Barbara “Babs” Leoff Burge graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and taught in community art schools and university settings while working on her art. She co-founded the Women’s Studio Workshop with fellow artists Ann Kalmbach, Tatana Kellner, and Anita Wetzel. While at WSW, she published numerous artists’ books and contributed to robust programming. In 2013, Leoff Burge was honored at WSW’s annual Gala Dinner. In 2023, New Paltz honored her 90th birthday with a parade and community festivities.