Dear BJC Community,

This summer, we're inviting you to help build the next chapter of the Baltimore Jewelry Center. Over the past year, the Board of Directors has been thoughtfully planning for the BJC’s future. After the Board’s Executive Director search in 2025 did not result in the appointment of a new leader, Shane Prada generously extended her tenure, providing stability while the Board continued refining the organization’s long-term vision and future direction.

As this next phase begins, Shane will be stepping down after thirteen years of extraordinary leadership. We are deeply grateful for her vision, dedication, and the remarkable community she helped build. Because of her leadership, and because of the strength of this community, the BJC is well positioned for what comes next.

This summer, we’re launching a campaign to raise $70,000 to support the BJC, and we need your help to get there. We’ll launch this year’s campaign at our Second Annual Bake Sale on July 17, a celebration of creativity, community, and delicious sweet treats. We hope you’ll join us to kick off the summer, connect with fellow supporters, and help launch another exciting chapter for the BJC.

To make your impact even greater, the BJC Board of Directors has pledged a $35,000 challenge gift, matching every new, repeat, or increased donation dollar for dollar.

Whether you make a gift, attend an event, volunteer your time, or share our mission with others, your support helps sustain this creative community. Together, we can continue building on the strong foundation that has been created and ensure the Baltimore Jewelry Center remains a place where artists, students, and makers thrive.

Thank you for believing in the BJC and for helping us build what comes next.

Lydia Martin Maggie Smith

Board President Incoming Board President

Baltimore Jewelry Center Block Party

Saturday, September 26, 2026

5–8pm
Wyman Park
Free and open to the public

Join the Baltimore Jewelry Center for our 2026 Block Party, an evening of games, competitions, food, activities, and community in Wyman Park!

We’re closing out our Summer Fundraiser with a free outdoor gathering for BJC friends, family, neighbors, and anyone who wants to join in. Expect lawn games, friendly (and slightly ridiculous) competitions, hands-on activities, food and refreshments, and plenty of opportunities to support the Baltimore Jewelry Center along the way.

The Block Party is free to attend, with a $5–$15 suggested donation to participate in games and activities. All proceeds support the BJC Summer Fundraiser and help sustain our classes, exhibitions, scholarships, residencies, youth programming, and more.

Come ready to compete, or just hang out and cheer everyone on. We’ll be sharing more about activities, competitions, food, and prizes as we get closer to September 26!