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Crafting Connections: Empowering Artistry with Shane Prada and Elliot Keeley from the Baltimore Jewelry Center

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Jun 22, 2022 • 37m

Shane Prada, a dedicated educator and advocate for arts education, co-founded the Baltimore Jewelry Center (BJC) in 2013 to offer accessible learning opportunities in metalsmithing and jewelry to the Baltimore community. Beginning her journey in Baltimore as a Teach For America corps member, Shane's passion for arts education grew stronger over time. With a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, she played a pivotal role in establishing one of the city's first charter schools. Shane's deep connection to art jewelry and metalsmithing developed when she pursued evening classes at the Maryland Institute College of Art's Jewelry Center. Recognizing the need to preserve the legacy of the program after its discontinuation, Shane led the formation of the Baltimore Jewelry Center. As the BJC's director, she oversees administration, programming, fundraising, and community outreach. Alongside Shane, Elliot Keeley contributes to the BJC as a versatile artist and metalsmith with a background in metalsmithing and jewelry design. Based in Baltimore, Elliot's artistic exploration integrates ceramics, drawing, painting, and collage into metalwork, reflecting a unique approach to creativity and craftsmanship.


About the Baltimore Jewelry Center

The Baltimore Jewelry Center is an educational nonprofit building a vibrant creative community for the study and practice of metalsmithing and art jewelry. We educate and inspire new and established artists, as well as promote metalsmithing and art jewelry to the general public through exhibitions, community, and educational outreach.

In the course of this episode, we explore:

  • Explore how the Baltimore Jewelry Center is making metalsmithing and jewelry education accessible to the local community, providing insights into their approach and impact.
  • Delve into the significance of jewelry as a versatile and personal art form, discussing its potential to convey narratives and empower self-expression.
  • Uncover the importance of networking and forming connections within the arts industry, and how these relationships contribute to achieving success.
  • Discuss how the Baltimore Jewelry Center's location in the Station North Arts District fosters a creative environment, nurturing collaboration and support within the artistic community.


This is one episode you won't want to skip! Shane Prada and Elliot Keeley discuss the Baltimore Jewelry Center. They talk about the inspiration behind the center, the importance of accessible education in the arts, and the impact of being located in the Station North Arts District. They also highlight the diverse range of programs and opportunities offered by the center, including classes, workshops, studio access, residencies, and a gallery space.


Mentioned in this episode
Baltimore Jewelry Center


The Station North Arts & Entertainment Interview Series is supported by the Station North Art's District & Central Baltimore Partnership.


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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