After being a Professor at Utah State University, she took early retirement (after 26 years) in order to follow her passion for creating fused glass. She feels fortunate to be educated by some of the best glass artists in the county such as:  Phil Teefy, Dan Fenton, and Lisa Volt. She had also taken various classes and workshops.  As a result of these opportunities and her desire to explore all aspects of fusing glass, she has developed new techniques and processes that result in unique art pieces. All of the art pieces are made of recycled glass.  Some of the techniques and processes used to fuse glass art pieces are: copper Inclusion, mirror Infusion, multi-colors and bubble creations, painting and enameling glass, and sand blasted glass.

"My glass art pieces give me a great deal of intrinsic satisfaction and I enjoy sharing their beauty with others. All of the art pieces are made by me, unique, and one of a kind."  

Leona Hawks work has been in many exhibits in Utah, Colorado, California.