What is it like to be a Resident at the Baltimore Jewelry Center?

“My recent residency at the Baltimore Jewelry Center was an impactful experience that allowed me to engage with the field of jewelry and metalsmithing in many ways that I had not been exposed to before. The organization is an immersive community arts center that supports jewelers, artists, children, teens, and adults alike. The BJC integrates the rich history and present culture of the local community into its practices and has created an environment where people of all abilities and levels of expertise can find common ground and learn from one another. I greatly appreciated the mentorship of the director and members which supported me in getting so much from the program. It’s hard to believe that within just one month, I left this residency feeling tightly woven into the family that exists at the Baltimore Jewelry Center and the surrounding community of Baltimore City.”

-Cathryn Jasterzbski, BJC Resident Artist

“I am writing today to give my full support for the Baltimore Jewelry Center. I was selected  to be an artist in resident at the center which provided me an opportunity to focus on my studio practice in a community of like-minded makers. Not only was I afforded this time, but Shane, April and Erica also critiqued my work and challenged me to push my practice in exciting new directions. They are incredibly knowledgeable of the larger field of jewelry making and craft and generously offer their expertise to the community of Baltimore and professional artists like myself. They provide introductory and advanced level classes to people all around the mid-Atlantic which helps grow interest in the craft, and occasionally will bring in nationally recognized artists to teach workshops as well. Because Shane and April were founding members of the space they were also able to design a clean, safe and smart studio that feels inviting to anyone that visits. 

Besides my wonderful experience, the Baltimore Jewelry Center is quickly becoming one the premier places to exhibit Jewelry and Craft on the east coast of the US. Looking back at their past exhibits I can see evidence of the rising stars of the field having been featured in the BJC gallery which demonstrates the center’s commitment to promote important people in the arts. And while I was there I saw some incredibly thoughtful exhibitions like Jewelry Edition Vol. 4 and Pairings which included both artists from the Baltimore community as well as international jewelry artists. This institution will continue to inject art, culture, and education into downtown Baltimore and foster a brighter community for the future.”

-Reed Fagan, BJC Resident, Visiting Jewelry Professor, Alberta College of Art and Design