Name: Mita Sharma

Year: Sophomore

Major/College: Columbia College, English major with a special concentration in Sustainable Development

Position on Quarto: Head of Art & Design

Where are you from?

St. Louis, Missouri! And I will never let you forget about it.

What do you love about Quarto?

There’s so much I love about Quarto! The radiant staff members I get to see each week, the innovative and inspiring work we get to review, and the process of collaborating with such talented and kind humans to hold space for the creative arts around campus.

What inspires you to do the work we do?

I hold firm to the belief that art—whether it be visual, literary, or beyond—is such a revolutionary and connective force. It’s helped me heal, inspired me to seek justice, and exposed me to so much magic in the world. It’s so important for emerging artists, including myself, to have spaces where we can feel supported, seen, and uplifted. It’s an honor to help cultivate that space and share the amazing work of these artists with the Barnumbia community and beyond.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! The love of my life is my 10 year old yellow lab named Teddy. He loves car rides, foraging on hikes, and stuffed animals. At school, I also have four wonderful plant children. They are spending the rest of the semester with a dear friend in NYC.

Where can we find you in your free time (a lazy Monday afternoon, a cozy Sunday morning?)

If it’s a warm and sunny day, I’m probably napping in the sun or taking a stroll. If it’s rainy and cold, I’m probably watching copious amounts of Tiny Desk Concerts and Bon Appetit in my room or working on some of my own poetry.

What else are you involved in/what are your other interests?

I spent eleven years training in classical Indian dance and have recently started working on integrating that with yoga and other forms of somatic expression. I also am an avid gardener and super passionate about regenerative agriculture and all things veggies.

Favorite author/artist/work?

Oh, that’s so tough! There’s so much out there to love, from experimental works to classics. I’ll name some writers that are helping me through these insanely tumultuous times: Pablo Neruda, Juliana Spahr, Aracelis Girmay, Audre Lorde, Myung Mi Kim, Mary Oliver—just to name a few.

What else should we know about you?

I think earthworms are some of the most beautiful things on this planet. The moon makes me cry. I spend too much time listening to music. I drink more tea than water. I scored 100% Feeling instead of Thinking on the Myers-Briggs personality test. That’s about it, folks.