2025 Juror, Brian Nelson
About the juror

I remember my days at KCC as somewhat nerve-wracking and confusing. I had around a forty-minute commute and had to deal with all the same issues that current students face: parking, finding my classes, and interacting with instructors. Ultimately, it became a home and a hub of ideas, with knowledgeable and committed faculty. I found myself as an artist because of KCC. I was so pleased to be the juror for your student exhibition. I was astounded to see such great work in all media. I was honored to serve as the juror for your student exhibition and was truly impressed by the outstanding work across all media—I could have easily given out ten more awards! KCC remains a jewel with excellent, supportive faculty.

 

Brian L. Nelson

1986/87 KCC Alumni

Professor of Art/Sculpture 3D Media

Eastern Michigan University

Briannelsonsculpture.com

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Brian Nelson was born in Michigan. He attended Kellogg Community College before he started at Western Michigan University in 1985 and received his BFA in Sculpture in 1991. In 1992 Nelson decided to pursue his MFA degree at Michigan State University. In 1995 he was offered a sabbatical replacement position in Sculpture at the Center for Creative Studies. At CCS he taught Drawing I, II, Three-D Design, Welding, Materials and process, and all levels of sculpture. He also was the director of the metal-shop, and foundry.

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Brian began teaching at EMU in 2000, and is currently a Professor of Sculpture and the area coordinator of the sculpture program. He has exhibited throughout the area at Popp’s Packing at the DAM, CAID, Elaine L. Jacobs Gallery, Gallery Project, and the Urban Institute for Contemporary art among others. He has shown nationally at Hall Walls in Buffalo, NY, Spaces Gallery, Cleveland, Indiana State University, Louden House, Lexington Ky., Best in show at the MACAA, Positive/ Negative at East Tennessee State University, as well as an Excellence in Teaching award from MSU, and a teaching recognition award at EMU.

 

Brian is known for his unique ability to combine refined craftsmanship and complex emotional and conceptual ideas into solid and fluid sculpture.