Jonnalagadda Gurappa Chetty began learning the art of Kalamkari from his father at the age of 13. He perfected this art and carried it to new horizons and even depicted legends from the Puranas. His works have been taken to several foreign locations including Vienna, UK, Australia, China, and Canada.
Mr. Gurappa was honoured with the title of „Shilpa Guru‟ in 2002 by the Crafts Council of India. He won the Presidential National Award for Crafstmanship in 1976 for his 20m Ramayana panel, Kamaladevi Vishwa Karigar Award and Tulasi Samman from Bharat Kala Bhawan, Bhopal. “The award is a tribute to the recognition of Indian Art,” is how Sri. Gurappa Chetty reacted upon winning the President’s award.