Ed Avila is a self-taught artist and photographer. He has won many local, state and national awards for his photography and is one of a small number of photographers who have permanent albums on display at the International Photography Hall of Fame and History Museum in Oklahoma City. Many of his photographs, which are primarily portraits, have been exhibited and won awards at the museum.

In addition to earning a living as a photographer, Ed is a painter of landscapes, still lifes and flowers, painting in both watercolors and pastels.

Ed is a descendent of an early California family and feels deeply connected to the history and geography of the Monterey area. Many of his paintings attempt to capture the feelings and memories of growing up in this special place. He has exhibited in juried exhibitions and won awards, including best of show in statewide competitions. His paintings hang in private collections throughout California, other states and foreign countries.