The next generation of creative talent is emerging in Belize and they have a uniquely dynamic vision for the future of the arts and insights on why the arts should matter to everyone.
When first meeting Darlin Polanco we knew she was an exceptionally talented young artist with huge potential for a growing career in the arts. Beaming with mature subdued excitement, the 14 year-old arrived to the "Our Sea, Our Life" exhibit opening with her proud and deeply supportive grandmother and her art school teacher, Raquel Rodriguez, from Belmopan. It was her art teacher who, with the consent of her family, encouraged her participation in the exhibit at Reyna Gallery in April-June 2026.
What is abundantly clear is that with a large loving family lead by a strong matriarch like Miss Mimi Flores, Darlin's encouraging mother, an auntie (Amy) who road her bike to the school to inquire about art school for her - and with many younger cousins looking up to her, this young artist has substantial support to pursue the arts well into her future
Initially, we were interested in hearing how Darlin felt in hindsight about the "Our Sea, Our Life" exhibit opening, She expressed that she felt like "one of you [the participating artists - amazing" - as artists welcomed her. Because of this, she said she was able to feel more a part of the event, so she was not intimidated. The other participating merging artist like Helaman Chi welcomed her and spoke at length about her art. Established artists including Kelvin Baizar shared thoughtful time acknowledging the budding young artist all welcoming her into the creative fold of the opening. Her art teacher Raquel connected Darlin to older artist, Carolyn Carr, for a photo together along with her grandmother.
As Darlin shared her path into the arts her grandmother Mimi mentioned that her uncle, her mother's younger brother, was an artist and she showed an interest in creating art as well when she was young. Her grandmother notes that Darlin is active playing soccer and taking sewing classes - so she's positively busy. We learned from Darlin that when she was very small, maybe around 7 or 8 years-old, she did a drawing of a small girl with a pacifier and a doll on wall of their home. While most parents might have gotten upset about the wall, her mother insightfully saw her daughter's budding talent and encouraged her to create more art.
A year ago after learning about Raquel's art school the family pursued that pathway for Darlin with gusto. Her aunt, Amy, road her bike to the school to inquire about enrolling Darlin in classes. Which led to the creation of her turtle painting being exhbited. During our interview Darlin muses over her painting she's the most proud of: the Turtle painting in the Reyna Gallery Turtle because she recalls her grandfather talking to her about turtles, other marine life and nature in general as she grew up. She also recalled how much she applied herself in the use of the palette knife technique which was enjoyable and relaxing for her during the process. Her teacher emphasized how easily she learned the technique in a couple classes with her.
While she painted Darlin spoke of how the jaguar signifies "love and protection" for her. In this painting she wanted to create a more mysterious look to this jaguar, as if it was on an adventure. With her art teacher's support she plans to submit this painting as an entry for Art Shack's annual "Jaguar" exhibit that opens in November 2026.
Her teacher, Raquel, discussed how in her painting class Darlin is learning composition, how to blend colors, and sketch in private classes that happen 3 times each week. She is currently working towards the goal of finishing one painting each week.
In considering her favorite subject matter to paint it made sense in beautiful Belize that Darlin Polanco would creatively align with "nature, sky and trees" in her art. When discussing what artists have had influence on her art or inspired her Picasso came up first. Her art teacher mentioned introducing her to Monet and Fernando Reyna as a local artist for possible influences. So it was no surprise that Darlin imagines doing a huge mural of jungle animals (or "a portrait of someone famous") or if she were to partner on a collaborative art project.
She admitted that her biggest challenge in creating art is "silencing the voice that tells you your work isn't enough. That admission prompted a discussion about listening to music like jazz to calm herself. It turns out the art school has a selection of Bossa Nova to play for students to reduce any anxiety they may have in class. Conversations arose about how women need more representation in the arts in Belize and how Darlin is being prepared for that role with a healthy pressure that will fortify her as she grows. The Art Shack's "Womxn in Art" exhibition and the Imagination Factri's "Know Ourselves" publication of 2026 were both brought up about recent examples of women's art throughout Belize.
Darlin Polanco with family at Raquel Rodriguez Art After we took a stretch break I asked Darlin which questions she'd like to answer and in what order. She then seemed more relaxed deciding in the direction of the interview. She spoke of the role of art in her life as "a companion, hope and and always a way of speaking when words fall short." Darlin had some real words of wisdom when asked what she would tell a young person who wants to make art but is uncertain they're capable. She said, "begin anyways, because every great painting begins with uncertainty."
In a future where she could share her art anywhere in the world she mentioned large galleries or museums in England and New York where her mother currently sides. She recalled a trip last year when her mother took her to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the impression the art made on her there when she visited her in New York City where her mother resides.
Her ideal project, if budget where no concern and she had all the desired art supplies: she would paint vast skies and fields blowing in the wind. when asked about why art matters to her and should matter to everyone, Darlin had this to say: "Art allows us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary flowers blooming and the sun shining even when we're having a not so great day. It helps improve my mood and brings peace to a restless spirit- it reminds us that smallest ray of light has the power to transform darkness.
Darlin gave us a tour of the classroom and showed us her favorite painting and all the reference books and magazines available alongside the kitchen stocked with snacks. She admits she "never imagined this could happen"-[the exhibit or the interview]. We acknowledged her very mature perspective on the arts and its potential to impact lives like emerging artists such as herself and others.
It's clear Darlin understands that the pressure to pursue her path in the arts has the ability to show her younger cousins and other family members the positive experiences that are possible through her art. She is beaming by the end of the interview. After the end of her art tour at her family's request we were able to capture photos of her with her art and family in what felt like a gathering that was a tremendous honor to witness at the beginning of this young artist's career path.
Darlin Polanco Biography Courtesy of Reyna Art Gallery
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