Monica Ikegwu ’20
“I want my work to highlight the different attitudes of African American people…not as subjects to paint, but as people with their own sense…
As part of MICA Weekend and our bicentennial celebration, “Stoop Storytelling” took the stage on October 11 for an afternoon of heartfelt, humorous, and inspiring stories about creativity, connection, and the lasting impact of a MICA education. Members of the MICA community shared their unique journeys:
Monica Ikegwu ’20: A nationally recognized figurative painter whose powerful, hyper-realistic portraits explore identity, perception, and the Black experience, challenging how we see ourselves and others.
Katie Pumphrey ’09: An accomplished painter and marathon swimmer who finds unexpected connections between artistic expression, endurance, and community.
Tony Shore ’93: A celebrated Baltimore painter and MICA faculty member whose work and teaching reflect the power of mentorship, generosity, and finding inspiration in everyday life.
Together, their stories celebrated what makes MICA special: a place where creative voices are nurtured, boundaries are pushed, and connections last far beyond the classroom.
