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 ChelseaLeaMetals@gmail.com or (910)541-1523
Curriculum Vitaeu
Education: University of North Carolina Wilmington 2020 MFA Candidate Film 2023 Brunswick Community College instructor of Silversmithing 2017- 2019 Penland School of Crafts 2016 The Gemological Institute of America 2014 The University of Georgia 2013 BFA jewelry + metals 2013 Cortona Italy International invitational study abroad program 2012 The Pacific Northwest College of Art 2009
Assistant Teacher Graduate Teacher's Assistant at University North Carolina Wilmington film studies class of 2023 Penland School of Crafts studio assistant scholarship 2016
Film: White Lotus Gala, NC Project Lead presented film by Chelsea Lea honoring health care workers of Covid19 on November, 20, 2022 at Thalian Hall, Wilmington, NC Cucalorus film festival pre-screening Judge 2022 Wilmington Underground Film Festival Music Video selected May 2022
Gallery Representation: The Ann Flack Boseman Art Gallery UNCW, Vice Chancellor’s Award, Feb 2022-March 2022 Lady Lotus Light featured in Illumination 2021 at Cameron Art Museum 2021 Bryand Gallery, Wilmington NC 2017-2021 Night in the City featured in Illumination at Cameron Art Museum 2020 NICHE magazine "Finalist" Convention Center Gallery, Philadelphia PA 2014 Breeze Block Gallery, Portland Or 2006-2009
International Exhibition: La Mostra University of Georgia Studies Abroad Exhibition, Palazzo Vagnotti Cortona Italy 2012
Jewelry Exhibitor: Orange Street Art Festival, Wilmington, NC. 2015-2021 American Craft Retail Expo, Philadelphia, PA. 2015 The American Made Show, Philadelphia, PA. 2014 American Craft Retail Expo, Orlando, FL. 2013
Symposiums: Eastern Carolina University Symposium attendee winter 2016 Portland Or, Jewelry Symposium: Tech Form employee/panel host fall 2014
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.