CLEO LEWIS
lewis.cleo.m@gmail.com
IG: @cleo.lewis.wood
Curriculum Vitae
EXPERIENCE
Molasses Industries, Richmond, VA — Wood Fabricator
December 2021 – Present
Plane and join wood for hand crank organs
Make wood cuts for hand crank organs
Perform housekeeping tasks in the Molasses Industries studio
Anderson Ranch Arts Center — Intern
May 2022 – August 2022
Mill wood
Assist various artists
Maintain machines and shop cleanliness
Answer student questions regarding woodworking
Furniture Society Board Member
October 2022 – Present
Assist with fundraising
Attend board meetings
Manage social media and student gatherings
Ellie Richards Tiny Home Resident and Studio Assistant
November 2022 – November 2022
Mill lumber
Make cuts and follow direction from Ellie Richards
Fabricate furniture and small designs
Paint and finish furniture
Woodcraft of Richmond — Sales Associate
December 2022 – August 2023
Customer service
Assist with classes
Sell machinery and hand tools
Woodcraft Manager, Berea Student Craft
October 2023 – April 2026
Teach and manage students working in the Berea College production shop
Peters Valley Summer Workshop Instructor (Invitation)
August 1–5, 2025
Teach a purpose‑oriented, one‑week workshop at Peters Valley
SKILLS
Mold making
Fusion 360
Machine maintenance
Teaching
Proper and safe use of shop machinery
Experience operating a CNC mill
Safe use of hand tools
MIG welding
Wood bending, bent lamination, and steam bending
Concept‑based design
Knowledge of wood joinery
Understanding of multiple finishing techniques
Art handling
Able to lift 100 lbs
Basic administrative tasks
Purchasing and inventory
Community building
Conflict resolution
Open and honest communication
Mentorship
EDUCATION
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA — BFA in Sculpture + Extended Media
August 2018 – December 2022
TC Williams High School, Alexandria, VA — Advanced Diploma
September 2013 – June 2018
EXHIBITIONS
"VCUArts 2021 Undergraduate Juried Exhibition"
Juried by Jennie Goldstein, Whitney Museum of American Art
The Anderson Gallery, Richmond, VA — September 2021
"The Intersections of Blackness"
Sarah Smith and Cleo Lewis, The Anderson Gallery, Richmond, VA — February 2022
"Magpies in the Morning"
Anderson Ranch Summer Intern Art Show, Patton Mallot Gallery, Snowmass, CO — August 2022
"Sculpture and Extended Media Senior Capstone Show"
The Anderson Gallery, Richmond, VA — March 2023
"Retrospective Progression"
Iridian Gallery, Richmond, VA — May 2023
“Art Feilds 2026” Lake City, South Carolina- April - May 2026
AWARDS
2022 Anderson Ranch Partnership Scholarship
2022 Anderson Ranch Education Grant
2023 Center for Furniture Craftsmanship Endowed Fellow
2023 Iridian Gallery BIPOC Grant Recipient
2024 Chair Makers Tool Box Side Chair Workshop, NBSS
2025 Chairmaker Tool Box: Jeff Lefkowitz Tool Collection Scholarship
2025 Penland Winter Resident (Invitation)
Copper Hewitt Design Award , Berea College Student Craft 2026