KCPS Student Artist Spotlight: Mona Ingersoll-Qureshi

KCPS student Mona Ingersoll-Quershi is one step closer to her dream of becoming an animator after receiving statewide recognition on Show Me Arts Advocacy Day.

Her artwork, a low poly portrait entitled “Mona’s Beauty,” was selected by Missouri Sen. Barbara Washington to be displayed at the statehouse until 2023.

“Low poly” is a style of computer-generated art often used in video games. Bold colors and simple, geometric shapes give objects a three-dimensional (3D) appearance.

“It is a piece about having to mask the effects of stress, anxiety and ADD,” Mona said. “Even though someone may look perfectly fine on the outside, that doesn't make what they are going through on the inside any less real.”

Sharon Mitchell teaches Mona’s Graphic Design class at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts.

“She is like a sponge when it comes to learning new concepts on the computer,” Ms. Mitchell said. “When someone loves working on digital art as much as she does, it makes my job easy.”

Teacher Amanda Phipps said Mona serves not just as an inspiration to her classmates but to her teachers as well.

“In my years of teaching, I have never encountered a more creative and driven student-artist,” Ms. Phipps said.

Mona plans to study animation next year. She has been accepted at six colleges and is currently deciding between the Art Academy of Cincinnati and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. KCPS is so proud of you, Mona!