News
Artist Lee Ko in New South Finds.
A recent feature article from New South Finds that highlights the work and journey of multidisciplinary artist Lee Ko.
The article explores how Lee’s artistic roots began with her grandfather’s love for traditional Korean ceramics and how her path led her through fine arts education in both South Korea and the United States. It also focuses on her unique way of giving new life to discarded materials, such as old copper wires and recycled glass, turning them into meaningful pieces of art.
Beyond her studio work, the feature introduces her community-focused initiatives like The Hands Project and the non-profit organization Hands On Well. It is a wonderful look into her belief in healing and togetherness through art.
You can read the full story and see more photos of her work at the link below.
Eggcellent SculpTOON
Multidisciplinary artist Lee Ko presents her solo exhibition, Eggcellent SculpTOON, at the South Piedmont Art Gallery. This exhibition is a collection of 100 days of stories and meditations. Every night, in the quiet of her home, Lee shaped clay into eggs to record her daily life and thoughts as a mother and an artist in Union County.
Each piece in the show reflects a moment of patience and care, created through multiple firings and delicate work with recycled glass and gold leaf. We invite you to see these sincere records of daily life and connect with the stories behind each work.
The exhibition runs from March 26 through May 15, 2026. A special reception and Artist Talk will be held on April 30th at 12 PM.
- Address: 4209 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, NC
- Reception/Artist Talk : 4/30/2026, 12PM
The 1st solo show in 2026
The first solo exhibition of 2026, Moving Silence: Figural Works in Hammered Metal, will be presented at the Bill Gorelick Gallery at CPCC.
This exhibition brings together previously created hammered metal figurative works.
The exhibition runs from January 6 through June 7, 2026.
- Opening Reception: TBA
- Location: Bill Goreleck Gallery @CPCC
- Address: 8121 Grier Road, Charlotte, NC
The Journey Exhibit
As part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival, 25 artists from diverse cultural backgrounds were invited to present works that reflect their journeys to the United States, offering the community a chance to experience their stories and walk in their shoes. Workbylee is showcasing Flutter Across Time, a piece inspired by Korean Jo Gak Bo (traditional patchwork). The exhibition is on view through September 28.
- Opening Reception: 9/12/2025 5-9pm
- Location: Knight Theater
- Address: 430 S Tryon St. Charlotte, N
A New Installation!
June 2025, “A Way Coming Back” series is created with various clay and recycled glass, reflecting themes of recovery, second chances, and the harmony of diverse elements, like the world we live in.
I’m deeply moved that this work now hangs in the chapel area of Atrium’s new Lake Norman Hospital — a space where hope and healing come together.
“Trace Of Time”
June 16, 2025, Trace of Time is on view in front of the auditorium of the Center of Hope @MyerParkUMC.
workbylee is featured in ART IN THE QC
“Sculpting Memories with Lee Ko” by Alexandra Smith, March 2, 2025
Spring Show at Mint-Guilding the Mint!
- 4/23/2025 ~ 5/26/2025
- Mint Museum: 500 S Tryon St. Charlotte, NC
workbylee in the news
WBTV QC Life – “Celebrating Charlotte’s Creativity Through Art” January 24, 2025
SOVEREIGN : Honoring Bodily Autonomy
Workbylee is proud to contribute to this powerful narrative! The show is on view until April 12.
- A Final Gathering: 4/12/2025, 6 – 8pm
- McColl Center : 721 N Tryon St. Charlotte, NC
The Global Art Project
GAP is pleased to announce that CrossingBorders: We ARE ALL IMMIGRANTS 11/16/2024~1/4/2025
- Opening Reception: 11/16/2024 5:30pm
- Nine Eighteen Nine Gallery, Charlotte, NC
The Expression of Hope
Project PAIR video documentary will come alive on the MegaScreen, inviting guests to engage with stories of the artist’s journey that resonate deeply. Participate in our dynamic ArtistTalk with videographer Christopher Draven Keith @opticalcatalystproductions and moderator Brian James @usurper. Dr. Keith Cradle will host. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience. It’s guaranteed to be a good time that will leave you inspired!
- Opening Reception: 9/10/2024 6:30pm
- Closing Reception: 11/19/2024 6:30pm
- Artist Talk: Every Tuesday 6:30-8:30pm
- Location: Myers Park UMC
- Address: 1501 Queens Rd. Charlotte, NC
Best Sculptor (Readers’ Pick) – Best in the Nest 2024 | Lee Ko
In November 2024, Charlotte-based sculptor Lee Ko was selected as Best Sculptor (Readers’ Pick) in Queen City Nerve’s annual Best in the Nest awards.
Best in the Nest is an annual recognition organized by Queen City Nerve, highlighting artists, organizations, and local businesses contributing to Charlotte’s cultural community through public voting. Lee Ko was selected through community voting as part of the Best in the Nest 2024 issue.
The Journey Exhibit
As part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival, 18 international artists were invited to represents their journey allowing the community to experience their story and take a walk in their shoes.
- Opening Reception: 9/13/2024 5:30pm
- Location: Knight Theater
- Address: 430 S Tryon St. Charlotte, NC
New Solo Exhibition-
“r e : B l o o m” – Metal Figure Study
27 of her previous metal sculptures and 5 recent drawings will be presented.
- Opening Reception: 6/22/2024 5-8pm
- Closing Reception: 7/25/2024 5:30-8:30pm
- Location: Nine Eighteen Nine Gallery @ VAPA
- Address: 700 N Tryon St. Charlotte, NC
Some of “r e : B l o o m” series have found their permanent home.
“A Way Coming Back”, “Never”, and “It could be…” have found their new home in the heart of Charlotte Uptown.
workbylee extends the heartfelt gratitude to ArtPop Street Gallery for their unwavering support of artist through the Inspiration Project, and to the partner, Haynes and Boone, LLP. And to the Bird Hill Design for the professional handling. Click here for more information.
Meet “r e : B l o o m” series!
Two pieces from the “r e : B l o o m” series are currently on display
“Drop” is exhibited at The New Hope Gallery @MPUMC
“Raining Flowers” is showcased in front of the new auditorium in the 4th floor.
I am incredibly grateful for the chance to showcase my art in in public.
The 100 Eggs are on display
The 100 Eggs are installed at The R.O.B.245 (South Church St., Lake City, SC) during the ArtField SC 2024. 4/16/2024~5/4/2024.
workbylee’s Artist ID is 2 4 3 6 5 7
Test-to-Vote (843)647-6780 if you are around and registered.
Charlotte SHOUT!
It was another amazing spring here in Charlotte. I am already looking forward to the next one!
A Big Egg & the small Eggs!
New Solo Exhibition
- Date: Jan 6th, 2024
- Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: The Artisan’s Palate
- Address: 1218 E 36th St A, Charlotte, NC 28205
CMC Art Gallery
“re: Bloom – Raining Flowers” is featured at the CMC Art Gallery in Atrium Health Carolina Medical Center from November 1st, 2023, until the end of January 2024.
It’s an honor to have my work showcased there, especially since this piece symbolizes “restarting” and “second chances” by using reclaimed copper wires. Placing it in a hospital setting feels perfect, as it aligns with the theme of wishing all patients a speedy recovery.
I have been wanting a chance to showcase the complete set in Charlotte for a long time, and I’m immensely grateful for this opportunity!
- Date: Nov 1, 2023~ Jan 31, 2024
- Location: CMC Art Gallery
- Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203