March 12, 2003 was an exciting evening for the Aldo Castillo Gallery as they accepted the River North Association's Spring Fling 2003 Business of the Year Award.
The ceremony, held at Bob Chinn's Crabhouse, attracted about 300 guests and included speakers such as Ald. Burt Natarus, District Commander Joe Griffin, Bill Zwecker from the Chicago Sun-Times, and Alison Rosati from WMAQ-TV.
President Howard Conant of the River North Association stated, 'it was a difficult decision for the judges who had to compare a major real estate development that covers 3.5 acres of land, the revitalization of the famous Montgomery Ward properties and a projected 4,000 new residents with a Gallery owner who has a big heart.'
Other contenders were such recognized companies as the Lenox Suites Hotels, Centrum Properties Inc., Cosmopolitan Bank and Trust, Assumption Catholic Church, Magellan Development and Clark and Barlow.
The presenter for this award, CSW'S Phillip Hodge, said about the Aldo Castillo 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.
Most recently, as a part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, Friends Of The Arts initiated an awards program honoring persons who have contributed their time and talent to the art community of Chicago. These persons were selected for their devotion to helping emerging artists establish their identity in the art arena. On Jan. 18, 2003 Aldo Castillo received this award for his continued progress and dedication to the arts.
Also, recognized for his cultural services in 2002, Aldo Castillo attended a ceremony and was awarded on behalf of the City of Chicago by Mayor Richard M. Daley, a certificate of appreciation in honor of his commitment to the arts.
The vision of the Aldo Castillo Gallery is to increase awareness of the significant cultural contributions of international artists, and Latin American artists in particular, through exhibitions, educational programs and live performances.
Aldo Castillo Gallery, 233 W Huron St Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 337-2536, Fax: (312) 337-3627, www.artaldo.com, info@artaldo.com .
