about BLAKE NELLIS
I'm a freelance artist from Minneapolis, MN
My work is inspired by my experience with sports, the circus, working with young people, singing, acting, playing piano and growing up watching my mom shoot. My favorite moments are those in which laughter reminds us that playing is a valuable and healing part of being human. Aka being a dad.
I can't wait to make art with you.
I MAKE WORK WITH THE BODY. My work is deeply rooted in human connection, physical touch and shared emotion. I graduated from Luther College with a BA in Theater/Dance. I spent two years as adjunct faculty at Luther in the Visual & Performing Arts Department. If you like reading about awards and stuff... I'm a 2019 & 2015 recipient of the MN State Arts Board: Artist Initiative Grant (Photography & Dance, respectively), 2017 Walker Art Center "Artist Initiative" awardee, Jerome Foundation Artist in Resident at Tofte Lake Center 2018, and 2013 recipient of the McKnight Foundation’s Metropolitan Regional Arts Council: Next Step Fund. I have taught and performed throughout the US, Mexico & Europe and I'm proud to call Minneapolis home! My dance work has been recently produced at the Walker Art Center, The Southern Theatre, Red Eye Theater, TEK Box, Bryant Lake Bowl Theater & Luther College.
I live as a freelance photographer, choreographer, dancer & educator.