Burke, a native of Pennsylvania, began painting in her early teens. As an adjunct professor of fine arts at Winthrop, she teaches art history, and foundation studio courses in drawing, painting, and 2D design for the Department of Fine Arts. Burke also teaches The Human Experience course for University College.
She is a practicing graphic designer and is the creative director of Spot Marketing in Charlotte, N.C. Previously, she owned decorative painting businesses in Florida and North Carolina. Burke is a contributing designer for several books published by Lark Books/Sterling Press. She and her husband, Eric Grab, live in Pineville, N.C. Eric, also an artist, is the lead designer for the marketing department of Allen Tate Realtors.
Burke's work is represented by Bella Vista Art in Asheville, N.C.