John and Elli Milan were high school sweethearts and went to art school together at Savannah College of Art and Design. When she was 19, Elli received a vision for an art movement that she would be a key component of. It was an incredibly powerful experience and she had a deep knowledge of future events. Her life would never be the same. The Milans started their art career in 1996 and both sold work full-time as professional artists until 2010.

That’s when they opened the Milan Art Institute. Elli finally understood how her vision of creating a movement could become a reality. Although they were changing lives in their community, they still felt that they were destined for more. In 2018, their business went online and they realized that they started what will become a worldwide movement.

The Milan family works harmoniously with each other: their art businesses and daily lives all work to promote and embolden the Milan Art Institute. As a family, they share their dreams and desires almost daily. They dream of a time when the earth is filled with people who do what they love, what they were created for.

A time when everyone devotes themselves to their passion and everything their hand touches is done with excellence. The Milans believe the grand notion that they are mobilizing a movement of artists who don’t settle for a mediocre 9 to 5. They don’t just teach this, they model it too. Their determination is to cultivate artists who are not egotistical or flaky, but valiant, mature, generous, and reliable people who see their role as a leader in society and shift culture forward into a better age.

The Milan family is passionate about awakening a dream that has been asleep inside the artist for a long time. The Milan family stirs, provokes, and inspires artists so that they believe in their dreams. Students who commit to the Milan Art Institute classes see themselves drawing and painting with excellence, accuracy, and beauty. As they move through the Mastery Program, they start to find their voice and delve into the depths of self-discovery.

As they finish the Program, they learn how to create a cohesive portfolio and a successful marketing plan. They launch their art business with a personal brand. They know their superpower and they have the confidence and determination to actually live their dream of being a professional artist. The Milan family is completely devoted and fully committed to helping other artists. They love being a part of the process and seeing a person transform from apathy and mediocrity to a life of purpose and passion.

As a family, the Milans have rallied a team of dedicated and talented people who are committed to the same vision. They are exceptional creatives who are painters, entrepreneurs, writers, poets, web designers, businessmen, photographers, video creators, editors, graphic designers, personalities, managers, musicians, and above all romantics who are crazy enough to believe they can change the world.

The Milan Art Institute has turned a passion into a profession for hundreds of students. Beginners and professionals come here to master skills, learn new techniques, and join an ever-expanding community of artists. The purpose of the Milan Art Institute is to enlighten and educate a worldwide audience about the transformational power of the visual arts.

At Milan Art Institute, our team is the heart of our commitment to nurturing and inspiring artists. Meet our founders, John and Elli Milan, who bring decades of experience and artistic excellence to the Institute. John’s innovative approach and Elli’s mastery in Abstract Realism set the foundation for our unique educational philosophy. Joining them is their daughter, Dimitra Milan, a celebrated artist known for her impactful work and mentorship.

Our team also includes dedicated instructors and mentors, each a professional artist in their own right, offering personalized guidance and expertise. Our coaches provide invaluable support, ensuring that every student receives tailored advice to reach their artistic goals. Together, our team combines passion, experience, and dedication to help you thrive in your artistic journey.