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

Education:

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

Education:

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

Superpower: Creative problem solving

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

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.

In my free time, I…disc golf, golf, jam to vinyl with my wife, Emma, and dog, Micah.

Jen Barnhart, Youth Class Coordinator/Instructor

Education:

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

Superpower: Making jewelry while chasing after my two year old

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

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.