Leila Bandar attended Bard College (‘99) for her bachelor’s degree and Boston University (‘01) for graduate school. During her first years in Vermont (2001-2004) she worked at the Vermont Studio Center as their sculpture technician and sculpture coordinator.  Also at this time, she began working at Vermont State University, first as part-time faculty and then gallery director and writing specialist / mentor.  Her roles in higher education inform her art practice, curating, and perspectives on the importance of art and mentorship.  She believes in the unique qualities of each individual journey, and that each of us has a path with lessons to learn -- but we do not have to face this alone.  Over the years, she has come to value the importance of conversation, intuition, and the arts in decision making. Through a commitment to sculpture and drawing, Leila has explored many materials and methods and continues to observe transformations emergent from an open mindset. In 2021, she returned to the Vermont Studio Center and is currently their Visual Arts Program and Gallery Director.