Wilson Lee Jr

Since 1965, Tennessee Craft has celebrated, preserved, and promoted the rich histories and techniques of traditional and contemporary craft as handmade art in Tennessee. In partnership with the Lifeworks Foundation, the Tennessee Heritage Craft Fellowship seeks to honor and encourage craft artists who demonstrate excellence, commitment, and a high level of craftsmanship while working within well-established craft traditions.

Artist Wilson Lee, Jr. has been selected as the recipient of the Tennessee Heritage Craft Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contributions Craft in Tennessee. Born into a family of woodworkers in the Mississippi Delta, Wilson’s work reflects both his rich cultural heritage and his creative spirit. Influenced by the social realities of the Civil Rights Movement, his abstract carvings express powerful statements on themes such as justice, equality, love, and the blues. With each piece, Wilson brings to life the stories with the wood he carves, honoring the past while commenting on the world around him.