Nelson's decision to pursue a career in the arts was confirmed in the Republic of Panama. His mentors in Panama reflected the duality of the Canal Zone occupation in Panama where he studied under both U.S. (Canal Zone) and Panama instructors. During this period of Nelson's life he developed a love and camaraderie for this mixed American culture and some of the North American colonists who respected their host country. Nelson's diversified studies included the Canal Zone College, Universidad Nacional de Panama, Escuela Nacional de Artes Plasticas, and several years of scenic design and construction for live theater. His formal education continued at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Illinois where completed his Masters in Fine Arts. Throughout the 1990's Nelson presented a series of theatrical maze-like installations and constructive that resulted in two coveted Fellowships from the Illinois Arts Council. Nelson also participated in the popular "Cows on Parade" with his version titled the "F22 Dairy Air Enforcer," installed in front of the Hancock Tower on Michigan Avenue for seven months. In 2007, the U.S. State Department ironically purchased and installed a 6 x 3 meter canvas mural for the new constructed U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Panama.
