BJC Staffing Updates
Dear BJC Community,
The BJC has some significant staff changes on the horizon. Allison Gulick will be departing at the end of February, having made the decision to leave her staff role to pursue other creative opportunities, and Mercury Swift will be departing at the end of April, having made the decision to leave their staff role at the BJC to pursue self-employment as a studio artist. We are so appreciative of the dedication and hard work that both Allison and Mercury have shown to the BJC. They have both helped the organization in tremendous ways and are part of our ever-evolving story. They will be deeply missed, but we are eager to see where their work takes them next and to welcome them as community members of the BJC.
While change can feel difficult, these transitions offer a rare and valuable opportunity for the BJC: the ability to engage in deep reflection, organizational assessment, strategic alignment, and meaningful growth. We will not immediately be hiring for the two roles that Allison and Mercury occupy. We will instead be taking time to develop a new staffing structure, in accordance with continuing shifts that we feel are needed to bring the BJC to a future where the staffing structure is more sustainable. The BJC is in good financial health, with steady budget growth and strong programmatic momentum. We have an incredible community of stakeholders in our studio, throughout Baltimore, across the country, and around the world. Stakeholders, like you, who support our work and resource us.
These staff departures are occurring against the backdrop of an already-in process executive director transition. Last spring, Shane Prada, our executive director, announced her intentions to step away from her role. The initial search for a new executive director, which we initiated in the summer of 2025, made clear that we were not yet ready to identify the right candidate for the position, but more importantly, that the scope of the role was simply too large for one person. This clarity has led us into a period of reflection and restructuring at the leadership level, which will take time to do thoughtfully and well. For that reason, we placed the hiring process on a temporary pause in October 2025.
After months of careful evaluation by our leadership team, we are grateful and excited to share that Shane Prada has committed to continuing in her role as Executive Director for the foreseeable future. This decision reflects a thoughtful assessment of programs, operations, and organization structure. Extending Shane’s leadership ensures stability during this period of transition and allows us space to intentionally shape a new leadership model; one that preserves the BJC’s existing strengths while building a more sustainable foundation for the future.
Please know that the timing of this communication has been intentional and strategic. Waiting until after Ornamenta to announce the news allowed us to maintain focus, clarity, and momentum during a crucial time for fundraising. We are happy to report that Ornamenta earnings have reached just over $62,000 nearly meeting our goal of $65,000. With our Fund A Need campaign still active, we still have the opportunity to meet or even exceed that goal. The event was a display of many things but most of all it was a demonstration of the power of our community and self-expression.
In the upcoming weeks and months, Shane, with the support of BJC staff members, Elliot Keeley and J Diamond (who will both be taking on greater leadership roles), will be working with support from the board and various thought partners from outside the organization to evaluate the BJC’s systems, workflows, staff structure, and long-term direction. We will also look to you, our amazing community of students, artists, donors, patrons, and friends, for insight and input, through direct feedback opportunities like surveys and community conversations. Day-to-day operations of the BJC will be supported by a network of part-time support as we work to develop new roles to best fit the evolution of the BJC through this next phase. While we do not immediately plan to halt any of our programs, we likely will augment or pause some programmatic elements to give the staff time and space to do this work.
Allison and Mercury won’t be going far, they both are eager to stay involved as community members. You will have opportunities to continue to engage with them, and we will have opportunities to benefit from their dedicated work. Mercury will lead a glass class this spring. In March, Allison will present a version of A Dream Outside My Body, the show she curated for the Visual Arts Center in Richmond, which celebrates the work of ten BJC artists and the community and connection they share. We are so excited to welcome this show to Baltimore (March 20-May 1) and to celebrate Allison’s curatorial work in our gallery.
Please reach out to me or to Shane if you have any questions. And please be on the lookout for evolving information as we make necessary shifts to move through this next phase. Thank you for your trust and support.
- Lydia Martin, BJC Board President
Please see below for a message from Shane as well as a message from both Allison and Mercury.
A Message from Shane
Since our inception in 2014, the work of the BJC has been in direct response to great shifts in craft education across the country. Craft programs at colleges and universities have been eliminated at astounding rates. Much of learning in K-12 education is now occurring through computer and technological interfaces; opportunities for focusing on handwork and traditional craft skills are few and far between for today’s youth. At the same time, the funding landscape for nonprofits has drastically shifted while the cost of operating any business has only risen and risen. Pair all of that with a global pandemic and you get a very interesting time to be a young nonprofit. We have had to be more nimble than so many others who have come before us. And yet, that nimbleness might be our greatest strength. We are at our core a school dedicated to the teaching and celebration of the work of the hand as expressed through jewelry and metalwork. Our space is one where people can learn deftness of skill, material language, and design thinking. They can make beautiful things, weird things, functional things, and whimsical things, objects for adornment or contemplation, for now or for forever. And they can dismantle those things and start again, experiencing the cycle of material and creative reinvention that a craft practice allows. The thing that makes this work possible and that has allowed us to thrive despite myriad challenges is that we do the work in community, creating a circular system of teaching and learning and making together. The work that we will embark upon in the next few months, the strategic processes of analyzing and rethinking our leadership and management structure, will mimic the work we do in our studio: creative reinvention using the resources we have with the purpose of benefitting the community, a community that stretches far beyond the walls of our studio. I am grateful to each of you who has been a part of what we have built, and I look forward to taking our next step together.
A Message From Allison
When the role of Programs and Administrative Coordinator was created at the BJC, I was excited by the idea of joining the BJC staff. Since joining the team in the fall of 2021, my role has given me the opportunity to help hone the day-to-day and long range logistics of the BJC, which is such an important role at a nonprofit. Managing the studio’s annual calendar, building out class schedules, facilitating committee meetings, and handling internal communications has taught me so much about what it takes to run an organization. In the summer of 2023, I was given the opportunity to expand my role to manage the BJC gallery, something I took on eagerly given my passion for curatorial work. Last summer, I worked closely with my fellow staff member Elliot Keeley to propose and implement Waxcast: Creations by Earl Jones, a memorial retrospective of Jones’ incredible contributions to Baltimore’s creative community and the broader jewelry industry. And last fall, at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, I curated A Dream Outside My Body, an exhibition exploring the impact of creative communal spaces on the work of 10 contemporary artists, all of whom are connected through the BJC community. It's been really meaningful to me to help grow the gallery program in such significant ways.
I will take everything I have learned and the impact I have had on the BJC with me as I move forward with my professional career. I'm looking forward to maintaining my role as a BJC community member and I’m excited to bring an abbreviated version of A Dream Outside My Body to the BJC's gallery next month. I am also happily anticipating being able to take more classes and spend more time in the BJC studio as a maker.
A Message From Mercury
It has been an immense privilege to be part of the BJC community as Studio and Program Manager over the past several years. Working alongside so many artists and friends has been deeply meaningful. I am so grateful to have been able to support that growth while actively contributing to a space that welcomes all. My time at the BJC has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional life so far. I have learned so much in this role and I carry that experience forward with thanks to everyone who has helped to make it possible.
As I step into a new chapter focusing on my work as a practicing studio artist and community member, I look forward to staying connected to the BJC. I am thankful for the relationships built here and for the ways that this community has shaped my growth, both personally and artistically. I look forward to remaining an active member of the BJC community in new ways and what the future may bring.
Baltimore Jewelry Center Instructor
Location: Baltimore, MD
Job Start Date: TBD
We’re seeking an instructor who is passionate about metalsmithing and art jewelry and loves engaging with students in a variety of settings from the studio to community events. You’ll need a strong background in metalsmithing or art jewelry. You will work closely with a very small programming team to plan classes and workshops for the BJC and our partners.
Responsibilities.
Content Creation. You’ll be creating and/or editing worksheet, handouts, presentations and materials lists
Student Support. Answering questions, brainstorming and working one on one with students helps them succeed
Class Organization. Class flow and productivity to important to our students, the instructor needs to be on time an prepared.
Qualifications
We’re looking for a patient, people-oriented individual, who is able to create a safe space for students and artists at the Baltimore Jewelry Center. Here are the qualities we’re looking for in a new team member.
You have strong time management skills and the ability to work independently.
You’ll be a flexible worker in order to meet the demands of a fluctuating studio environment.
You have superb organizational and communication skills.
You’re passionate about education and making. Your core passion is the metals and jewelry field.
You truly enjoy assisting students and other users of a metals and jewelry studio.
This job includes non-traditional hours (nights and weekends). There will be occasional off-site educational events with partnering groups like the Walters Art Museum. Attendance at onsite events, like exhibition openings and community potlucks, is strongly encouraged as your schedule allows.
Competencies and experience:
Background in metalsmithing/jewelry (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metals/Jewelry highly preferred, or comparable experience)
Teaching experience (particularly in community and multi-generational settings)
Demonstrated problem-solving abilities
Pay and Benefits:
Pay will be dependent on experience and the course being taught
Application Process
Applicant must submit a full application packet via email to info@baltimorejewelrycenter.org
A brief cover letter detailing why you want to work as an instructor at the Baltimore Jewelry Center, and why you believe your qualifications and past experience make you the ideal candidate for the position.
Your resume or CV which must list work experience and education, as well as related artistic experience (exhibitions, etc.)
2-3 professional references (a list of names, telephone numbers, addresses, and email addresses).
Digital portfolio of 5-10 examples of your work (link or pdf with a maximum size of 10MB).
Optional: Digital portfolio of work of students you have taught, 3-5 examples (link or pdf with a maximum size of 10MB)
Contact us at info@baltimorejewelrycenter.org if you’re interested in this opportunity and for more information.
Baltimore Jewelry Center Intern
Location: Baltimore, MD
Taking Applications on a rolling basis
NOTICE: Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 Internship positions have been filled. Please apply for Spring 2026.
Positions filled as needed
We are currently seeking an intern to assist with a variety of studio management and maintenance tasks, including but not limited to answering the door and greeting students and visitors, leading tours of the space, assisting students and renters with their work, running class, rental, and retail sales, helping with social media, and general tool maintenance. The ideal candidate is passionate about metalsmithing and art jewelry and loves engaging with people. In exchange for 6 hours a week of service to the studio, the intern will receive a tuition waiver for the class of their choice and unlimited rental for the duration of the course.
Responsibilities
Support students and renters. This means everything from answering questions and assisting students and renters in the studio.
Studio Management. You’ll be maintaining studio systems, inventory and keeping the studio organized and tidy. That means prepping supplies, monitoring supply use, logging renters’ and students’ studio usage, and conducting commercial transactions with students and renters for classes and bench rental.
Qualifications
We’re looking for a patient, people-oriented individual, who is able to create a safe space for students and artists at the Baltimore Jewelry Center. Here are the qualities we’re looking for in a new team member.
You’re eager to work in a creative and dynamic team environment, developing new ideas, brainstorming, and problem solving.
You take initiative and are proactive: asking questions, making recommendations, offering help, and suggesting ideas are qualities we value.
You have strong time management skills and the ability to work independently.
You’ll be a flexible worker and nimble thinker in order to meet the demands of a fluctuating studio environment.
You’re conscientious, working carefully and thoroughly, and take ownership.
You have superb organizational and communication skills.
You’re passionate about education and making. Your core passion is the metals and jewelry field, and you’re driven to promote and expand access to educational opportunities within the field.
You truly enjoy assisting students and other users of a metals and jewelry studio.
Application Process
Applicant must submit a full application packet via email to info@baltimorejewelrycenter.org
A brief cover letter detailing why you want to work as an intern at the Baltimore Jewelry Center
Your resume or CV which must list work experience and education, as well as related artistic experience (exhibitions, etc.)
2 professional references (a list of names, telephone numbers, addresses, and email addresses).
Digital portfolio of 3-5 examples of your work (link or pdf with a maximum size of 10MB).
Contact us at info@baltimorejewelrycenter.org if you’re interested in this opportunity and for more information.
NOTICE: Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 Internship positions have been filled. Please apply for Spring 2026.