She grew up in Hyde Park one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods. After earning her ‘Bachelor of Fine Arts’ and ‘Bachelor of Art Education’ from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, (SAIC) Stradford became part of the Artist-In-Residence program for the City of Chicago. One of 20 visual artists chosen to create art for the City’s permanent collection. Upon completing her Master of Fine Arts degree from SAIC, she earned her Doctorate in Art Education and Educational Administration from Illinois State University. Stradford’s studies and practices in 2010 have taken her to Florence Italy ‘Studio Arts Center International’ and to accept a prestigious position as an Artist In Residence at Red Gate Gallery in Beijing China.
Leslee has developed a style of making art that includes social, cultural and historical documentation. It is some times figurative, sometimes abstract, sometimes both. Using new technology, photographic research, and drawing, she creates digital images, painted canvases and printed silks.

2021 Keyes Gallery Sag Harbor N.Y
2020 San Jose State University Virtual via France
2018 Hampton University Hampton VA.
2016 Norfolk State & Old Dominion Norfolk VA.
2012 Trans/Express exhibition Russia, Mongolia, Beijing
2011 Oakland Museum of California Oakland, CA.
Parish Gallery Washington, D.C.
Laney College Fine Arts Center Oakland, CA.
Red Gate Gallery Beijing, China
2010 Studio Arts Center International Florence, Italy