Ján C. Porinchak is a Long Island, New York artist whose detailed works in a variety of media illustrate the exquisite intricacy of natural history subjects. His great appreciation for the outdoors is reflected in his artwork. Ján earned his BFA in illustration from Pratt Institute for Fine Arts, his MFA from the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, and is a certified Long Island Master Naturalist. Additionally, he is a tenured art teacher at Jericho Middle School, a nationally rated top school, and is a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI). Winner of the Mount Saint Mary’s College Year 2000 art competition for his whimsical pen-and-ink piece illustrating salamanders, titled “Tug of War,” Ján has also exhibited at the Hillwood Gallery in Brookville, New York, as well as in Connecticut at the Highstead Arboretum and additionally at the Yale-Peabody Art Museum. In 2008 his Nissequogue River estuary painting “River of Life”, was selected for cover art of the notable Dan’s Papers news and arts magazine of the Hamptons. The original painting of what has become an iconic image with 40 species of animals found in Long Island’s estuaries is housed at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, New York. 

In addition to his scientific illustrations, Ján further lends to understanding about our natural world as a hike leader for the Sierra Club and in his collaboration with the Kings Park Heritage Museum as host to a series of natural history videos used for educational purposes in the local school district.  Additionally, he is actively involved in conservation work through a variety of organizations including the North American Native Fish Association (NANFA), and as a Board Member of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation.