Orlando’s 2026-2027 Arts Season Preview: Mills Gallery’s Winn-Win Program Returns for a Third Year

Artwork by David Figueroa on exhibit at Gallery at Mills, photo by Roberto Gonzalez.

FOR MILLS GALLERY THE MOST IMPORTANT EXHIBITION OF THE YEAR ISN’T SIMPLY ABOUT DISPLAYING ARTWORK—it’s about helping artists build lasting careers.

That philosophy drives the third edition of the Winn-Win Emerging Artists Exhibition, the centerpiece of Mills Gallery’s 2026-2027 season. Under the leadership of Executive Director and Curator Juan Pablo Santa Luna, the four-month initiative blends exhibition space with mentorship, professional development and community engagement, creating opportunities that extend far beyond the gallery walls.

“As Mills Gallery looks ahead to the 2026-2027 season, we are continuing to invest in what has always mattered most to us: artists as people, not simply creators of artwork,” Santa Luna says.

That perspective has become the defining vision of Winn-Win, a program designed to prepare emerging artists not only to exhibit their work but also to navigate the realities of a professional creative career. Rather than ending with an opening reception, the experience teaches participants how to confidently present their work, speak with collectors, engage with the media, give interviews and understand the business side of being a working artist.

“The centerpiece of our season is the third edition of the Winn-Win Emerging Artists Exhibition, a four-month artist development program that goes far beyond a traditional exhibition,” Santa Luna says.

This year’s cohort features five promising artists: Camila Gonzalez, Greyson Hertzendorf, Rese Lazo, Angelina Palmisano and Bethany Skena. Together, they represent the next generation of Central Florida creatives, selected not only for the quality of their work but also for their potential to grow through the program.

For Santa Luna, helping artists develop professionally is just as important as showcasing their artwork.

“Winn-Win helps artists grow both professionally and personally by teaching them how to present their work, communicate with collectors and the media, give interviews, and confidently navigate the business side of an artistic career,” he says.

That emphasis on mentorship distinguishes Winn-Win from a traditional juried exhibition. While visitors experience new artwork, participating artists gain practical skills and professional confidence that can shape the trajectory of their careers long after the exhibition closes.

The program also serves as a bridge between Orlando’s creative community and its civic and business leaders. Throughout the exhibition, artists have opportunities to connect with collectors, educators, entrepreneurs and elected officials, reinforcing Mills Gallery’s belief that meaningful relationships are essential to a thriving arts ecosystem.

Previous editions have welcomed community leaders including U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost and state Reps. Anna Eskamani and Johanna López, underscoring the program’s ability to bring together people from across industries through a shared appreciation of the arts.

“Winn-Win also creates lasting connections between artists, collectors, businesses, civic leaders, educators and the community,” Santa Luna says.

The exhibition’s impact reaches beyond the gallery itself. Located in Orlando’s vibrant Mills 50 District, the program draws visitors who support nearby restaurants, retailers and neighboring cultural organizations while increasing the visibility of one of the city’s most dynamic arts neighborhoods.

Santa Luna sees those ripple effects as central to Mills Gallery’s mission.

“At Mills Gallery, we believe that when artists thrive, communities thrive with them,” he says. “Winn-Win continues to prove that investing in emerging artists is an investment in the future of Orlando’s cultural landscape.”

The exhibition is made possible through the continued generosity of Gail Winn, whose support honors the legacy of her late husband, Michael Winn. Their commitment has helped transform Winn-Win into one of Orlando’s most distinctive artist development programs, creating opportunities that continue to strengthen the area’s cultural community.

The 2026 exhibition was developed under Santa Luna’s leadership in collaboration with gallery founder Boris Garbe and gallery administrator Ambar Santiago, continuing Mills Gallery’s mission of empowering emerging artists while enriching Central Florida’s creative scene.

For anyone looking to experience just one event during Orlando’s 2026-2027 arts season, Santa Luna believes Winn-Win offers something uniquely meaningful. It is more than an exhibition—it is a glimpse into the future of Orlando’s arts community, where investing in artists today helps shape the cultural identity of tomorrow.