“The process of blowing glass has been my teacher for the past 35 years. I have developed glass blowing techniques for my work that captivate the fluid energy of hot glass, using fire, air centrifugal force, gravity, and tools to push and pull the glass.I enjoy exploring the visual dimensions of massive glass and reflective interiors, using transparent colors so that light passes through and brings out the pure beauty and essence of glass.” - Leon PERMANENT COLLECTIONS The McDonaugh Collection of American Art – Youngstown, OhioCanton Art Institute – Canton, OhioThe Patrick Lanen Art Foundation – Palm Beach, FloridaWheaton Museum of Glass – Millville, New JerseyBrunner Museum – Iowa State University – Ames, IowaSmithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Washington, D.CCorning Museum of Glass – Corning, New YorkVero Beach Museum of Art – Vero Beach, FloridaMobil Museum of Art- Mobil –AlabamaGulf Coast Museum of Art – Clearwater, Florida GALLERY SHOWS Laughing Dog Gallery – Vero Beach, FloridaHawk Gallery – Columbus, OhioRenaissance Gallery – Rochester, New YorkHeller Gallery – New York, New YorkFragile – San Juan, Puerto RicoRiley Hawk – Cleveland, Columbus, OhioJudith Wolov – Boston, MassachusettsChristy Taylor – Boca Raton, FloridaNancy Kaye – Boca Raton, FloridaKimzey Miller – Seattle, WashingtonGallery One – Naples, Florida INVITATIONALS National Glass Show – Habatat Gallery – Southfield, MichiganCGCA Fellowship Exhibition – Snyderman Gallery – Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaNew York Craftsman’s Show at the Smithsonian Museum – Washington, D.C.Kanazawa – Crafts International – JapanKyoto – Glass International – JapanInternational Glass Symposium – Novy Bor – Czech Republic WORK EXPERIENCE Owner, designer, and glassblower of Sahaj Glass StudioInstructor of Glass – Peabody College of Vanderbilt – Nashville,TennesseeInstructor of Glass – Rochester Institute of Technology – Rochester, New YorkSpecialty Glass Blower – Boda Glass – Smalanda, SwedenSpecialty Glass Blower -- Orrefors Glass – Orefors, Sweden AWARDS Award - Festival of the Masters - Orlando, FloridaPurchase Award – Tennessee Arts CommissionPurchase Award – National Art Exhibition – Valley City State CollegePurchase Award – Saenger National Sculpture ExhibitPurchase Award – Toledo Museum of Art – Toledo, OhioPurchase Award – Butler Institute of American Art – Youngstown, OhioJuror’s Special Award – Butler Institute of American ArtWinner in Fragile Art Competition – Glass Studio – Portland, OregonSix Months Fellowship at the Creative Glass Chapter of America - Weaton Village, Millville, New JerseyBest of Crafts Gold Medal – Toledo Museum of Art – Toledo, OhioRingling Brothers Craft Show – Excellence in Crafts Award – Sarasota, FloridaBest of Show- Miami Beach Art Show- Miami Beach, FloridaGuest artist – Engermann glass, Czech Rep.Guest artist – National Glass Museum , Leerdam, NZGuest artist – Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Ohio EDUCATION Massachusetts College of Art-Boston, Massachusetts - BFAPeabody College of Vanderbilt-Nashville, Tennessee – MAAkrahallskollan Orrefors, SwedenRochester Institute of Technology-Rochester, New York – MFA