Born in Danville, Indiana, Chalfant earned received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Herron School of Art at Indiana University- Purdue University at Indianapolis and a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Notre Dame. He has been teaching Art and Art History at Elmira College since 2003. His courses include contemporary art history, metal casting, furniture design, and all levels of sculpture. He also supports the arts by jurying regional art exhibitions and performing pro bono work. He exhibits his sculpture and furniture nationally and is continually being commissioned to design and make artwork. His research includes designing and making sculpture and furniture specializing in wood and metal fabrication, as well as casting metal and glass.