Leah's journey as a self-taught artist took a more formal turn when she enrolled at South Suburban College, pursuing an Associate's Degree in Art. Her time at college was marked by acclaim and admiration; her bold use of colors and her unique statement abstracts earned her a distinguished place in the college’s art community. Her talent was further recognized with several college art show features and a significant milestone in 1993 – her own one-woman show.

One of Leah's most notable achievements includes the creation of a 30-foot mural for the Harvey Post Office, showcasing her ability to work on a grand scale. However, following the tragic loss of her son, Bobby Barber, Leah took a hiatus from her art. During this period, she dedicated herself to helping her daughter build the company WDB Marketing.

The year 2020 marked a turning point, as the solitude of the pandemic rekindled Leah's passion for painting. By 2022, having retired from WDB, Leah's creative resurgence was in full swing. She produced over 200 new pieces, breathing life into her signature collections, including the "African Women" and "Don't Touch My Hair" series, along with a fresh array of abstract paintings.

Among her collection, Leah still cherishes a particularly special piece: an oil painting of Michael Jordan, adorned with the legend's signature, acquired in 1988. This piece stands not just as a work of art, but as a symbol of her enduring passion and the intersections of culture and creativity.

Now, reinvigorated with a new fervor for her art, Leah Barber stands at the precipice of a new era, ready once again to share her vision with the world. With her brush in hand and a spectrum of ideas waiting to be expressed, Leah's art is set to captivate and inspire anew. The art world should prepare itself for the vibrant, soulful, and transformative works of this remarkable artist.