Mezzanine Gallery

The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present Becoming, a solo exhibition of new work by Juan Santos, on view July 10 – 31, 2026. An opening reception will be held Friday, July 10, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., in the Mezzanine Gallery, located in the Carvel State Office Building at 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. Admission is free and open to the public.

Becoming explores the emotional and psychological process of identity formation through memory, family, relationships, and time. Across paintings, drawings, and mixed media works, Santos investigates how support systems and firsthand experiences shape who we are at different stages of life. The work draws on childhood wonder and present-day reflection alike, tracing the curiosity and discovery that accompany growth.

Through layered textures, gestural marks, and repetitive circular forms, Santos builds a sense of movement that mirrors transformation and emotion. The materials themselves become part of the conversation, with spontaneity and experimentation guiding the process. The resulting works feel at once personal and universal, inviting viewers to reflect on their own sense of purpose, connection, and becoming.

Juan Santos is a Delaware-based artist working in painting, drawing, and mixed media. He holds an Associate of Arts in Fine Arts from the Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) and is completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Wilmington University. His studio practice centers on questions of identity, memory, and the relationships that shape us.

Couldn’t attend the gallery or just want to relive the experience? Check out our photo albums of each event on our Flickr account.