The Art Field Advocacy Program is committed to addressing critical social, environmental, and cultural issues that profoundly impact San Antonio’s vibrant arts community. Our mission is to seek solutions that enhance the quality of life for professional artists, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.
To accomplish this, Art Field employs a variety of strategies, including task forces, advocacy campaigns, support for arts organizations, and community engagement initiatives.
Art Field leverages its members, agents, and extensive network to mobilize artists, arts enthusiasts, and the broader community to address pressing issues.
Our network stands ready to engage!
The initial Art Field Agency Working Group launching in the Fall of ’23 will develop key strategies for establishing San Antonio as a destination for regional, national, and international artists to live and work. Well look at policies and initiatives that support success and wellbeing for artists in San Antonio.
Task force: South Texas Renaissance
Claudia Guerra
Cultural Historian / Writer
She is a writer, historian and a living history guru for the local community. She works as the city’s cultural historian in San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation. She is the editor of 300 Years of San Antonio and Bexar County.
Andy Benavides
Artist / Educator
He is an artist and multi-faceted creative force, and a rebel rouser. Among his many titles, he is owner/operator of Benavides Picture Framing and Benavides Studios Inc.. He established the youth arts education non-profit S.M.A.R.T. (Supporting Multiple Arts Resources Together) (smartsa.org).
Sarah Farwell
Urbanist / Curator
She develops and commissions art, design, policy, and multidisciplinary projects for public agencies, cultural organizations, and private institutions that improve public spaces and services, respond to context and stakeholder input, promote exchange and understanding, and deepen connections between communities and environments.
Jesse Amado
Contemporary Artist
He is a distinguished practicing contemporary artist, veteran and former firefighter. Amado’s art can be found in various private and public collections throughout Texas, the United States and internationally,
Heather Eichling
Community Advocate
She is a versatile nonprofit administrator experienced in working with institutional to grassroots to governmental organizations. Her expertise is community engagement, collaboration, program management, communication, marketing, and leadership
Donna Guerra
Archivist / Activist
She is a distinguished archivist with a long career in public and private institutions. She is a specialist in local San Antonio and South Texas regional history, visual arts, and intangible cultural heritage.
Mary Heathcott
Local Arts Leader
She is an non-profit arts executive and art historian. Since 2014, she has served as Executive Director of the Contemporary at Blue Star, where she heads its exhibition and education programs.
Jimmy LeFlore
Artist / Arts Advocate
He is a recovering former public art administrator and a practicing studio artist. In 2000 he founded Public Art San Antonio and oversaw its programs. He works as a consultant and is the gum-shoe detective and chief samaritan behind Art Field Agency.
Henry Estrada
Curator / Administrator
She is a versatile nonprofit administrator experienced in working with institutional to grassroots to governmental organizations. Her expertise is community engagement, collaboration, program management, communication, marketing, and leadership
Guillermo C. Nicolas
Philanthropist / Collector
She is a distinguished archivist with a long career in public and private institutions. She is a specialist in local San Antonio and South Texas regional history, visual arts, and intangible cultural heritage.
Matthew Wymer
Attorney / Art Advocate
She is an non-profit arts executive and art historian. Since 2014, she has served as Executive Director of the Contemporary at Blue Star, where she heads its exhibition and education programs.
Carol Garmon
Artist / Educator
He is a recovering former public art administrator and a practicing studio artist. In 2000 he founded Public Art San Antonio and oversaw its programs. He works as a consultant and is the gum-shoe detective and chief samaritan behind Art Field Agency.