2026/27 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Monica Harris Munsell

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I moved to Minneapolis in 2021, and I wanted to pursue my dream of attending an art school. I applied to MCAD on a whim, and was shocked to get a response! I did some further research, and was drawn to the intimate campus setting and impressive list courses available.

How/why did you choose your area of study?

Filmmaking has always been a serious passion of mine. It is storytelling of the highest order. I love every facet needed to make a film. To be Director is to build your own world, complete with artists of many talents coming together to create something.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

The work I submitted was from my time as an intern this past year and prompts given as class projects. 'One Window' is a reflection about my life since the beginning of Operation Metro Surge. 'SLP Firefighter Training' is a short documentary I made featuring the SLP Firefighter Department. 'You're It' is an experimental music video I created with old footage from my hard drives. The end result is an entirely different narrative, made from different experiences from past years.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

I would like to focus on building my production company, Audre's Revenge Film. I aim to produce film, music videos, video games, the life. I would love to snag a post production job for 'steady' work.

What inspires your creative self?

Music, books, and history.

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

Late night materials needed for a class (art supplies, spare clothes).