Shawn McNevin was born in Deep River Ontario, then moved to Ottawa in the mid 60's. In 1971 she graduated in Commercial Art from Algonquin College and worked as a graphic designer until 1986. Pursuing her interest in Visual Arts, Shawn entered into full time studies at the Ottawa School of Art and graduated in 1989. During this time, she was awarded the Macdonald Club Scholarship 1987-88 and 1988-89 and was co-winner of the Welby Award in 1988-89.

Shawn has lived in Chelsea Quebec since 1975 and since 2000, she has been co-residing in Chelsea and Cow Head Newfoundland (Gros Morne National Park.) She continues to work as a visual artist and teacher and has taught at the Ottawa School of Art, Nepean Visual Arts and the City of Ottawa.

Shawn McNevin has participated in numerous exhibitions in the Ottawa Ontario and Outaouais Quebec Region as well as the Northern Peninsula in Newfoundland. Her work has been acquired by the Regional Municipality of Ottawa- Carleton, Gatineau Memorial Hospital Centre, City of Ottawa and many private (international) and corporate collectors.