We recently connected with Ambar Santiago and have shared our conversation below.

Ambar, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned my craft by being inside the work every day at Mills Gallery, not just studying it in books, but by living it. I watch how artists succeed and fail, and I pay attention to what works and what actually connects with people. Working closely with these artists taught me that art is definitely not just only about skill, it’s also about having intention, knowing your identity, and creating a story. I also learned how to organize the chaos, curate shows, and communicate in a way that makes the work matter to the public. That process alone gave me confidence and a clear voice of my own. Learning my craft helped me understand who I am, and how I can help others.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Hi, I am Ambar Santiago, and I wanted to tell you a little bit about my journey. I’m a creative, a curator, and currently the Operations Administrator at Mills Gallery, where I’ve grown by working directly with artists and building exhibitions that connect with people. My focus is on storytelling, especially when it comes to identity, resilience through experience, and giving a voice to perspectives that are often overlooked.

I curated the Exhibition, “OPPOSITES ATTRACT”, which featured the artists Liamel Cohen and Genna Sweetnam, and ultimately became a really significant exhibition centered on female empowerment and contrast between practices. Through my work, I’ve been recognized with opportunities and awards that reflect both my vision and commitment to the community. I want to thank Marieangie Rosario, the Director and Editor in Chief of NOSOTRAS LATINAS Magazine, for nominating me for the award of “Women Of Impact In the Arts – Emerging Star” (which I won!)

I spoke at the University of Central Florida, alongside Boris Garbe and Juan Pablo Santa Luna, for a talk titled “How to Get Into An Art Gallery: Beyond The White Walls” introduced by Representative Anna Eskamani and hosted by Assistant Director of SVAD, Jason Burrell. The students in attendance gained some real insight into the gallery world!

I’ve also become someone artists turn to for guidance, whether they’re finding their voice or navigating challenges in their art careers. What matters most to me is helping people feel understood and supported through art. I’ve grown alongside the Mills Gallery team, working closely with Executive Director Juan Pablo Santa Luna and founder Boris Garbe, whose leadership shaped how I approach art intertwined with community. I was also influenced by voices like Linda Hobby and Carolina Derregibus, who continue to inform my perspectives on storytelling. That being said, I’m still growing, but I’m proud to be building a path where creativity and impact go hand in hand.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to build something bigger than myself: A respected art institution and eventually my own gallery where artists are taken seriously. That drive comes from both my education at the University of Central Florida and what I’ve experienced at Mills Gallery, where I’ve seen firsthand how many talented artists struggle to find direction and opportunity. I want to create spaces where artists can show work, but also grow, experiment, and build sustainable art careers.

A huge part of my mission is to uplift women, especially female artists, by giving them confidence and real opportunities to be seen. I plan to expand that impact beyond the gallery through a book, a podcast, live shows, and seminars that share what I’ve learned. And this isn’t just an idea for me, I am already doing the work through helping artists, creating powerful exhibitions, and being part of that change every single day.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

What people outside of the creative world often don’t understand is that this path isn’t just about painting something. It’s about constantly questioning your value and what your capabilities are while still showing up with confidence. There’s a lot of unseen work: the emotional investment, rejection, uncertainty, and the pressure to make something that resonates with the right people. At Mills Gallery, I have witnessed talented artists struggle because they don’t have support or direction, or even a belief in themselves.

What I’ve learned is that creativity is as much about discipline as it is about talent. You have to keep building yourself and establishing connections by putting yourself out there even when the payoff isn’t immediate. The advice I’d give is that behind every exhibition or finished work is a process that demands consistency and a willingness to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://millsgalleryorlando.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvckssauce/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambarsantiago015

Image Credits

Juan David Tena