Today we’d like to introduce you to Ambar Santiago.
Hi Ambar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ambar Santiago, and I am excited to share a bit about my journey and my future aspirations. I was born in Puerto Rico to a family with Guatemalan roots, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to become both an artist and a teacher.
Growing up, I naturally gravitated toward the arts. Thanks to my parents, who often took me to galleries and museums, I developed a deep appreciation for creative expression. My mother, an artist herself, was an important influence. Over time, I became especially captivated by sculpture, particularly the works of Andrea del Verrocchio, whose artistry first inspired me to pursue the art world. I also found inspiration in painters such as Hope Gangloff and Carlos Almaraz, whose use of vibrant color demonstrated the power of bold, expressive composition.
In May 2025, I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Fine Arts. Shortly after, I began working at The Mills Gallery in Orlando as a Gallery Operations Assistant. This role has been both rewarding and eye-opening, allowing me to deepen my understanding of the art community while gaining firsthand experience in gallery management.
Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to open my own art gallery—one that not only exhibits compelling works but also supports and mentors emerging artists. I believe that art is about authentic self-expression and growth, and that part of an artist’s journey is learning how to engage with the public in meaningful ways. My vision is to create a space that nurtures this balance between creativity and connection.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although my life has been blessed, I have faced struggles along the way. One ongoing challenge has been perfectionism, but from an early age, I learned the value of self-compassion and accepting that mistakes and imperfections are essential parts of growth. Embracing authenticity freed me from worrying about meeting unrealistic standards.
Being a young woman, I often felt unheard and underestimated. Instead of succumbing to sadness or hopelessness, I proactively built a supportive group of men and women who both respected and cared for me. These relationships empowered me to confront biases, strengthening my self-confidence and sense of purpose. Now, I view it as my responsibility to help young people discover their own voice and confidence, just as mentors once helped me. In particular, I want to thank my younger sister, Luna, for helping me deal with this issue.
As a Hispanic woman in the United States, I briefly experienced inequality, which brought anxiety and unease. Through resilience and the guidance of a close circle of friends, family, and mentors, I learned to persevere and grow. I am especially grateful to Juan Pablo Santa Luna, a Hispanic community leader and gallery owner at Mills Gallery in Orlando, whose pride in our culture inspired me deeply. Juan Pablo’s recognition by Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost as one of Orlando’s top Hispanic leaders demonstrated the significance and necessity of Hispanic culture in shaping our world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an artist, my creations are at the core of who I am. I currently specialize in painting, and during my time at UCF, I discovered my passion for working with bold, vivid color combinations. I was encouraged to merge my favorite palettes with imagery from Guatemala, which allowed me to celebrate and share my cultural background. I believe my art matters because it reflects my experiences across multiple cultures. One of the most rewarding moments for me is seeing people connect with my work and express joy at seeing their own heritage represented.
In addition to my artistic practice, I currently work at The Mills Gallery as an Operations Assistant. In this role, I manage daily operations, interact with both artists and collectors, and am gaining invaluable experience that will prepare me to open my own gallery in the future. Working at Mills Gallery has allowed me to meet world-famous artists such as Mark T. Smith.
I also work as a server at BULLA Gastrobar in Winter Park, FL. This position allows me to share my Hispanic heritage through a menu that bridges Spanish cuisine with a European atmosphere. Beyond the cultural exchange, I’ve developed strong skills in communication, multitasking, and time management.
Both of these professional experiences, combined with my art, have shaped me into someone who is not only creative but also organized, adaptable, and deeply committed to celebrating culture.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I see risk-taking as essential because it helps me break free from self-imposed limits. I view uncertainty not as a barrier, but as an opportunity to learn and grow. My father, Jose, was instrumental in teaching me about risk-taking.
A turning point for me was applying to The Mills Gallery. At first, I feared not knowing what was expected or whether I could adapt. Yet, the experience proved deeply positive, boosting my confidence and expanding my understanding of the art world. Since then, I’ve adopted a practice of saying “yes” to challenges, knowing that avoiding them out of fear only leads to missed opportunities and regret.
As a young Hispanic woman, embracing risk has become both a path to personal growth and a way to honor my heritage. By challenging boundaries, I hope to inspire other women like me to pursue their dreams boldly and fearlessly.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvckssauce
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambar.santiago3/
Image Credits
Credit to Juan David Tena
