Visual Arts

CFA Selects Art Education Major Amira Sheikh as the 2025 CFA Convocation Student Speaker

Master of Arts in Art Education major Amira Sheikh (CFA’25) will address the Class of 2025 at CFA’s Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, May 17.

Amira Sheikh is a multidisciplinary artist, art educator, and emerging creative entrepreneur dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of art to foster connection, healing, and social change.

Guided by the belief that storytelling is a powerful vehicle for empowerment, Amira weaves together cultural preservation, spiritual exploration, and community engagement in her creative process. Through interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative practice, she bridges art and education to cultivate spaces for reflection, dialogue, and hope.

Amira envisions building creative spaces and enterprises that amplifies this mission on a larger scale—offering programs, experiences, and platforms that elevate underrepresented voices and make art more prominent as a tool for collective healing and systemic change. She hopes to leave a lasting legacy of beauty, introspection, and impact for generations to come.

CFA: Congratulations on being selected as the 2025 CFA Convocation Speaker, Amira! How did you feel when you found out you had been selected as the student speaker?

I felt deeply honored. Being chosen to represent CFA affirmed that my voice, perspective, and journey exploring the possibilities within art education are meaningful—not just to me, but within our shared experience as artists and changemakers. I was fortunate to shape the program around my academic interests, which allowed me to engage with a wide range of classes, communities, and perspectives within the department. To end my journey at BU with this opportunity feels incredibly fulfilling.

How are you preparing for your speech? What do you hope the audience takes away from it?

I’ve prepared my speech with a lot of reflection and hope as I want it to feel honest and uplifting. My goal is for the audience to walk away feeling seen, inspired, and reconnected to their purpose. I hope to highlight the resilience and creative fire of our field—how we’ve continued to show up for ourselves and one another, even in uncertain times.

BU FROM AMIRA’S PERSPECTIVE

What are some of your favorite, most treasured memories from BU?

Some of my favorite memories include the late nights spent creating in the studios, the meaningful (and at times intense) conversations in smaller classes that challenged our conditioning and invited us to reflect on bigger questions, and, of course, the consistent affirming support of classmates within this space.

What do you want people to remember about the CFA Class of 2025?

I want people to remember that the CFA Class of 2025 was bold, thoughtful, and unafraid to create from a place of truth. We didn’t just make art—we asked questions, pushed boundaries, and held space for one another’s stories. We carried a deep sense of responsibility to our communities and the world. As I viewed the processes of art students, it was clear that creativity was not just aesthetic—it was radical and intentional. 

What are some of your plans post-graduation?

Post-graduation, I plan to continue integrating art, social justice, and community-based research into my work. I’m applying to residencies, fellowships, and international programs that center advocacy and storytelling. Eventually, I hope to transition into a curatorial role where I can bridge cultures and spotlight emerging global artists through exhibitions, workshops, and immersive experiences.