By Linda C. Reynolds
When Mary Beth Powell entered Berea College three years ago she
requested a labor assignment in the weaving department. As a freshman
weaver she didn’t know the warp from the weft, but now a
senior, she’s one of the best weavers the student crafts
industry has produced.
The Columbia, Tennessee native modestly states she’s “learned
to weave.” But that simple admission belies the learning
curve Mary Beth overcame to master the ancient art. Mastering the
art is only one of the reasons she weaves and is passionate about
it. She has learned to appreciate the art explaining it this way: “In
the Appalachian area in particular, weaving represented independence
and adaptability to this remote and sometimes hostile terrain.
Weaving led to an outlet for creativity and cultural expression
the hardworking mountain folk needed. Weaving allowed for a sturdy
simplicity that was nonetheless beautiful. While it is no longer
necessary to manufacture our own clothing, the Appalachian weaving
tradition is rich with beautiful and functional patterns that exemplify
the mountain character. By learning to weave historical patterns
with traditional looms, I am able to preserve the beauty of this
region for another generation.”
Supervisor Bill Roberts says Mary Beth is adept on both the fly-shuttle
and hand looms and assists other student weavers with loom or product
problems. Having woven placemats, coasters, baby blankets, couch
throws, and even rugs, Mary Beth says her favorite is the
couch throw in traditional Whig Rose pattern. Hoping some day to
purchase her own loom, Mary Beth will continue weaving in traditional
patterns and styles rather than the more modern, non-traditional
techniques.
Like many other students working in the craft program, there are
lots of opportunities to meet College visitors. “Tourists
come from all over the world to watch us weave, but they leave
having shared with us the stories of their lives,” says Mary
Beth. “I have also had the pleasure of talking with many
Berea graduates and listening to their memories.”
A Nutrition and Dietetics major, Mary Beth informally observed
the eating and exercise habits of the Austrian culture while traveling
there in June with the College’s International Study and
Travel program. She noted fast food establishments were less common
than in the United States with more people taking time to sit and
enjoy a meal rather than eating on the go. She observed that there
was more walking to destinations such as work, shopping, or school
and that Austrians chose stairs over elevators. Perhaps because
of these reasons there is less need for structured exercise programs
and gyms than in the U.S. With her Nutrition and Dietetics major,
Mary Beth plans to attend graduate school and eventually counsel
eating disorder patients.
Mary Beth notes not all learning opportunities at Berea College
are found in the classroom. “In weaving, I have learned to
value my work for what it produces and how it encourages me to
grow. It’s a pleasure to watch a product form under my hands
as well as broaden my horizons by meeting people from all nations
and walks of life.”
Roberts praises Mary Beth’s skill and dedication: “She
is extremely hard working and doesn’t have much time for
others who do not pull their share of the work load. Mary Beth
is an all around excellent student worker.”
For these reasons and other criteria, such as contributing beyond
normal student labor expectations and a 3.73 G.P.A., this Spring
Mary Beth was chosen from more than 100 student crafts workers to
receive the prestigious annual Clara Bell Hall Student Crafts Award.
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