The work of Jan Anders Nelson ‘74 has been on display across the world, and even the universe.

Jan was one of about 30,000 artists from across the world who had several of his publications placed in the Lunar Codex, a series of time capsules that journeyed to the lunar surface in 2023. The Lunar Codex, which featured six time capsules, included works of contemporary artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers from 246 countries. 

He refers to his work as contemporary realism. A multidisciplinary artist, he captures the narratives and realities of people and places in his life. He often relies on photographs to serve as sketches for his work, and his digital photography is often manipulated in photoshop and reworked by hand.

A classically trained artist working in a variety of mediums and subjects, Jan earned his Master of Arts from the University of Wisconsin in 1977. He would later spend time in New York City, attending New York University and working under the mentorship of fellow artist and friend, Don Eddy.

His work has been exhibited at several venues across the U.S., including museums in Nebraska, Minnesota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, as well as museums in France, Spain, and Greece.

His father, Gene Nelson, was a professor at Midland and led the Midland choir from 1962-76. It was that connection that led Jan to Midland. “I enjoyed the ratio of teacher/student and a very strong liberal arts faculty provided unique opportunities for me,” Jan said.

While music and theater were his first passions at Midland, that began to transition to studio art as his time at Midland evolved. “I was immersed in the music and theater departments before shifting to studio art late in my junior year,” he said. “Robert Therien, art professor, gave me a lot of support, encouragement, and guidance that led me to attend the University of Wisconsin, and eventually New York University.”

Jan said his favorite moments are when pieces of his work are placed in someone’s home, or a museum. “I am most proud when a piece of my art is purchased, or placed into a permanent collection of a museum or other collection,” he said. 

Now living in Grapeview, Washington, Jan enjoys alpine skiing on his time away from the canvas.