Artist Bio

A graduate of Deer Creek High School, Zonly went on to attend Southwestern Christian University where he played collegiate baseball. He would soon leave school to focus on his art career. As a student, entrepreneur, and athlete, Zonly knows the concept of working hard and is obsessed with perfection. Zonly has been creating unique artwork his entire life. Primarily a self-taught artist, he would paint as a child by watching artists teach their methods on PBS. From an early age, both of Zonly’s grandmothers had an artistic impact on him, being among the first to introduce Zonly to the other, artsier side of the world.

Zonly has strong influences from his Kumeyaay and Chumash heritage, which inspired him to create multiple Native American collections. This drive within Zonly has led him to develop his own style as a self-proclaimed “pop expressionist artist.” He is well-known for his many works of acrylic on canvas, public murals, and sculptures. Zonly has spent hundreds of hours learning and perfecting various styles and techniques. This commitment has shaped Zonly into the artist and designer that he is today. It has allowed Zonly to open his own art gallery, Studio Z, in downtown Edmond.

Through Studio Z, he specializes in custom artwork, sculptures/3D art, murals, tattoos, music, and live performance painting. He donates his time, talents, and paintings to dozens of local charitable organizations such as JDRF, The Anna’s House Foundations, WINGS, and The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. An innovative 2019 expansion to partner with local schools and the Choctaw Nation’s Indian Education Program successfully educated over 5,000 students on the arts and Native culture.

Piece Description

Zonly’s AAA was painted live during Kimray’s 70th anniversary festival on the Kimray campus.