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Lee Kelly

Lee Kelly (1932–2022) was an Oregon-based sculptor whose large abstract metal works combined geometric structure with references to architecture and natural forms. Washington’s State Art Collection documents his weathering-steel Gate II (1970) at Olympic College and Gate III (1973), originally commissioned for Cheney Middle School and subsequently placed at Wenatchee Valley College. His Untitled (1976) for Pierce College uses galvanized and welded steel, while Blue Benn (1999) forms a courtyard pairing with Bennington II at Evergreen High School. These educational commissions trace a sustained practice in sculpture for shared outdoor spaces. Kelly also supported emerging artists: Willamette University records that he established a residency program at Leland Iron Works in Oregon City in 2015. This profile describes his historical practice.

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Institutional artist reference

Representative artist / studio image for Lee Kelly
Representative artist / studio imageImage: news.willamette.edu ↗©2026 Willamette University | All rights reserved (as credited at source)

At a glance

Practice
monumental sculpture, abstract sculpture, metal sculpture, public art
Based in
Not documented
Profile
individual
Project participation
Not documented; confirm with the artist, studio or estate.

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Documented disciplines include monumental sculpture, abstract sculpture, metal sculpture, public art.

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