Chris Filian, at an early age had his creativity and talent recognized by his grandmother who enrolled him at a children’s art studio. After four years at the studio he held a one man show exhibiting his work at the age of 11 before having his paintings chosen to be published in a calendar printed and distributed in Europe a year later. After moving to the United States to continue his education he met his mentor, Dr. Leonard De Grassi, who encouraged his further development of skills and studies in California as well as in Italy.
He graduated from ArtCenter College of Design in Illustration. During his numerous studies in Florence, Italy he joined the “Gabinetto disegnie Stampe degli Uffizi”, an exclusive room for scholars to study the original master drawings at the Uffizi Museum. Within this time he held exhibitions around Florence and upon his return to California had a two-man show at the Glendale Community College Gallery. Since then he has participated in group shows, art walks, and fundraisers while continuing to evolve his skills and understanding of art.