ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born and raised on a dairy farm in rural northeast Iowa, Shawna McLeod has been creating since early childhood, drawn to art as a way to tell stories and shape the spaces people inhabit.

After earning a degree in Art Education with an emphasis in painting from the University of Northern Iowa in 2011.

Shawna spent the next 15 years teaching middle school art. During that time, she developed a deep passion for murals and the powerful impact thoughtfully designed environments can have—especially within schools and community spaces. Implementing large-scale murals in the classroom became a natural extension of her belief that art has the ability to inspire, connect, and transform.

In 2026, after years of mural experience and with the unwavering support of her husband, family, friends, and past clients, Shawna stepped away from the classroom to pursue her work full-time through McLeod Paint & Design. Today, she creates murals and designs that bring intention, warmth, and visual storytelling to businesses and communities alike.

Thank you so much for being here. Shawna hopes her work offers a moment of pause—and a spark of joy.