In 1976, Acevedo opened Acevedo Art Gallery International, first in downtown San Diego, and later in San Diego’s Mission Hills neighborhood. The two-story downtown space was the first of its kind in the area. First serving mainly Latino artists, the space diversified and evolved into the Community Arts Center. It served as a cultural space which drew artists of different backgrounds, later spurring the creation of a downtown arts district. During these years, Acevedo traveled throughout Europe and South America, painting and drawing and exhibiting his art.