Brookdale Community College is planning to eliminate its jewelry program, bringing an end to a studio that has been an important part of the college for over 40 years.

Founded by Tony Blazier, the program has provided generations of students with hands-on artistic education and a space to grow creatively. Our professor, Natasha Jawahir, along with assistant Neils Pustrom, are deeply dedicated to their work and to their students. Their passion for jewelry-making creates an inspiring and supportive environment that motivates students to fully engage in their craft.

Recently, faculty received an unexpected notice from the chair of the Art Department explaining that the jewelry program is being removed due to the reassignment of its classroom space. The space has reportedly been repurposed in connection with initiatives involving the NJ Film Academy (NJFA), leaving no designated area for 3-D design courses. As a result, jewelry and metalsmithing have been characterized as “nonessential”, based on the reasoning that they are not required for graduation. This decision overlooks the significant role these courses play in developing technical skills, creative problem-solving, and career pathways within the arts.

The jewelry studio is more than just a classroom. It is a space where students develop creativity, technical skills, and confidence. It offers one of the most hands-on learning experiences at Brookdale, allowing students to spend both class time and additional studio hours refining their work. Eliminating this program would mean the loss of a unique and valuable educational opportunity.

Jewelry 1 student work: Spring 2026

Alyssa Ravelle

Michael Bongiovanni

Alan Gilmore

MacKenzie Brennan

We urge Brookdale to preserve the jewelry studio and continue supporting the students who rely on it.

If you would like to support this cause more than just signing, please contact those listed below to keep this program running:

Board of Trustees
***contact through:
cgruskos@brookdalecc.edu (Senior Assistant to President & Board) 
mfinn@brookdalecc.edu (Secretary to President & Board) 

Dean of STEAM
James Crowder
jcrowder@brookdalecc.edu

Art Department Chair
Amy Faris 
afaris@brookdalecc.edu