Between 1958 and 1960, he studied at the Sociedad de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Society) at the University of Concepción, and supported himself by working night shifts as a baker, construction worker, bill collector, and field hand. In Concepción, he was exposed to the work of artists such as Tole Peralta and followers of Mexican muralism, including Julio Escámez, Gregorio de la Fuente and Jorge González Camarena. In 1961, Chávez was invited by Nemesio Antúnez to continue his studies the Catholic University and Taller 99 (Studio 99) in Santiago. Here he perfected the techniques of the lithography, etching, dry point and wood-block printing.
