BJC Focus
Making SPaces | OCTOBER 4 + 5
The BJC Focus symposium is a free annual event that features workshops, demonstrations and presentations all centered around a particular theme. Our featured speakers are artists and intellectuals who are well-studied and acquainted with the chosen topic for the year. The symposium, while developed with jewelry and metalsmithing students and enthusiasts in mind, is free and open to the public, with something to offer everyone.
Our 2025 symposium, BJC Focus: Making Spaces, will investigate the role of third spaces as sites for connection, artistic expression, and creative growth. The term “third space” refers to places outside of homes (first spaces) and workplaces (second spaces) where people are brought together around shared interests and ideas.
In recent decades, third spaces have become increasingly rare, yet craft education spaces - like the Baltimore Jewelry Center- remain vibrant examples of third space ethos, fostering creativity and community.
Making Spaces will explore the importance of third spaces for creatives; how these ecosystems are formed and maintained, as well as the impact they have on the artistic practices of participants.
Join the BJC October 4 & 5, 2025 for our annual symposium. Two days of lectures, workshops, and demonstrations all focused on jewelry. Opportunities to participate online and in-person!
The event will culminate with a charge to artists to participate in our community challenge; this year’s challenge – to be announced!
Our Speakers
Valeska Populoh
Artist, educator, cultural organizer and facilitator in Baltimore, Maryland. Focuses on puppetry and participatory performance art. Holds a BA in International Affairs and Conflict Resolution from American University, and an MAT in Art Education from MICA.
Shani Richards
Metalsmith, craft labor activist, and BJC Resident Artist. Speaking on her experiences utilizing and contributing to third spaces including the Sculpture Center, the +O festival, and the Penland School of Craft. Member of the CoCo collective. Holds a BFA in metalsmithing from the University of Akron and an MFA in metalsmithing from SUNY New Paltz.
Anna Lehner
Glass artist and educator. Programs + Studio Director at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Speaking on Haystack’s mission to serve a continuously evolving population of makers and craftspeople. Holds an MFA in glass from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Rhea Vedro
Metalsmith, sculptor, and educator based in Boston, Massachusetts. Currently focusing on outdoor sculpture and interactive public art. Lecturer and Metals Artist in Residence at MIT. Holds an MFA from SUNY New Paltz.
