As the gallery director, Aldo Castillo has been recognized in a myriad of publications that have confirmed his
presence as a prominent leader in the Latino community. They have acknowledged his incessant effort to have
the caliber of Latin culture and Latin cultural expression acknowledged and respected in the universal world of
the arts. In April of 2000 his efforts were documented by Hispanic Magazine, which named the Aldo Castillo
Gallery number 3 among its most prominent top 100 lists for the fastest growing Latino organizations in the
United States.
As an art dealer and curator, Aldo Castillo has curated more than 200 art exhibitions to date. He has also
worked with the corporate art programs for companies such as Fort James Co., AMOCO Co, the CORE center,
and the Northwestern Memorial Hospital among others.
As a fine artist, Aldo Castillo works with themes of the human figure, birds and other abstract images that
express emotion through movement. His sculptures and drawings are characterized by the power of expressive
directness combined with organic form and texture. His art has been exhibited at the Popol Vuh Museum in
Guatemala City and in prestigious Latin American Galleries. His work continues to gain recognition in private
collections around the world.
As a human rights activist, Aldo Castillo has collaborated with organizations such as Illinois Federation for
Human Rights, Amnesty International, the Nelson Mandela Childrens Foundation, the Chicago Coalition for the
Homeless, The Chicago Art Dealers Association, The Chicago Public Art Group, Instituto Cervantes, City of
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, The Chicago Public Library, The Art Institute of Chicago, AIDS
Foundation of Chicago, The Names Project, The Chicago Latino Cultural Center, the Fundemuni Foundation (to
help the children and families of Nicaragua overcome the devastating impact of hurricane Mitch), and Peace
Parks Foundation among many others. Mr. Castillo was the Co-Chair for the opening benefit for the 1999 SOFA
Art Exposition, which raised over $125,000 to benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. These various
commitments have garnered the attention and collaborative support of fellow human rights activists such as
Nelson Mandela, Jesse Jackson, and his Royal Highness Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.
On August 27, 2002, on behalf of the City of Chicago, Mayor Richard M. Daley presented Aldo Castillo with a
certificate of appreciation in honor for his commitment to the arts.
On March 12, 2003 the River North Association granted Aldo Castillo with the 2003 Business of the Year
Award. The presenter for this award, CSW'S Phillip Hodge said about the gallery
"This award salutes Aldo Castillo as much as the Aldo Castillo Gallery. Aldo is a curator, art dealer, artist and
human rights activist. Because of the struggles he endured when he immigrated to the United States from
Nicaragua, Aldo has dedicated himself to the promotion, the education and the awareness of not only Latin
artists but also artists from around the world...Aldo Castillo Gallery supports human rights by hosting parties
for numerous organizations from Amnesty International to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Nelson Mandela
Children's Foundation and the Peace Parks foundation,'"he concluded.
On June 12, 2003 the Metropolitan Fine Arts Counsel granted the Aldo Castillo Gallery with the Gallery of the
Year Award. Catherine Seward, founder of the Metropolitan Fine Arts Counsel said Aldo Castillo was, "a
prominent pioneer when in comes to the promotion of Latin American Art in the Chicago area." Aldo Castillo
continues his commitment to art education and his dedication to helping improve the lives of those in need. On
November 20th, 2003 Aldo Castillo accepted the GLBT Business and Technology Leadership award from IBM and
Windy City Media Group, Chicago.
On October 5, 2004 Cook County of Illinois President John H. Stroger, Jr. and the Board of Commissioners
presented Aldo Castillo with an award. The award reads: President John H. Stronger, Jr. and the Cook County
Board of Commissioners honors Aldo Castillo, Gallery Director, Curator, Art Dealer, Artist and Human Rights
Activist - A leading force in creating unity and understanding among the diverse nationalities shaping the
Latino Community of Cook County, October 5, 2004.
History