Wayne Chunat

Wayne J Chunat, an artist distinguished by his profound connection to nature, was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, and spent his formative years in Bedford, a suburb of Cleveland. His journey into the world of art began at the tender age of 14, when an art instructor ignited his passion by taking him to the Cleveland Art Museum to sketch the masters. This pivotal moment steered Chunat towards a lifelong commitment to capturing the beauty of the natural world through his art.

Chunat’s artistic development is unique in that it is predominantly self-taught. He supplemented his natural talent with select courses at Cuyahoga Community College and the Cleveland Institute of Art and participated in workshops led by renowned artists such as Robert Bateman, John and Suzie Seerey-Lester, Arletta Pech, George Wervey, Fred Leech, Robert Tubesing, and David Rankin. His continued education through the SKB workshops in Dubois, Wyoming, further honed his skills, as did frequent visits to the diverse environments of the Cleveland Metroparks.

The essence of Chunat’s work lies in his fascination with ecosystems, particularly the flora and fauna that inhabit them. Driven by a passion for the outdoors, he meticulously develops his pieces through field sketches, photographs, and firsthand observations. His representational style is self-taught, emphasizing his dedication and keen eye for detail. Chunat finds himself particularly drawn to conservation-themed projects, entering and often excelling in various conservation stamp competitions.

In seeking inspiration, Chunat looks up to influential figures such as Robert Bateman, John Seerey-Lester, John Banovich, and Guy Combes. His work has earned him memberships in numerous prestigious organizations, including Artists for Conservation, Lakeland Artists Association, Wildflower Studios in Frostproof, Florida, Bartow Art Guild, Cider Painters of America, Miniature Art Society of Florida, and the Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society of Washington.

Chunat’s artistry has been showcased in several galleries, with DeGeorge Custom Frames and Gallery being a notable venue. His accomplishments are celebrated across an impressive array of awards and honors, including recent accolades such as the 2024 Finalist Award in the Art Masters Competition and numerous recognitions by the Nature Conservancy, Art and Color 365, Bartow Art Guild, and many more. His winning streak spans decades, illustrating a consistent excellence in his craft.

Known for his dedication to the intersection of art and conservation, Chunat has been featured in major shows and publications, such as the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum’s “We’re Back” exhibition, the Artists for Conservation Exhibition in Vancouver, BC Canada, and the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA. Other significant exhibitions include the Virginia Living Museum Wildlife Art Festival, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Ohio Valley Art League in Henderson, KY, Cuyahoga Valley National Recreational Area, and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.

Although Chunat does not list prominent collectors, his art has been widely praised for its authenticity and meticulous representation of the natural world. Outside the realm of art, he enjoys round dancing and has devoted 30 years to working in parks and public lands as a naturalist, park manager, forester, park superintendent, director, and past president of Carroll County Ohio Parks Board.

Wayne J Chunat’s work is a testament to his values and beliefs, particularly his support for conservation agencies and organizations. He aspires to continue inspiring an appreciation for nature and its preservation through his art, reflecting his core belief in the vital role art plays in society.