John Nelson
Artist
Master Pencil Artist, Concept Developer, Graphic Illustrator, Brand Strategist
Washington, D.C. native John Nelson is a self-taught artist and entrepreneur known for seamlessly integrating his artistic talent into his business ventures. With over 30 years of experience in creating unique and distinct businesses that stand out from the competition, Artist Nelson has earned a reputation as a master of conceptual development. Each of his business creations can be considered a masterpiece, reflecting his unwavering commitment to innovation and creativity.
John Nelson's journey began in 1982 with the establishment of John Nelson Galleries, a traveling art exhibit that showcased his masterful pencil drawings. Under the visionary leadership of John and his wife Cassandra Nelson, the business quickly gained recognition and acclaim, leading to the opening of a standalone gallery that exhibited John's works alongside those of other renowned artists from around the world. The Nelsons' unwavering marketing efforts and passion for art have earned John a reputation as a trailblazer in the art world, cementing his place as a true master of his craft.
John Nelson's passion for innovation and commitment to making a positive impact on society led to the creation of the New Horizon Child Development Center in 1992. Along with his wife, John co-founded this game-changing business, which became an instant success. In just three short years, the center grew from serving 70 children to an impressive 500 enrollees, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the childcare industry. For over 25 years, John and Cassandra Nelson dedicated themselves to running the center with dedication and excellence, until they established Kiddie University Childcare Management, Inc. This new venture was created to provide expert childcare management services to clients, allowing the Nelsons to bring their wealth of experience and knowledge to an even broader audience.
In 1995, John Nelson took his entrepreneurial spirit to new heights with the creation of Kiddie Kuts Barber and Beauty Salon. As the sole mastermind behind the concept, John envisioned a salon that would provide top-notch hair care services for children and their parents, all within a warm and welcoming environment designed just for kids. His innovative idea quickly caught the attention of the media, with major news outlets such as The Washington Post and The Washington Times raving about Kiddie Kuts. John and Cassandra Nelson poured their hearts into the business, working tirelessly to ensure that every detail was just right. For over 10 years, the couple owned and operated the salon with a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for their young clients and their families. The Kiddie Kuts legacy remains a testament to John's creative vision and unwavering dedication to his craft.
In 2007, John Nelson embarked on his latest artistic business venture, acquiring The Palms Resort in Negril, Jamaica. As co-owner, he has drawn upon his wealth of artistic experience, honed over 40 years, and his exceptional talent for creative expression and composition to conceptualize and develop an idyllic haven for travelers. The Palms Resort is a true masterpiece, reflecting John's unwavering commitment to artistic innovation and delivering an experience like no other. From its breathtakingly beautiful surroundings to its thoughtfully designed guest rooms, every aspect of the resort was crafted to provide a rejuvenating retreat for the soul. John's artistic vision and business acumen have combined to create a truly unforgettable destination, a testament to his remarkable talents and unwavering passion for vibrant visions.
His talents in fine arts, photography, graphic design and marketing, has landed him many projects with prestigious clients.
John Nelson is a multi-talented artist and entrepreneur who has made a name for himself as a graphic designer, fine artist, photographer, and concept developer. His exceptional creativity and attention to detail have earned him numerous accolades and accolades from his peers and clients.
As a fine artist, John was selected from thousands of applicants to showcase his work at the White House, where he received critical acclaim. He went on to work with corporate giants such as McDonald's Corporation, creating art for a nationwide in-store promotion, and has attracted a following among notable collectors such as Bill Cosby, Cathy Hughes, Eddie Murphy, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie.
In addition, John was chosen to create limited edition giclee prints depicting six African Americans who have made significant contributions to society, either through their graduation from West Point Military Academy with honors or their impact on society at large. The project, which was endorsed by General Fred Gordon, the first African American Commandant of West Point, is destined to be displayed at Army recruiting stations worldwide.
As a photographer, John's work has earned the admiration of prestigious institutions such as the Library of Congress, the National Football League, Black Entertainment Television (BET), and various government and corporate clients. He has also been a long-standing supplier for the National Park Service, providing merchandise for the Martin Luther King Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the National Monument.
With an already illustrious career, John Nelson is poised to become one of America's most popular and prolific artists, with many years of creative production and achievements to come.
Work Experience
Exhibitions
Awards
Notable Collectors
White House Executive Office
Building Office of Management and Budget
Congressional Black Caucus
Howard University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Washington, D.C. Public Schools
The National Security Exchange Commission
The National Bar Association
The National Medical Association
NAACP National Convention
Walt Whitman Center for the Arts
MP Muller Showcase of Fine Art
National Black Arts Festival
Atlanta, Georgia
The State House
Annapolis, Maryland
New York Corporate Office of AT&T
Master Artist Touring Association
NBC Cultural Series
NBC Cultural Arts Series...
Art Expo '90
Arts & Humanities Award Presented by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education
Merit Award, Miami Arts Festival
National Black Heritage Observance Council, Inc.
Congressional Achievement Award
Featured Artist in Western Journal of Black Studies
Worldwide...U.S. Information Agency Documentary
Prince George's (Maryland) County Arts Panel
“International Artistic Achievement” Presented by the Los Angeles County Chapter of Links, Inc.
Featured Artist, Artist Showcase
Featured in “Men of Courage”, Presented by Nestle Corporation
Awarded “key to the City” Norwalk, Connecticut
Mohammed Ali
Eddie Murphy
Benjamin Hooks
Danny Glover
"Magic" Johnson
Art Monk
David Sanborn
Earl Graves
Roberta Flack
Jennifer Holiday
Richard Pryor
Tasha Campbell
Desmond Howard
Jewel Jackson McCabe
Pete Blalock
Dr. William King
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Grayson
AT&T Corporation
NAACP Headquarters
National Speech & Hearing Assoc.