Fine Arts | Jewelry

Lee Richards has been immersed in the arts throughout her life, from playing flute in school band to creating artwork in early art classes and visiting museums on school field trips. As the child of a military family, she grew up experiencing diverse cultures and environments. Encouraged by her parents to explore and engage with each new place, these experiences helped shape the curiosity and perspective that influence her art today.

As a nontraditional, married student, Lee earned a Bachelor’s degree in Metals from Ball State University. While studying a range of artistic disciplines, she developed a strong affinity for both fiber and metal, drawn to their shared focus on texture and structure. Texture remains a defining element of her jewelry, which often combines precious metal wire with semi-precious stones, glass, and other materials. Influenced by her background in weaving, she treats wire like thread, carefully shaping it into intricate, one-of-a-kind wearable pieces. She has also recently begun exploring the ancient Viking knit technique for its distinctive design possibilities.

Lee is a juried member of Greater St. Louis Artists and Best of Missouri Hands and a member and past board leader of Midwest Metalsmiths. She has also served in numerous leadership roles within GSLA and BOMH and co-chaired the Queeny Art Show for 15 years.