Chelsea Lea is a third generation metalsmith living in Wilmington North Carolina. She has worked in the jewelry industry since moving to Wilmington in 2016, 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.
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 Vitaeu
Education: 2023 University of North Carolina Wilmington 2020 MFA Film Studies 2017- 2019 Brunswick Community College instructor of Silversmithing 2016 Penland School of Crafts 2014 The Gemological Institute of America 2013 The University of Georgia 2013 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
Film: 2023 Cucalorus film festival pre-screening Judge November, 20, 2022 White Lotus Gala, NC Project Lead presented film by Chelsea Lea honoring health care workers of Covid19 at Thalian Hall, Wilmington, NC 2022 Cucalorus film festival pre-screening Judge 2022 Wilmington Underground Film Festival Music Video selected
Gallery Representation: 2023 Forest Fire featured in Illumination at Cameron Art Museum Feb 2022-March 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.