GTK: Monica D. Spencer

May 2, 2023

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mdspencer-041523-inmaricopa-reporter-wins-fine-arts-award-01 — Monica D. Spencer, a photographer and reporter for InMaricopa, holding one of her film cameras, won the 2023 Vanguard Award for Best in Show and a $2,500 prize in the juried art competition. [Photo courtesy Steven Shelton]

Name: Monica D. Spencer

Hometown: Mesa, AZ & Dilkon, AZ

Reside in: Tempe, AZ

Occupation: Reporter for InMaricopa

Pets: Jack, a 3-year-old tabby cat; Jake, a 10-year-old Australian Shepherd mix; and Dexter, a 9-year-old chiweenie.

Hobbies: Running, reading, film photography and punching trees in Minecraft.

Pet peeve: I’m a Virgo, so people that exhibit poor manners.

Like most about Maricopa: Seeing the stars at night.

Like least about Maricopa: Traffic on SR 347.

Book: Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

Movie: Amélie

Actor: Pedro Pascal <3

Food: I have two comfort foods: homemade Navajo tacos and chicken and dumplings.

Drink: An icy cold bourbon sour or margarita on the rocks.

Website: monicadspencer.com

Anything else we should know? In April I received the 2023 Eric Fischl Vanguard Series Award through Phoenix College. I took first place in the photo category and received one of four “best in show” awards, both for silver gelatin prints featuring my niece.