Initially established as an online gallery, owner Jhonmar Castillo opened a space in Pilsen in January 2006 and instantly warmed Chicago's frigid air with eclectic energy, grouping together such artists as sculptor Sydia Reyes, gourd artist Mira Mickler Moss, and abstract painter Jhonmar Radames. The gallery moved to Roscoe Village in early 2007.

The range of media is only rivaled by the cultures represented. With exhibits and art openings every two weeks from a diverse representation of artists from Venezuela, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Poland and the U.S., Moka may be the most international gallery in the city. That's in keeping with one of the key objectives of Moka Gallery: to provide access to unique and original artwork.

"There is art for everybody and we know that every piece of art has its owner. The art gallery business is pretty much like matchmaking and finding the right pair is not always an easy task but we always find what our clients are looking for" says Castillo.

Centerstage Reviewer: Joanne Hinkel