At Cheektowaga Central High School, Chesley teaches advanced painting and studio courses. He has also taught classes and workshops for the Chautauqua Institution’s Special Studies Program and the Chautauqua County Arts Council.

Previously, he was assistant director and educational coordinator for the Chautauqua Center for Visual Arts.

Chesley’s work has been prominent in public art projects, including two bison for “Herd About Buffalo” and the “Automobilus Botanicus” flowered van for “Art on Wheels.”

He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in art education from Buffalo State College. He also attended the University of Siena, Italy, and the Margaret M. Martin Watercolor Workshops in Scottsdale, Arizona.