About

Noelia Montaner was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Miami, by her Dominican mother. Her mother was a seamstress and her Cuban godmother was too. She grew up in an environment where she saw women create with their hands, bringing something out of nothing.  She spent her summers growing up,  traveling to the islands of Puerto Rico & the Dominican Republic. At the age of 17 she became a mother. Through that experience she learned the meaning of perseverance and resiliency. When others said she couldn’t she pushed through the noise. 

Noelia went on to have a successful career in education, first as a teacher then as a school administrator.  She had a strong mission to work in underserved communities and mentor mothers and families that were struggling, using her past experiences to motivate others.

And  then in 2017 she began painting. The artistic spark that had been quenched when she was younger because of life responsibilities reignited and she hasn’t put her brush down since. Her faith in God and His manifestation in her life through all the ups and downs are a constant source of inspiration and renewal for her. Noelia now lives in Homestead with her family.

I was an educator for most of my adult life. Art was always there for me but I never really gave it a voice, until now.  I have discovered a passion in this second part of my life that drives me to create daily. I paint in acrylics, watercolors and oils.  As a Latina growing up in Miami in the 70s and 80s the majority of my paintings are inspired from photographs I have taken or a remembered memory. I also like to infuse some of my culture into my art. My favorite thing to paint is people, capturing not just their features but the essence of the person. Interpreting a person I’ve met or an experience I’ve had using my brush is something that wakes me up every morning.  I feel that if I do it well enough, all of us can associate with that moment whether it’s a walk on a sandy beach or time spent with family.  My people may not look like your people, but if it evokes a familiar feeling and you recognize that, then I have done my job.