Mary Castillo

How and why did you become an artist?

I became a new stay at home mom and knew I always had a creative side to me, at the time- I needed some sort of outlet and picked up my husband’s old camera and it really took off from there! 

What medium(s) do you work in?

Photography.

How long have you been working as an artist?

6 years total.

What are some of your biggest inspirations as an artist?

Since I am a boudoir-focused photographer, getting to show anybody and everybody that you deserve to have photos taken of you and celebrate the body you are in! 

What is your connection to Northeast Minneapolis?

I have had my studio in NE for 4 years now! 

How does Art-A-Whirl benefit you as an artist?

I have met and connected with so many clients and have the ability to show off that anyone can do a boudoir shoot- and every person can really be captured in such a beautiful way!

Any good stories or memories of an experience at Art-A-Whirl that you can share? What stands out?

I really love seeing how many people light up when they see a picture of someone who looks like them and how awesome they look! 

What has being a NEMAA member meant to you? What do you value most about membership?

I really love being able to connect with so many artists of different styles and seeing that somehow we can connect on our work and journey’s even if we work with different materials/mediums

What do you wish more people knew about the arts scene in Northeast Minneapolis?

Just the sheer size of how many different AMAZING artists we have here!

Art-A-Whirl and NEMAA turn 30 years old in 2025. Can you believe it? What changes have you witnessed? (Even if you’ve only participated for a few years.)

I love the growth in community I have seen over the years and just how many connections are formed! 

Why is art important in our community?

It really gives us a chance to stand out and express the diversity in many aspects in Minneapolis

Can you imagine a world WITHOUT the arts community in Northeast Minneapolis? How would the community be different?

I think it’s easy to assume that Minneapolis is a small midwestern area with not a lot of diversity- but we really are able to showcase just how big we are and how many creatives come from us!

What are your hopes and dreams for Art-A-Whirl, NEMAA, and/or the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District in the next 30 years?

I would love for it to be recognized even further in the state and for people to realize, they don’t have to go far to see amazing art- it is all around us here!

If you could make one change in Northeast Minneapolis, no matter the cost, what would it be?

I think just more parking 😉

Tell us again why you love being an artist and what your work brings to the community.

I love being an artist so not only do I get to do what I love, I have the option to really spread my art and work with all of my clients and create a collaborative work of art with them all for them to carry and cherish forever! 

What do you want to share that we haven’t covered?

I think it’s really important to remember that boudoir isn’t just for professional models and it’s not all so taboo- everyone deserves to love the skin their in and can do a boudoir shoot!