Claudia Castillo is a Wilton Manors based artist and business owner. 

“I fell in love with the Wilton Manors community, since I founded Claudia Castillo ART studio in 2017,” she said. “My motivation comes from the energy of this diverse community, from the local residents to the tourists that come from all parts of the world to enjoy the welcoming experience they do not receive in other cities.” 

Castillo keeps herself busy serving on or being involved with a multitude of boards and organizations including the Wilton Drive Improvement District; Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce; Broward Art Guild; Broward Cultural Division; Island City Art Advisory Committee; Wilton Manors Business Association; City of Oakland Park Business Association; City of Pompano Beach & Lighthouse Point Business Association; Weston Art Guild Association; Gold Coast Watercolor Society; Equality Florida; and Wilton Manors Historical Society.

“I enjoy being a champion for diversity and culture for this community and engaging with other colleagues to learn and strive to make a difference in society,” she said. 

In the past six years Castillo has spearheaded or been involved with many local art initiatives including painting the local street parking meters; creating the ‘Rainbow Manatee’ in honor of the late Mayor Justin Flippen; painting the ‘Pride’ Mural at the Pub Restaurant; painting the ‘Be Proud’ Mural at the Wilton Discount Liquor; and co-founded the Justin Flippen Annual Manatee Contest for local elementary students. 

“It is rewarding to be recognized for the efforts I try to make each day to better our LGBTQIA community and hope I can be a voice and an encouragement for Hispanic women and for small business owners that we can make a difference in this world if we persevere, believe in ourselves and create a network of support from one another,” she said.

Home page: OUT & PROUD 50 2023