A full CV is available upon request.
Amanda Shopa
amandashopa.com
Saint Paul, MN
Education
2023
PhD, Curriculum & Instruction: Arts in Education, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Dissertation Title: My Easy Year: Breast Cancer, Narrative Reckoning, and the Art of Creating a Dissertation (advisor: James Bequette)
2017
Minnesota Writing Project, Summer Institute
2009
Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA) Certificate of Study, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2004
MEd, Early Childhood Education, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
2002
BA, Philosophy, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA
1999
AA, Liberal Arts, Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN
Group Exhibitions
* Indicates juried exhibitions.
2026
A Common Thread, Textile Center, Minneapolis, MN
2026
Sanctuary: Community Reflection, Hamline Church, St. Paul, MN
2026
*Potluck: The Art of (and About) Food, Rumriver Art Center, Anoka, MN
2025
Ghosts, Goblins & Other Apparitions Exhibition, LenScratch: Fine Arts Photography Daily, online
2025
*Ephemeral, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK
2025
*Look Closely: Art Made on a Small Scale, Rumriver Art Center, Anoka, MN
2024
A Common Thread, Textile Center, Minneapolis, MN
2023
A Common Thread, Textile Center, Minneapolis, MN
2022
A Common Thread, Textile Center, Minneapolis, MN
2021
A Common Thread, Textile Center, Minneapolis, MN
Invited Artist Talks
2026
Narrative Choices and Researcher Identity, Narrative Inquiry in Education class, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
2025
Arts-Based Research Discussion, Children’s Literature class, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN
2024
Arts-Based Research Discussion, Children’s Literature class, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN
2023
Pacem in Terris Artist Weekend, Isanti, MN
2021
Art Speaks: A Common Thread – Text and Textiles, Minneapolis, MN
Selected Honors and Awards
2021
Philanthropic Education Organization Scholar Award
2021
Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship Award, University of Minnesota
2021
Dissertation Writing Retreat, University of Minnesota Center for Writing Studies
Selected Publications (as Author)
All publications are peer reviewed.
2025
“Bringing a Metaphor into Focus: Repairing Cancer’s Narrative Wreckage Through Artistic Practice,” Visual Arts Research, 85–99. https://doi.org/10.5406/21518009.51.2.09
2024
“Collecting as Map Making,” “Construction Walk,” & “Off Season Walking,” Pedagogical Propositions: Playful walking with a/r/tography: Book one: Encounters, R. Irwin, D. T. Barney, N. Y. S. Lee, and J. M. Ursino (eds.). https://doi.org/10.24981/2024-PPPWENC
2020
“Beyond the Shutter’s Click: Exploring Time and Place Through Photographic Studio Practices,” Journal of Artistic and Creative Education.
https://jace.online/index.php/jace/article/view/402
Professional Affiliations
2026–
Saint Paul Art Collective
2020–
Surface Design Association
2020–
Textile Center of Minnesota
Selected Leadership
2025
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council grant scorer
2022
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council grant scorer
2021
Journal of Artistic and Creative Education peer reviewer
Teaching Experience and Related Professional Experience
2026
Invited instructor, Macalester Film Club, Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN
2024–2025
Assistant Director, Minnesota Writing Project Summer Camp, Minneapolis, MN
2024
Adjunct Lecturer, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
CI 1032: Creating Identities: Learning In and Through the Arts
2023
Administrative Coordinator, Minnesota Writing Project Summer Camp, Minneapolis, MN
2023
Invited instructor, Macalester Film Club, Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN
2023
Adjunct Lecturer, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
CI 3041W: Diversity in Children’s Literature (Writing Intensive)
2003–2016
Elementary, English as a Second Language & Gifted Education teacher, PreK–6
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
Seoul Metropolitan Region, South Korea
Fulton County Public Schools, GA