top of page
  • Instagram

About Daniela

Daniela is a mixed-media artist based in Chicago, working on paintings, ceramics, sculpture, collage, and illustration, with a visual metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things, reflecting themes of unity and the cyclical nature of life. Her art explores identity, culture, and social issues, inviting viewers to observe our shared human experience. Daniela works across arts administration, design, and communications as an Arts Management, Social Media Consultant, and Print Specialist. She brings experience in branding, marketing strategy, and production design, supporting both cultural organizations and creative teams in building cohesive and effective visual systems. She has collaborated with organizations and companies, including Rivian, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Madden Creative. Daniela is also active within Chicago’s arts community through her work with Oliva Gallery and Bridgeport Artist Community, where she contributes to gallery operations and community engagement.

Screenshot 2025-05-03 at 12.48.24 PM.png

Mixed Media Artist

My Background

Exhibtions

2026 Oliva Gallery, Art in Transit, Group Exhibition, Chicago, IL

2026 Elevated Collective, Grand Opening, Chicago, IL

2026 Mitte 37, Expanded Field Migrating the Colour Fields, Burgdorf, Germany
2026 Ocean Between IX, Migrating the Colour Fields, Hannover, Germany
2026 Real Innovative Artist, The Spaces We Create, Chicago, IL
2025 Zhou B Art Center, Palette of Voices: Six Curators on Space, Chicago, IL
2025 Studio Free Love, Impressions Nº3, Group Exhibition, Chicago, IL
2024 Hokin Gallery, Reflections, Group Exhibition, Chicago, IL
2023 C33, Small Works Group Exhibition, Chicago, IL
2023 Glass Curtain, Out of the Basement: Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition, Chicago, IL 
2023 C33, Third Annual SOFA Postcard Art Fundraiser Exhibition, Chicago, IL

Curations

2026 SofaLoft, Ocean Between IX, Migrating the Colour Fields, Hannover, Germany
2026 Vjosa Cafe & Events, Our Kind of Town, Chicago, IL
2026 Vjosa Cafe & Events, Abstract Dialogues, Chicago, IL
2025 Vjosa Cafe & Events, Human Nature, Chicago, IL
2024 The Center Galleries, Get Up! Stand Up! Chicago Acts Against Apartheid, Chicago, IL 
2024 The Center Galleries, Ama-zine Exhibition, Chicago, IL 

Education

2025

Columbia College Chicago

Master's Degree in Arts Management and Entertainment

2023

Columbia College Chicago

Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts

2021

Elgin Community College

Associates in Arts

Exhibitions and Publications

Screenshot 2026-08-08 at 3.05.28 PM.png

Real Innovative Artists

Inside Town Art Exhibition

The Real Innovative Artists curate events and exhibitions that foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, enrich cultural experiences, and cultivate prosperity in our community of artists.

IMG_8837.JPG

Artsy

Daniela Castro's Artsy Page

Daniela is a mixed-media artist working on paintings, ceramics, sculpture, collage, and illustration, with a visual metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things, reflecting themes of unity and the cyclical nature of life.

janensdekj.jpg

Chicago Gallery News

Art in Transit with Bridgeport Artist Community

Oliva Gallery, in partnership with Bridgeport Artist Community, presents Art in Transit, a group exhibition bringing together artists CV Peterson, Daniela Castro, Jane Michalski, Kuna Na, Pamela Staker, Takako, and Tara Sabini.

Screenshot 2026-06-15 at 1.16.15 AM.png

Group Exhibition

Expanded Field I Migrating The Colour Fields

MITTE37 in Burgdorf will present the exhibition “EXPANDED FIELD I – migrating the colour fields”, marking the first occasion on which twelve contemporary artistic positions from Chicago are shown together in Germany.

fwbw.png

For Women, By Women. 2025

Art, Identity, and Empowerment: For Women, by Women Art Exhibition Returns to Columbia

For Women, by Women is an annual student-led exhibition showcasing the voices of women and nonbinary artists through photography, painting, fashion, and more.

Screenshot 2025-01-18 at 1_edited.jpg

Reflections

Group Exihibition

Reflection refers to casting light back and forth, bouncing images between surfaces. It can convey the duality of introspection and observation, inner contemplation, or external mirroring. How do we reflect our interpretation of reality and imagination? Or the passage of time and personal growth?

Screenshot 2025-01-18 at 1.10.37 PM.png

Out of the Basament

2023 Undergraduate Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition

Out of the Basement: 2023 Undergraduate Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition is presented in conjunction with the Department of Exhibitions, Performance, and Student Spaces (DEPS) and the Art and Art History department, and Adam Brooks, Professor at Columbia College Chicago.

IMG_6415.heic

BFA Manifest 2023 Show

DEPS ARTIST PROFILE SERIES

The DEPS Artist Profile Series presented by Columbia College Chicago’s Department of Exhibitions, Performance and Student Spaces (DEPS), is a virtual publication on select artists involved with the DEPS Galleries and the Columbia College Chicago community.

columbia-college-chicago-give-2023.jpg

Unleashed

Unleashed Gala Fundraiser 2023

Columbia College Chicago honors the Efroymson Family Fund with the 2023 Philanthropic Icon Award for the family’s contributions to help create opportunities for students to pursue their passion in the arts. Raised over $700k+ for student scholarships!

Screenshot 2025-01-18 at 1.18.48 PM.png

The Power of Persistence

Columbia College Chicago's Student-Led Gala Celebrates Creativity and Resilience

"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.

Screenshot 2025-01-18 at 1.24.02 PM.png

Improv in Reel Time

Annual gala celebrates student work, raises funds for Persistence Scholarship

Members of the Improv Club deliver a lively performance during The Power of Persistence fundraising event at the Student Center on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.

IG: @EllaArtsi  |   ellaartsi@gmail.com

© 2026 by Daniela Castro.

bottom of page