Chas Davis

Chas Davis' work reflects more than 50 years of drawing and painting experience and over 40 years as a printmaker.

His artistic journey began by studying Art and Architecture at Ball State University, then education in New York City, and at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York, where he taught.

He spent several years working with architect Paolo Soleri at Arcosanti in the northern Arizona desert, an experience that broadened his perspective on art, architecture, and creative community.

In 1983, Davis founded Toxic Press, a painting and printmaking studio centered around his home-made etching press.  Eventually he opened ATDE Studio/Gallery in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1992, a concept that allowed a more direct relationship between artist and audience—a philosophy shared by Louis Perticone, who he would meet later in Rochester, New York. During this period, he had a working relationship with Twinrocker Paper, the legendary paper mill in Brookston, Indiana. Among the many projects at Twinrocker was an edition of 250 prints on unique individual sheets of paper for the Memorial Art gallery in Rochester.

In 1999, he met and joined Louis Perticone in the founding of Artisan Works, where his work became an integral part of this unique creative community. Over the years, hundreds of his artworks have been acquired for the Artisan Works collection, with many others finding homes in private and corporate collections. Other recent projects include residencies at Crown Point Press in San Francisco and an upcoming residency in Guanajuato Mexico with Dan Welden in the winter of 2026.

Today, Davis works from his spacious studio at 220 Anderson Avenue in Rochester, a light and airy environment filled with paintings, prints, and mixed-media projects in various stages of development. Surrounded by color and experimentation, he continues to explore new directions while drawing upon a lifetime of artistic experience. In June 2026, Davis began an exciting new chapter by joining the artists of Pittsford Fine Arts in Pittsford, New York. This opportunity provides a new venue to exhibit his work, collaborate with fellow artists, and continue engaging with the regional arts community while celebrating a life of Art.