Jay Santangelo (josanphoto)

Jay Santangelo is a multimedia documentary artist, educator, and founder of WANDER, a café, community hub, and creative space in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, dedicated to connection, creativity, and inclusivity.

A graduate of the International Center of Photography’s Documentary Photography and Photojournalism Program, Jay was awarded The New York Times Foundation Scholarship and apprenticed with Eugene Richards. Their work has appeared in The Guardian, Mother Jones, El País Semanal, The Washington Post, and more.

After more than a decade documenting stories of identity, belonging, and human resilience, Jay transitioned into hospitality leadership, blending artistry with operations to cultivate environments of care and creativity.

Their practice now weaves photography, video, writing, and lived experience to explore transformation, loss, and joy as acts of connection. Through both camera and community, Jay continues to create spaces where people feel seen, nourished, and inspired to belong.