Florence Lee
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
What if one person could turn art into connection, history into something you can walk through, and a simple face painting station into pure childhood magic?
Meet Florence Lee — a woman quietly weaving creativity, culture, and community into something truly unforgettable.
Florence isn’t just an artist — she’s a bridge.
Recognized with a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant, her work reflects a deep commitment to bringing arts and culture to life in ways that are joyful, inclusive, and meaningful. If you’ve ever wandered through a Melrose event and seen kids light up with vibrant face paint, you’ve already experienced a bit of Florence’s magic.
But her story stretches far beyond Melrose.
Florence spent her early years in Japan before moving to the U.S. at 15, carrying with her a global perspective that continues to shape everything she does. That perspective opened an extraordinary door — serving as a translator in a world orchestra connected to the legacy of Albert Schweitzer. She describes the experience as magical—musicians from five different countries, speaking different languages, yet united through music. Because to Florence, music — and art in all forms — is the one language that belongs to everyone.
And she’s been sharing that belief ever since.
From her work with the Japan Society of Boston and the Hoover School to her current role at The Residence at Melrose Station, Florence has always gravitated toward people — especially elders. She treasures their stories, their wisdom, and the way they connect us to something bigger. “They feed my soul,” she says—and you can feel that sincerity in everything she does.
Her creativity doesn’t stop there.
Through her business, Lucky Star Face Painting, Florence has transformed a joyful art into a way of mentoring the next generation — training local high school students and giving them a marketable skill.
And then there’s her passion for storytelling...
Florence is bringing history to life in bold, imaginative ways — highlighting Melrose’s own Mary Livermore through performances, cultural programming, and even plans for a walking map that will guide residents through the places that shaped Mary Livermore. She’s also developing an immersive experience at the Beebe Estate that will transport participants back to 1864 — complete with reenactors, Victorian details, and a living, breathing story.
Because for Florence, history isn’t meant to sit quietly in books — it’s meant to be experienced.
At the heart of it all is a woman deeply grounded in her faith, devoted to her family, and guided by a simple belief: when a door opens, you step through it. And Melrose is brighter because she has.
Florence Lee reminds us that art can connect generations, cultures, and communities—and that sometimes, the most powerful impact comes not from the spotlight, but from the joy you create for others.
