In the Mills Gallery
We want to sincerely thank Orlando Sentinel's Patrick Connolly for his amazing article on our Winn-Win Emerging Artists Exhibition 2025!
The article highlights how the Exhibition celebrates rising local talent and provides a platform for fresh, creative voices whose work explores contemporary themes, as well as personal narratives of tragedy, addiction, and joy.
You captured both the spirit of the event and the diversity of media on display, giving readers a great sense of what makes this showcase so special.
Through your coverage, readers can appreciate not only the artists themselves but also the role Mills Art Gallery plays in nurturing Orlando's and Central Florida's creative community!
Read the article below!
The Winn Win Emerging Artists Exhibition 2025
From November 21st to January 11th (Extended!)
Our second annual Winn-Win Exhibition will honor the enduring spirit of the late philanthropist and art lover, Michael Winn, whose generosity and love for the arts continue to inspire Orlando’s creative renaissance.
The Exhibition will feature 5 acclaimed Emerging Artists and give them an opportunity to showcase their work. It will highlight the next generation of visual artists, with a special focus on painting, the foundation of the visual arts, and a vital force shaping Orlando’s cultural identity.
Many thanks to our supporters:
Sam Flax
Carol Kit Healthy
The Gallery at Mills Park
Bang & Olufsen Winter Park
Butch & Renee Charlan
Special thanks to John Morales from Creación de Contenidos for the outstanding photography and video production.
Check out the Emerging Artists’ Interviews here!
Prepare for an inspiring and art-filled evening!
On January 8th at 6:30 PM, the Winn Win Emerging Artists Talk brings together Orlando’s rising talents for an intimate, behind-the-canvas experience. Guests will hear the personal stories, challenges, and sparks of inspiration that shape each artist’s work, and you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions to uncover what truly drives their creative process.
On top of that, all attendees will be entered into an exclusive art raffle, where you could walk away with a valuable piece of original artwork by one of the Emerging Artists. Sam Flax will also be giving out a surprise gift as part of the raffle!
Engaging conversations, fresh creative energy, and the possibility of taking home art you love. This is a Talk you won’t want to miss!!
Hosted by Juan Pablo Santa Luna, Boris Garbe, and Ambar Santiago.
Deconstructing: VAUGHN BELAK
From October 2nd to November 14th
Vaughn Belak is an independent artist/painter who has been painting professionally for 10 years. This exhibition, which will feature brand new, never-before-seen work, will be his very first Gallery Exhibition!
With this event, Vaughn will reveal that growing older and continuous changes in his life have created a new version of himself: kinder, gentler, and with no time for BS.
By having his first gallery event at Mills Gallery, Vaughn re-enters the Art World as a fine artist. The opening Reception is on October 2nd at 6:30 pm.
Sneak a Peek into the Exhibition here!
Artist Statement
“By painting tonight, tomorrow I awaken to see my dreams, but not so often here, which is truly the best without censoring.
How can I let the subconscious speak? Automatic and abstract meet quite easily with a sleight of hand, like a master hypnotist, bringing forth my unconscious mind set free.
My process blends spontaneity with intention—often using cut-up canvases, glue guns, and bold color choices to transform memories into visual experiences.
Someone once told me they wanted to live their life in my colors. I replied: I lived that life—and now I paint it.”
Mills Gallery & Kristy Lee presents,
Vickie Wilson, “My Last Show: A CELEBRATION OF MY LIFE’S WORK”
From August 28 to September 26
Last chance to witness the famous abstract-graffiti style work of local artist, Vickie Wilson!
Wilson has decided to retire and she wants the community that loves her so much to have an opportunity to acquire her art at extremely affordable prices.
“Now those memories can be transformed by searching for a personal language in art. I am grateful to many friends, artists, and teachers who inspired and challenged my life in all manners, both difficult and uplifting, with a kick in the ass and a kiss.” - Vickie
An Opportunity to Help
The money collected from this event will be used to make her life easier and to allow her to have closure with that part of her life.
Family and dear friends are involved in this project, and it would be an event that will allow the art community to honor one of its own. Our artist in residence, Kristy Lee, has decided to create and curate this event.
