Molly Meyer Blundred Creates Custom Cocktails to Make Spirits Bright for Wonderball

By day Molly Meyer Blundred works at Middle West Spirits exploring, learning and teaching in the Columbus food and beverage scene. By night she fills her time with family, friends, animals, finding the best chicken and waffles, and volunteering on the committee for Wonderball, an imaginative event featuring DJs, live music, bites from Columbus eateries, custom cocktails, creative experiences and artist performances that supports creativity at the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) and around central Ohio. Molly Meyer Blundred joined Melissa Ferguson, CMA director of marketing and communications, in conversation about her inspirations and creative process.

Melissa: What drew you to the spirits industry?
Molly: I have been in the hospitality industry since I was 15 years old. However, my interest in quality spirits and the art of distilling was sparked when I took my first management role in 2011.

Melissa: What is your creative process?
Molly: I always start with R&D. I like to know my audience, the theme, the specs and anything that may affect the final execution of the cocktail. From there, I prefer to have some time to think about it while I run or am relaxing. I’ll additionally reach out to creatives around me to get their opinions and to continue brainstorming.

Melissa: What inspires you?
Molly: Everything! Literally, everything.

Melissa: Why is creativity important?
Molly: Creativity touches everything. Whether you’re an engineer, artist or entrepreneur, everything starts with an idea and that is sparked by creativity.

Melissa: What about Columbus excites you?
Molly: Columbus is fast growing with a lot of economic opportunity while retaining a Midwestern kindness.

Melissa: Why did you decide partner with the Columbus Museum of Art on Wonderball?
Molly: I grew up in a family of musicians and creatives. I can’t imagine a world where music and creativity are not encouraged and explored. That being said, I believe that CMA’s programming is helping make that happen and want to help in any way I can!

Melissa: What’s your favorite part of Wonderball?
Molly: There is no creative limit or cap in the planning process. When discussing plans for Wonderball, every idea is heard, considered and often times attempted, even if it’s absolutely insane.

Try one of Molly’s custom cocktails at Wonderball on Jan. 27, 2018 at 8 p.m. at the Columbus Museum of Art. Presale tickets available at columbusmuseum.org/wonderball for $100 per person until Jan. 15, 2018 and for $125 Jan. 16-26, 2018. Event tickets are $135 at the door.