About the Artist
TonitoValderrama
International environmental artist, educator, and founder of The Artist's Nest. For over 14 years the lead artist and educator at Quogue Wildlife Refuge — now Director of the Wilderness Traveling Museum on Long Island.
“Art lives in the elements of all living things and is communicated through the universal language of creative expression.”
— Tonito Valderrama
The Artist
Tonito Valderrama is an international exhibiting environmental artist and educator. For decades he has worked closely with birds of prey, rescued wildlife, botany, and Long Island's varied eco-systems — sharing his passion through wood, clay, paint, and recycled materials.
Highly influenced by his indigenous Taino ancestry, he explores traditional methods of native arts and symbolism — weaving a message of interconnection into large-scale sculptures, murals, and nature installations shown around the world.
His classes and art have been shared on campuses, schools, libraries, museums, and galleries across the globe — from Stockholm, Sweden to Costa Rica.
The Nest Installations
Where Art Meets the Wild
The Journey
A Life in Art & Nature
Art Education Degree
Studied art education, launching a career that would span continents and mediums.
Director of Museum Education
Worked directly with pre-Columbian antiquities and modern masterpieces, shaping his artistic future.
Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Lead environmental artist and educator. Created installations that remain on-site for visitors to experience today.
International Exhibitions
Sculptures and murals exhibited from Stockholm, Sweden to Costa Rica. Selected by Heckscher Art Museum, Southampton Arts Center, Tilles Performance Center, and more.
The Artist's Nest & Wilderness Traveling Museum
Founder of The Artist's Nest and Director of the Wilderness Traveling Museum — bringing indigenous arts and culture across Long Island.
Recognition
Awards & Affiliations
- JP Morgan Chase Grant
- SOS Grant
- Huntington Arts Initiative
- NYC Sculptor's Guild Member
- East End Arts Council Member
- Past Exhibition Chair, Huntington Arts Council
Community
Organizations We Serve
- Wildlife Sustainability
- Group for the East End
- Shinnecock Boys and Girls Club
- CEED
- East End Arts
- Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Work with Tonito
Available for commissions, school programs, artist residencies, and community installations.