About Us
WHO WE ARE
Finding Inspiration
in Every Turn
We are one big family – a family of artists who believe in creating art rooted in skills and hard work. For us, collecting art is a way of life. Be a pioneer of culture, adding more beauty and wonder to the world. Today, you have the opportunity to fill your life with color.
THE LIGHT MOVEMENT
Uniting Art, Passion, and Purpose in Every Creation
With a worldwide community of artists and years of experience working with galleries and collectors, we recognized an opportunity to establish a new kind of gallery. A perfect space where collectors can discover their art and artists receive the recognition they deserve. This marks a shift from a profit-driven gallery market to a movement-driven one. A gallery where the primary focus is connecting through our shared love: art.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Elli Milan
Legend has it, Elli Milan’s journey as an artist began after a revelation she had in high school. Prior to when everything changed for her, she was incapable of drawing or painting anything. Then one day her school had a guest speaker that changed her life forever. This speaker taught her how to activate her right brain and this opened the door to the creative realm for Elli. She started creating with a love and zeal for the visual arts.
Elli attended Savannah College of Art and Design and later transferred to the University of Georgia, where she received her BFA. Since then, she has maintained a successful career as a professional artist for over 28 years and sold over 10,000 pieces of original art. Elli is married to artist John Milan and together they have raised four artist children. Their family of professional artists created the foundation of Milan Art Institute and recruited a team of exceptional and talented individuals that have helped expand the vision of the school.
Elli Milan is passionate about empowering artists. Her powerful art inspires artists around the world to step into their true potential. She has changed the lives of over a thousand artists, helping them find their voice, and turn their passion for art into a profession. She is a leading voice of the current Art Renaissance. Elli Milan has dedicated her life to transforming our world into a prosperous atmosphere for artists everywhere.
Meet The Team
Jock Armour
Milan Art Gallery Director
Jock traded his path towards law school to work at an art gallery in Hawaii 13 years ago. Throughout the years he has represented over 80 artists worldwide and became director of the world renowned Wyland Gallery in Lahaina, Maui. After his gallery was lost in the tragic wildfires of August 8th, 2023, he received a call from the Milan family whom he had represented briefly 8 years prior. A few flights, dinners, and events later brought him here to Sarasota where he is excited to work closely again with art he feels passionate about. Come by anytime; see the artwork, share your stories, and feel the passion for yourself!
Dimitra Milan
Co-Owner & Professional Artist
By age 15, Dimitra had sold over a million dollars in artwork, thanks to her training at Milan Art Institute. With 400,000+ social media followers, she's a leading artist influencer, pioneering a new era for artists online and inspiring them to change the world with their art.
Jake Dunn
Co-Owner & Professional Artist
Jake combines modern marketing expertise with his artistic skills to help artists reach their potential. A true Renaissance artist, he excels in painting, music, and writing, sharing his insights with precision.
John Milan
Co-Owner & Professional Artist
John Milan (DJ Freezy J) is a dynamic artist with over 25 years of experience. Known for his vibrant mixed media oil paintings, he’ll share his artistic insights in a captivating and inspiring way. As an avid teacher and mentor, John travels the world, guiding artists locally and internationally.