Born in New Orleans, Robert Benjamin Stiles (Benji) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator who lives and works in Houston’s historic 1^st Ward Arts district.  He holds a B.A. from the University of St. Thomas, with a major in Art History and minor in Studio Arts. Benji began his career in the visual arts as a fine art printer and first assistant to internationally recognized commercial photographer Terry Vine before transitioning to arts education in 2006.  He has taught at the: Glassell School of Art, High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Pearland High School, and is currently the head of the International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Program at Lamar High School.  In the fall of 2021 Benji was invited to serve on the educators advisory board at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.    

Since January 2020 Benji has established a successful art practice at Hardy and Nance studios showing his work throughout the region.  His work ranges from non-representational painting using a diversity of marks and contemporary color theory, to conceptual assemblage using historical relics and found objects.