About
Statement
"Creating is a process constantly in motion, one that keeps the maker searching for balance. I hope to create work that provokes thought. Bordering between sculpture and jewelry each is thoughtful in design and construction representing a meaning deeper than aesthetics."
"I am fascinated with juxtaposition and fluidity of materials. My work is about exploring the aspects of ephemeral impressions and the urbanity of metal. I use precious metals, stones and alternative materials to explore these expressions."
Using low-tech traditional metal smithing techniques and tools, each piece is created in Lesley’s studio in the tradition of the American Studio Art Jewelry movement of the 1940’s through the 60’s, which dictates that the work is created entirely in the artist’s studio. Her work is hand fabricated using recycled metals and ethically, sustainably-mined gemstones.
Biography
Creating jewelry since 1984, Lesley is the daughter of two professional artists. An artistically rich environment that molded her vision and ethic. Lesley's jewelry reflects a dedication to excellence in craft and attention to narrative. Each piece is unique with the intent to evoke conversation and represent the wearers personal expression. Lesley is currently exploring deep sculptural constructions.
Lesley lives and works in the high desert mountains of northern Arizona.
About the materials I use.
Every effort is made to use recycled and ethically mined metals and gems. To that end all my precious metal is sourced from a SCS certified refiner. It is important that the metals I use are held to social, ethical, and environmental standards I believe in. I try to limit the purchase of gems to second or third-party custody chains that support small gemstone miners and cutters.
Learn more about SCS precious metal certification

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Giving Back
The planet and animals are a deep concern to me. I volunteer politically and donate a portion of my income throughout the year to the Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary that provides a forever home to retired captive elephants. I believe strongly in giving back and am happy to share my experience freely with other jewelers. I am dedicated to educating others on the importance of art in our lives.
A society without art is a society without a soul.
Exhibitions
2025 SNAG @ NYC Jewelry Week, Pratt Institute Steuben Gallery
2025 CraftForms 2025 -30th International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA
2025 Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show - Atlanta, GA
2025 Leaves & Petals - 2nd place 3D , The Embrace- Santa Fe, NM
2025 Mineral Minded - SNAG @ Tucson - 2025
2024 METALmorphosis - CoMA Denver, Co
2024 WE ARE SNAG - Anthology Ed 4 , Society of North American Goldsmiths
2024 Adorned Spaces Exhibition - SNAG Conference. Society of North American Goldsmiths
2024 Bring on the Gems - Snag@Tucson Exhibition. Society of North American Goldsmiths
2023 We Are SNAG - Anthology Ed 3, Society of North American Goldsmiths
2023 Bring on the Gems - SNAG @ Tucson. Exhibition live and virtual , Society of North American Goldsmiths
2023 Small Objects - Arizona Designer Art & Craft ,Tucson, Arizona
2023 Written in Stone - Natural History Institute, Prescott, Arizona.
2022 Night Skies Exhibition - Northern Arizona Museum
2015 Best of Show -High Design Jewelry ACRE, Las Vegas, NV
2000 Artist in Residence/ Mendocino Arts Center, Mendocino, CA
2001 McKeown Family Exhibition - Sedona Arts Center, Sedona, AZ
2004- 2018 Trappings of the American West / Northern Arizona Museum, Flagstaff,
2019 Trappings of the American West -Wickenburg Museum, Phippen Museum, AZ
2001 Coconino Center for the Arts / It's Elemental Exhibition Flagstaff, AZ
2000 Art of the American West / Houston Contemporary Craft Museum ,Houston, TX
1999 Trappings of the American West / Phoenix Sky Harbor Museum, Phoenix, AZ
1998 Winter Arts Exhibition / Broderick Castle Isle of Arran, Scotland, U.K.
1997 Trading Places Exhibition Taos, NM
1995 Lanning Gallery - Contemporary Jewelry Exhibition - Sedona, AZ
Publications
Ornament Magazine Volume 45 No. 4 2025
Tlaquepaque Magazine - Fall 2024
Meet the Maker Monday Sept 2024 - Crafted by Makers
ShoutOut HTX - December 2020 Meet the Artist- Lesley Aine McKeown
Memberships
Society of North American Goldsmiths
American Crafts Council
GIA Gemological Institute of America - Alumni
AGTA American Gem Trade Association
IGS International Gemological Society
Society of Arts and Crafts
Florida Society of Goldsmiths
Metal Arts Guild of Sand Francisco
