Instructors
We're thrilled to provide you with a great team of experienced jewelry metalsmithing instructors, who are professional, patient, and fun! Read the bios below to learn more about each instructor who teaches on a regular basis at our studio. Guest instructor bios are listed with their class description.
Questions? Contact us anytime, we'd love to hear from you!
Jen Lesea-Ames, Owner

- B.S. Exercise Science, UC Davis
- M.S. Kinesiology, CU Boulder
- Denver School of Metal Arts, 2012-2016
- Accredited Jewelry Professional, GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
Experience:
- Owner, Jen Lesea Designs
- Over 20 years of teaching and coaching experience
Superpower: A supportive visionary
My "why": I wanted to create a fun, supportive, drama-free space where people can tap into their inner creative and fall in love with metalsmithing
Favorite process: Fusing sterling silver
Favorite Tool: my torch
Pet Peeve: Getting interrupted while talking
Favorite Color: Cobalt blue
Favorite Food: Fresh fish (same-day caught) with sauteed veggies
If I could live anywhere, it would be: Hawaii (Big Island)
In my free time, I... recreate outdoors, travel, and relax with my fur babies, Addie and Stevie.
Alec Schweiger, Head Instructor

- BFA in Ceramics – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- MFA in Metals and Jewelry – Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Experience:
- Instructor, Colorado State University-Fort Collins: 2019-present
My “why”: I am an extremely curious person and have always been driven to figure out how things work or how they are made. I have a passion for teaching
Favorite Process: Raising Vessels
Favorite Tool: My riveting hammer
Pet Peeve: When shoppers don’t return their carts to the corral
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Cookies
Favorite Tool: My riveting hammer
Pet Peeve: When shoppers don’t return their carts to the corral
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Cookies
If I could live anywhere, it would be: An imaginary place that is a cross of WI and CO, where all my friends and family are close by.
Education:
In my free time, I…disc golf, golf, jam to vinyl with my wife, Emma, and dog, Micah.
Jen Barnhart, Youth Class Coordinator/Instructor

- BA in Literature – University of Texas
- Silver Peak Studio (2022-present)
Experience:
- Over 20 years of experience leading youth programs and teaching
- Certified Teacher: state of Colorado and Texas
- Owner, Stoic Sage Designs
My “why”: I want youth (and adults) to feel inspired, gain confidence, and express their creativity because there is pure magic when those things are combined.
Favorite Process: Flame painting copper
Favorite Tool: Ball-peen hammer
Pet Peeve: Belly buttons (particularly when my kids touch mine or their own)
Favorite Color: Olive green
Favorite Food: Tex-Mex Queso
Favorite Tool: Ball-peen hammer
Pet Peeve: Belly buttons (particularly when my kids touch mine or their own)
Favorite Color: Olive green
Favorite Food: Tex-Mex Queso
If I could live anywhere, it would be: We moved here from Texas last December and this is exactly where I want to be.
In my free time, I…hike, bike, and read.
Samantha Chang
Education:
- BA, Art History and Arts Management, SUNY Purchase
- Jewelry Arts Institute, NYC
Experience:
- 2016-2019, Apprentice under Judith Haas LLC
- 2019-2022, Jeweler at Catbird NYC
- 2022 - present, Founder of Saintly
Superpower: hardly ever buying any item first hand; I’ve sourced my wardrobe, home furnishings & my booth display from thrift stores, estate sales and Facebook marketplace!
My "why": I love teaching & connecting with others over jewelry and gemstones.
Favorite process: wire wrapping is so meditative
Favorite Tool: my hammers!!
Pet Peeve: gatekeeping information; 'the flame of a candle never went out from lighting another candle!'
Favorite Color: olive green
Favorite Food: homegrown veggies
If I could live anywhere, it would be: Greece but only if my whole family moves with me!
In my free time, I... walk my dog, paint or draw, journal, try a new craft, spend time with my husband
Cheyenne Hughes
Education:
- Apprenticeship under Ira Sherman: 2009-2015
Experience:
- Bench Jeweler: J.F. Sholl Fine Jewelry in Littleton, CO
- Owner, Beast of Burden Jewelry
Superpower: Can finish an entire Chipotle burrito
My "why": I love making things that someone would actually like to put on their body and walk around!
Favorite process: CAD
Favorite Tool: sprue cutters
Pet Peeve: when people say "casted"
Favorite Color: orange
Favorite Food: BBQ
If I could live anywhere, it would be: A cave cliff home
In my free time, I... play video games
Shawn Rybacki
Education:
- B.A. Psychology
- M.A. Counseling Psychology - Naropa University
Experience:
- Lifelong jewelry maker and self-taught wire-wrapper
Superpower: Kindness
My "why": Because I have to! I can't imagine not making art. Creating is like breathing, I can't stop!
Favorite process: Design conceptualization, hunting for materials, and weaving advanced patterns
Favorite Tool: my hands
Pet Peeve: Last minute changes to my schedule
Favorite Color: I like all colors!
Favorite Food: mushrooms
If I could live anywhere, it would be: Somewhere warm with a beach
In my free time, I... Dance, watch documentaries, and enjoy cooking!
Michele Throne
Education:
- BFA with a concentration in Drawing and Large Installations, Florida State University
Experience:
- 1998-present: teaching art and since 2012, metalsmithing
- Owner, Sidhe Designs
Superpower: Sawing and, finding the best in people and see what they have to offer
My "why": I like creating meaningful jewelry with a story. I’ve found sawing imagery to be the best way to express this so far!
Favorite process: sawing and sweat soldering
Favorite Tool: my jeweler's saw
Pet Peeve: Disingenuous behavior and my own space cadet state of mind.
Favorite Color: maroon and aqua blue
Favorite Food: a tie between Thai and Indian
If I could live anywhere, it would be: Where I’m at-minus the fire danger and in a house with a bigger studio! Ireland would be magical too, but I think the rain would lead me to drink.
In my free time, I... play as much as I can outdoors! Rock climb, hike with my neighbors and our dogs, mountain bike a little.