Mona Frey

Mona Frey was born in Bareilly, a city near the foothills of the Himalayas in North India. While Mona admired art growing up, it wasn’t until her early-thirties that her casual appreciation turned into absolute fascination. Her journey into the world of painting began with an adventure.

In January 2014, Mona and her husband Paul, quit their jobs to explore the world. One of the first countries they visited was the UK, and it was in London’s National Gallery that Mona discovered the pure joy of viewing a beautiful painting. As she stood in awe of masterpieces on display, Mona was transported to a fabulous world that she never knew existed. She made a promise to herself to visit the art museums of every country she traveled to.

37 countries later, while in Mexico, Mona visited Frida Kahlo’s Museum (also called the Blue House) in Mexico City. Mona’s eureka moment came in Frida’s Blue House as she began to discover the passionate links between Frida, her autobiographical and surrealist art style, her motivations and lifelong pain, and her lovely house. Mona realized that she was meant to paint and decided to begin painting as soon as she returned home to Pennsylvania in the US.

Mona’s formal art journey began at the Art Association of Harrisburg in Pennsylvania. She thoroughly enjoyed every class she participated in and began to mature as an artist. As time went by, Mona realized that watercolor was her preferred medium of painting and she began experimenting with various watercolor techniques. Encouraged by the progress she was making, Mona became a member of Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society and Hershey Area Art Association.

Mona served on the Board of Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, and was the representative for International Watercolor Society, Pennsylvania branch before she moved to Amsterdam in The Netherlands in September 2021. She was also featured as Artist in Focus in "The Burg" magazine, November 2020 issue.

Mona has helped in giving through non-profits since her childhood. In 2014 she helped raise funds through the non-profit program, Chess Without Borders in Chicago. The program uses chess as a vehicle to raise funds for local and global charities. Chess Without Borders has donated over $180,000 to a wide range of charities since its inception. In recognition of her contribution, Mona received the ‘US Presidential Award’ for volunteer service.