Meet the Artist:

Monica Ortiz-Sanchez

After dedicating over two decades to the NYC school system, I retired with my husband to the vibrant community of St. Augustine, where I rekindled my passion for art. Throughout my career, I dabbled in drawing and painting, but it wasn't until retirement that I could fully immerse myself in creative expression.

My work is characterized by figurative representational expressionism, with a deep love for color and a focus on painting people. Currently, I am dedicated to celebrating my Puerto Rican heritage through my art, particularly the vibrant traditions of Bomba dancers and Pleneros (hand drum players). The passion and energy of Bomba, an Afro-Caribbean dance form, deeply inspire my work.

In addition, I explore themes of women empowerment, drawing from my experiences as a Hispanic woman. Through my art, I aim to enlighten, inspire, and empower women and young girls, depicting their strength and resilience in various settings.

Preferred Mediums:

  • Acrylic
  • Oil
Meet Our Artists

“A great artist is always before his time or behind it.”

~ George Moore