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Jer Nelsen
The South Carolina School of the Arts
The South Carolina School of the Arts
Associate Dean of the South Carolina School of the Arts, Associate Professor of Art
jnelsen@andersonuniversity.edu
(864) 231-5758
Rainey Fine Art Center 166
Academic Background
Jer Nelsen is a photographer, artist, idea-person, and maker with an insatiable appetite for learning. He holds a BS in Photography from Indiana Wesleyan University and an MFA in Visual Art (Photography) from Lesley College of Art and Design (formerly the Art Institute of Boston) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
As university educator, he enjoys living his true-to-life dream job of working with students, where his aim is to teach his students to see—the world, their potential, and the beauty in others and in the world.
BS in Photography, Indiana Wesleyan University
MFA in Visual Art, Lesley University
Fast Facts
My photography classes are dynamic, hands-on experiences that evolve with each unique group of students. Thanks to our intimate class sizes, we create a personal learning environment where students dive deep into various processes – from traditional darkroom techniques to modern studio work and business planning. Every class becomes its own creative community. Oh, and I’m going to make you read books that grow you as a person as well as a creative thinker.
At Anderson University, I’ve found a rare environment where I can fully integrate my passion for art, faith, and teaching. The shared vision of excellence, combined with the genuine grit of our students, faculty, and staff, creates an inspiring atmosphere for developing future creative leaders. It’s a place where being and doing blend seamlessly, allowing for authentic expression and growth.
People think that photo isn’t a viable career path, which is completely incorrect. Photography is a dynamic, ever-evolving field with countless career opportunities beyond just taking pretty pictures – it’s a powerful medium that has shaped history and continues to influence our world. From cinema and advertising to product design and commercial work, the industry is expanding rapidly with the increasing demand for visual content. Our program prepares students to be adaptable professionals ready to seize these diverse opportunities.
EXHIBITIONS:
2023At the Edge of All We Know, Vandiver Gallery, South Carolina School of the Arts,
Anderson University, Anderson, SC (solo)
Members, Southeast Center for Photography, Greenville, SC
Emergence: A Survey of Southeastern Studio Programs, Highlands, NC
2022Faculty Exhibition, Vandiver Gallery, Anderson, SC
Ghost Spaces: Junkspace and the Slow Death of the Shopping Mall, Marion, IN (solo)
2020 Projected Voids, Williams Galleries, Marion, IN
2019 Faculty Exhibition, Beard Art Galleries, Marion, IN
Expanding, 1920 Gallery, Marion, IN
Grant County Makers, 1920 Gallery, Marion, IN
2017Pop-Up, The Ballroom Gallery, Winona Lake, IN
Windows x Wormholes, Williams Galleries at Indiana Wesleyan, Marion, IN (solo)
Ad Infinitum, Raizes Gallery, Cambridge, MA (solo)
Armstrong National 2D Exhibition, Armstrong University, Savannah, GA (juried)
2016 townies, 1920 Gallery, Marion, IN
Boston Young Contemporaries, Stone Gallery, Boston Univ., Boston, MA (juried)
The Space Between, Center Hall Galleries, Marion, IN
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
2025(upcoming) The Next Normal: Fostering Resiliency and Professional Competence in
Foundations (panel chair), George Mason University, April
2024The Six Types of Working Genius, Anderson University, September
Gen Learning: Using GenAI to Increase Engagement and Imagination in the Classroom
Learning Design & Technology Forum, Charleston Southern University, May
Community Panel: Knot Conference, Graphic Design, Anderson University, April
2023AI Playground: Intelligent Research Tools, Center for Innovation and Digital Learning
Anderson University, October
On the Playground / From 30,000 Feet: Keeping Student Success in View,
Foundations in Art Theory and Education (FATE) Conference, Denver, CO, April
2022Focus on Teaching: Beyond a More Diverse Curriculum, CIDL, Anderson University
Team Mecha-Hydra (Leveraging Technology for Efficient and Excellent
Team-Teaching and Student Learning), Lynn University, June
aftersome: What in the World Am I Doing? Indiana Wesleyan University, February
2021 Are You Watching Closely?: Why Photography Is More Important Than Ever Before
Anderson University, March
GRANT PROJECTS
2024AU Faculty Summer Research Grant – AI and Progressive Generative Forms
2021Ghost Spaces: Junkspace and the Slow Death of the Shopping Mall
Photographic Exhibition
2018-19 Eli Lily Grant – Imaginarium – Junior Printing Co.
I love helping my students grow in Christ and in their thinking and skillsets. The most rewarding aspect of teaching photography at AU is witnessing student growth from instruction to independence. I love how our hands-on approach allows me to transition from demonstrating techniques to becoming their biggest cheerleader as students develop their own creative voice and technical expertise that aligns with their deepest beliefs.
My expertise spans both traditional and cutting-edge photography, with particular mastery in palladium/platinum printing and alternative processes. As a professional photographer since 2006, I’ve served clients ranging from local businesses to industry giants like Johnson & Johnson, while my recent research explores the fascinating intersection of art, faith, and scientific theories. My work investigates how artistic expression can help us understand complex concepts like string theory and quantum mechanics.
Recently, I’ve been working with gaussian splatting and RT radiance field visualization, as well as AI-based progressive 3D modeling paired with 3D printing.