Chelsea Lea is a third generation metalsmith living in Wilmington North Carolina. She has worked in the jewelry industry since moving to Wilmington in 2015, and is passionate about helping you find the right piece of jewelry.
Her designs are often limited edition, inspired by nature, and the gemstones she works with.
Chelsea Lea is a recent MFA graduate of UNCW class of 2023 film studies department.
Her designs are often limited edition, inspired by nature, and the gemstones she works with.
Chelsea Lea is a recent MFA graduate of UNCW class of 2023 film studies department.
Metal services available: Lost wax casting, mold making. Larger metal services in steel or large sheet metal fabrication with plasma cutting, MIG welding.
Please contact [email protected] or (910) 541-1523
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
2023 University of North Carolina Wilmington /MFA Film Studies
2017- 2019 Brunswick Community College instructor of Silversmithing
2014 The Gemological Institute of America
2013 The University of Georgia/ BFA jewelry + metals
2012 Cortona Italy International invitational study abroad program
2009 The Pacific Northwest College of Art
Assistant Teacher
2023 Graduate Teacher's Assistant at University North Carolina Wilmington film studies
2016 Penland School of Crafts studio assistant scholarship
Community Film:
2025 & 2025 First Cut Film Festival trophy designer and manufacturer
2023 Cucalorus film festival pre-screening Judge
2022 NC Project Lead Thalian Hall, Wilmington, NC White Lotus Gala film by Chelsea Lea
2022 Cucalorus film festival pre-screening Judge
2022 Wilmington Underground Film Festival Music Video selected
Awards:
2025 SNAG Metalsmith Magazine "Most Barbie" Superlative
2024 Wilma Magazine Award Ceremony & Article
2024 Harper's Ferry Film Festival "Founder’s Award" for Thread of Time film by Chelsea Lea
Gallery Representation:
2023 "Forest Fire" featured in Illumination at Cameron Art Museum
2022 The Ann Flack Boseman Art Gallery UNCW, Vice Chancellor’s Award,
2021 "Lady Lotus Light" featured in Illumination 2021 at Cameron Art Museum
2017-2023 Bryand Gallery, Wilmington NC
2020 "Night in the City" featured in Illumination at Cameron Art Museum
2014 NICHE magazine "Finalist" Convention Center Gallery, Philadelphia PA
2006-2009 Breeze Block Gallery, Portland Or
International Exhibition:
2012 La Mostra University of Georgia Studies Abroad Exhibition, Palazzo Vagnotti Cortona Italy
Jewelry Exhibitor:
2015-2021 Orange Street Art Festival, Wilmington, NC.
2015 American Craft Retail Expo, Philadelphia, PA.
2014 The American Made Show, Philadelphia, PA.
2013 American Craft Retail Expo, Orlando, FL.
Symposiums:
2016 Eastern Carolina University Symposium attendee winter
2014 Portland Or, Jewelry Symposium: Tech Form employee/panel host fall
Presentations:
Presentations about the Penland experience are available, please contact if you would like for Chelsea Lea to visit your school or creative environment for a complete Penland School of Crafts presentation. Chelsea Lea is an Ambassador of Penland School of Crafts, and is authorized by the institution to give such a presentation.
