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Space limited for in-person graduation. Secure your spot early; apply to attend as soon as you're eligible.

Mastery Program
Graduation Celebration

Honoring the Artists of Oct 2024 – Sep 2025

September 28th, 2025  |  Milan Art Studio, Sarasota, FL

You're Invited

Event Overview

Join us for an amazing evening as we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the artists who have recently completed the Mastery Program.

This unforgettable event will feature inspiring presentations, heartfelt reflections, a gallery-style exhibition, and powerful stories from this year’s graduates.

Together, we’ll honor the incredible transformation these students have undergone—and the bold leap they’ve taken to pursue their artistic dreams.

Whether you're attending in person or virtually, this is your moment to be proud—to be recognized—and to be celebrated!

Event-Speakers-with-Elli-600x
Important Details
  • Date: Sunday, September 28th, 2025
  • Time: 6:00–9:00 PM EDT
  • Location: Milan Art Studio, 8190 Uzita Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
  • Admission: Free — application required to attend in-person
  • Hosted by: Milan Art, Elli and Dimitra Milan, plus Mastery Mentors, Coaches & Staff

Who Can Participate

This Celebration Honors Students Who Have:
→ Completed the Mastery Program between October 2024 – September 2025, and
→ Received their Graduation Certificate (must apply for it by August 15th, 2025)
In-Person Attendance:
  • Apply to attend the on-site ceremony by September 8th
  • Space is limited, so apply early to reserve your spot
Online Recognition:
  • Apply for your Graduation Certificate by August 15th to be included virtually

Have You Graduated? – Here’s What’s Next

  Yes!
I’ve already received my certificate.
  • You’re eligible to attend in-person or online
  • To attend in person, submit your event application by September 8th
  • Each graduate may bring up to 2 guests (RSVP required)

 

  Not yet!
I’m graduating soon but still need my certificate.
  • In-person graduates must apply for both: graduation certificate by August 15th and event attendance by September 8th
  • Online graduates must apply for their graduation certificate by August 15th to be featured virtually

Emerging Artists Exhibition

As an in-person graduate, you may participate in our “Emerging Artists” gallery show during the event.

Gallery Event

 

Details:
  • Showcase 1 original piece (max size: 16x20 inches / 40x50 cm)
  • All artwork must be hand-carried (no shipping)
  • You are responsible for picking up unsold work

 

Artwork Delivery & Labeling:
  • Drop off by 4:30 PM on event day
  • Include a 3x5" title card with:
  • Title (in quotation marks)
    • Your name
    • Size & medium
    • Price (optional)
    • Short blurb in italics (optional)

Guest Policy & Community Access

  • Each graduate may bring up to 2 guests
  • The graduation will follow the Milan Art Experience final day
  • Guests—including MAE attendees—are welcome to celebrate with us, view student work, and connect with our creative community

Graduation Policies & FAQ

Is the graduation during the Milan Art Experience conference?

Sort of! Graduation takes place right after the Milan Art Experience ends—Sunday, September 28th at 6:00 PM EDT.

What do I need before applying? Before applying to be recognized as a graduate, you’ll need:
  1. A photo of your artwork before starting the Mastery Program
  2. A photo of the piece you're most proud of after completing the program
  3. Your artist statement
    →  graduates can also submit a short testimonial about their journey (please include a photo of yourself along with it.)
How many guests can I bring?

Each graduate may bring up to 2 guests. Please RSVP for all attendees.

What are the application deadlines?
  • In-Person Graduates:
    • Already have your certificate? Apply to attend by September 8th
    • Still need your certificate? Apply for it by August 15th, then apply to attend by September 8th
  • Online Graduates:
    • Apply for your certificate by August 15th to be featured in the livestream recognition
I haven’t graduated yet—how do I apply for my certificate? Make sure you’ve completed:
  • All Mastery Program lessons and payments
  • A live, branded artist website
  • At least 25 original works (including sold pieces) that reflect your artistic voice


→  Once that’s done, apply for your certificate here.

What if in-person tickets sell out or I can’t attend? No worries! You can still be part of the celebration online. The event will be livestreamed, and you’ll be included in the graduate presentations.
Why do I need to apply to attend in person?

The venue has a strict 200-person capacity, so we require an application to manage attendance.

→  Only apply if you're sure you can attend—and let us know if your plans change so we can open your spot to another grad.

Event Photo

 

Congratulations!

Let's Celebrate Together

Be recognized for your courage, creativity, and commitment.

Whether you joined the Mastery Program to become a professional artist, to elevate your skills, or to create a body of work that reflects your unique voice—one thing is certain:

This journey has changed you.

This is more than a graduation. It’s a celebration of your transformation—a turning point in your story.

Join us for a night that honors not just what you’ve accomplished, but who you’ve become in the process.