Expert guide Thom Wheeler Castillo shares his secrets to curating the perfect contemporary art tour.
Thom Wheeler Castillo with mural “Living The Dream,” 2024 by Alteronce Gumby PHOTO COURTESY OF THOM WHEELER CASTILLO
Miami native Thom Wheeler Castillo (@twheelzzzzzzzzzz) describes himself as an art history nerd. Complemented by contagious charisma and a love for education and civic engagement, Wheeler Castillo’s career transitions between practicing artist and Miami’s most loved art guide. From the public artworks spanning Miami Design District, to Wynwood’s street art, to the Pérez Art Museum Miami’s latest exhibitions, Wheeler Castillo spiritedly and seamlessly blends contemporary art insights and compelling narratives. Miami magazine speaks with Wheeler Castillo about his touring talent.
What makes a great art tour?
Weaving engaging conversation with rich historical and cultural contexts is key. Of course, enthusiasm is also central to engagement. I channel my own experiences and encourage others to forge personal connections with the artwork. After all, the aim is to foster a lasting appreciation for art.
What do you want audiences to leave with?
I want them to walk away with a new perspective, feeling inspired and more confident in understanding art... thinking about art as an action. Ultimately, I want them to leave with a deeper appreciation of the artistic themes of our time, to get excited about what is contemporary and what this word means, while empathizing with the ideas and goals artists work toward.
Art as an action?
We shift focus from art as a product to art as an active process—an intentional, thought-provoking act that shapes and reflects our world. Art becomes a living conversation—an ongoing engagement with ideas, emotions and societal issues. Ultimately, by empathizing with the ideas and goals that artists strive toward, viewers can connect more deeply to art’s transformative power, seeing it as something they can be part of.
Photography by: Photo Courtesy of Thom Wheeler Castillo
