Nelson Cardenas at Kissimmee City Hall

Osceola Arts - Art in Public Places at Kissimmee City Hall presents Nelson Cardenas, an inspiring self-taught artist who overcame challenges through his passion for art. He emigrated from Medellin, Colombia to the United States with his mother at the age of 13 in search of a better life. Art has always been a refuge for him, providing solace and motivation.

In his early years, Cardenas found inspiration in the iconic artist and TV personality Bob Ross and his show "The Joy of Painting." This inspiration fueled his desire to create art and led him to develop his artistic skills. While pursuing his passion for art, Cardenas took a unique path by attending culinary school in Florida in 2004. He combined his talents in the kitchen with his artistic skills, demonstrating his versatility and determination.

Cardenas's art studio is a place of continuous learning and experimentation. He constantly challenges himself by using unconventional tools and materials to create his artwork. He doesn't limit himself to traditional paint brushes and canvases; instead, he explores using materials like wood, metal, leather, glass, and other found objects as his canvases. His creativity extends beyond brushes; he employs blow torches, a welder, power tools, and various instruments as his means of artistic expression. His unwavering imagination drives him to explore new heights of creativity, and he approaches art with fearlessness and enthusiasm.

Nelson Cardenas's journey is a testament to the power of art as a means of personal expression and resilience in the face of life's challenges. His willingness to explore unconventional methods and materials showcases his dedication to pushing the boundaries of his creativity.

Works by Nelson Cardenas will be on display at Kissimmee City Hall from November 13 through December 29. The exhibition is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.