Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Catherine Nelson is a draftswoman, painter and printmaker working in Rome in Philadelphia. Most recognized for her monotype prints of Louisiana’s celebratory culture, Nelson works in an expressive style using ink, graphite and acrylic paint. Drawing imagery from Mardi Gras and debutante balls, Nelson confronts social relationships through the distortion and abstraction of her figures.

Nelson has exhibited in the United States and Europe at locations including the Louisiana State Museum, the Crane Arts Building and Second State Press in Philadelphia, the Maryland Institute College of Art, Duke University, and the Shreveport Regional Airport and Circolo Degli Artisti in Rome. Awards include Graduation with Distinction in Visual Arts from Duke University and two-time Louisiana Public Broadcasting Board as Patrons Adopted Artist. Nelson earned a BA from Duke University, then a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Studio Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She is currently an MFA candidate in printmaking at Tyler School of Art, Temple University and continues to engage in social justice issues through her teaching and studio practice.