Anthony ‘Bino’ Garcia grew up in Galveston along with 7 brothers and sisters that are all ‘BOI’ (Born On Island). He embraces everything about Galveston Island. He was a teenager when Tony Hawk visited Galveston back in the early ’80’s. Skating has always been an integral part of his life.

Bino is the President of the Island Skaters Association, ISA, which he formed to raise money for and convince the city of Galveston to build the Johnny Romano Skate Park. Johnny was a local skater who lost his fight with leukemia but only after becoming the youngest professional skater ever. Bino was a part of the tribe that inspired Johnny, Johnny inspired them all “It was as if the whole weird, disparate mix of outsiders that is the skateboarding world—young, old, white, black, Hispanic, short-haired, long-haired, dreadlocked, bearded, tattooed—had come together, all for the skater kid in Texas.” Texas Monthly

Bino met his beautiful wife, Melissa a year after graduating from Ball High School. She fell for his effortless optimism and compassionate heart. And Bino knows how to have fun. You can spot him with his friends and family at any one of the island’s endless events, always smiling. He loves to ride with his bike crew, Island Riders – we be riding miles of beaches. You can’t help but smile when you hear him laugh. He loves to skate, fish, boat, bike, shoot hoops, and make art. His company, Creative Plant Design (Landscaping and Pool Maintenance) is a success because of his work ethic, attention to detail, creativity, and his wife, Melissa.

Island Life Art blossomed from his love of skateboarding. His support from not only skaters who as Texas Monthly described as “[Skating is] a small world, a subculture full of outsiders who bond over a common passion: to speed through the world on four small wheels and a slab of wood” but also islanders, family, friends and strangers. His creations are made from recycled materials, including reclaimed skateboard decks and hardware. All designs are cut out, some painted and reassembled to make unique coastal creations, like birds, fish, whales, mermaids and turtles. He is excited by the success of his art, people love seeing the island lifestyle in each one of his pieces.