Andy Benavides

Andy Benavides, a native of San Antonio, graduated from the University of North Texas, Denton Texas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising Art. After 8 years in an advertising agency in Dallas (Harrison Simmons) he relocated back to San Antonio in 1990. His goal was to share and leverage what he had learned from his education and professional experience to build arts awareness in an underserved, latino community. He officially opened Benavides Picture Framing in 1992. While simultaneously providing custom framing for the San Antonio art community, Benavides was also in demand as a scenic contractor and set designer.

In 1993 he established BZ Designs Inc. and in 1996 moved into the 1906 S. Flores space where he opened the ONE9ZERO6 Gallery. As someone who recognizes he could not have traveled as far as he has without the support, encouragement, and advice from his many mentors, Andy took great pride in establishing informal student workshops. Benavides’ mentorship program allows young artists to develop their areas of creative interest and demonstrates how to market their creations in a real-world setting. In 2005, he and his wife established S.M.A.R.T. (Supporting Multiple Arts Together) a not for profit organization that is dedicated to raising awareness of the developmental impact of the arts on our city.

Building communities through the arts, his diverse interests are balanced through his continued passion for the arts. As an active contemporary artist, he utilizes his sincere exploration of his mediums with experiential concern. Benavides has four dogs, 2 fish, and one cat. His inspiration comes from his wife Yvette and son Agusto. He makes San Antonio his permanent home.

2010 Amabassador of The Arts, City of San Antonio

Co-Founder and Director Southtown The Arts District, 2014-present

Co-Founder and Executive Director SMART 501 c3, 2002-present

Founder and Director Second Saturday Art Walk, 1996-present

Founder First Friday Art Walk, 1991-1996

Small business owner: BZ Designs, Inc., Benavides Picture Framing, 1991-present

Relentless arts educator and community builder, 25+ years