Two Years Later, and Ready for Action!

Two years, to the day. Two years ago, a crew member snapped this photo of me (well, the back of me) in conversation with the incredibly kind, humble and talented pioneering artist-educator-advocate Mario Castillo in his childhood home and studio in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Despite the cold and snow, we were joined by a wonderful cast made up of peers, professional supporters such as archivists and former students now successful artists—but who will forever be his proud mentees. The house was originally owned by Mario’s mother, the artist Maria Enriquez de Allen and his stepfather, renowned architectural photographer Harold Allen. Fifty plus years of Mario’s work, drawn from his early days as a student at The School of The Art Institute up to the present, were displayed on a long table and on every wall in the two-story home. A feast for the eyes, and the perfect surroundings in which to bring the video short ‘Mario Castillo: A Visionary Artist’ to life.

A truly beautiful setting, but it is the stories and accolades celebrating Mario’s person, creativity and legacy told by others—along with the heartfelt words of the artist himself, that made it so special.

Less than two weeks after this shoot, we went into lockdown. What most of the world assumed would be a temporary inconvenience turned into many months of ups, downs, twists and turns—a ride that conjured more fear and vulnerability among us than the most daring of rollercoasters.

It’s also given us ample time to think about what’s really important and the road ahead.

Coincidentally, today also marks the beginning of relaxed masking and protocols in many indoor settings in Chicago such as museums and restaurants.

My wish is that this is the true beginning of the post-COVID recovery for everyone—and that we can safely resume and enjoy life without restrictions popping up again.

That said, the team is ready for action and looking forward to helping others to chart their course, enhance their journey, or as with Mario, to capture their amazing story!