living in a state of flow.
As an artisan and teacher, I help people experience that flow through craft. Whether tying a broom, designing a chair, or sewing a leather bag, my goal is to guide students in harmonizing their hands, head, and heart. The result is more than a well-made object—it is a deeply rewarding experience and the fulfillment of belonging to a caring, creative community.
My Story
I was born and raised in Michigan, blessed with both the gift of gab and the curiosity of a cat. As a child, I spent more time gazing out the window and daydreaming than memorizing lessons from the blackboard. Growing up in a Jewish family honed my love for dialogue and rhetoric, while my two grandfathers showed me the pride of working with one’s hands.
My Papa Bernie, a master plumber, left behind work still visible in the bones of old Detroit. My Grandfather Gordon, a painter and handyman, crafted with hand tools alone and with a perfection that is rare today. From them, I inherited both skill and reverence for honest craftsmanship.
At a young age, I resolved to be a modern-day explorer. I have kept that promise, navigating a wide range of roles: leather worker, electrical journeyman, woodworker, homesteader, teacher, farmer, toymaker, preservationist, academic, bookseller, remodeler, marketing director, baker, trainmaster, writer, researcher, broker, videographer, farmers market manager—the list continues. Each path offered lessons, skills, and stories to carry forward.
For the last decade, I have gathered these experiences into a single purpose: nurturing the Michigan Folk School. Today, as its Director and as an instructor of broom craft, leatherwork, and woodworking, I continue my lifelong exploration. But now my journey is shared—helping others discover the joy of craft, the richness of tradition, and the power of community.