Ellen Nelson

MADISON, WI -- Ellen Elizabeth Clark Nelson, age 79, passed away from respiratory failure, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Thursday February 1, 2024.

Born in Racine, Wisconsin to Tom and Betty (Kastler) Clark, Ellen grew up in Racine and attended Horlick High School. After graduating Valedictorian from Horlick High, Ellen moved on to DePauw University where she studied English Literature. During her time at DePauw, her heart pulled her back to Wisconsin and she rekindled her high school romance with the love of her life, Robert "Bob" James Nelson. They were married after graduation in June 1966 and moved to Madison, Wisconsin where they both began Master of Arts in Teaching programs. Ellen then taught with the Wisconsin Schools before joining Bob as he completed his Officer Training in the U.S. Army. While Bob served in Vietnam, Ellen welcomed their son, Michael in May 1970.

After the birth of their daughter Susan in February 1972 and Bob's graduation from UW-Madison, the family of four headed East to the Big Apple where they lived … for exactly 11 months, 12 days, 6 hours and 8 minutes … before returning to the Midwest. There she was able to find her life's work in volunteering, first in the public schools, then in the Fine Arts Community wherever they happened to be living. In Lima, Ohio she started as a volunteer at the Lima Art Association. She quickly progressed from volunteer, to employee, to Director of what became known as ArtSpace/Lima. She was the Director from 1985 to 1998, providing leadership as the organization grew from tiny community events and art classes to city-wide Art Fairs and Rally in the Square events on Friday nights. She inspired dozens of volunteers with her hard work and dedication. Under her leadership, ArtSpace attracted artists from not only throughout Ohio, but across the nation and even the world. Given the dramatic growth of the organization, she helped shepherd ArtSpace into a new building with dedicated artist studio space and ample room for classes. In tribute to all Ellen did for ArtSpace, a gallery to display artist's work was named in her honor and is open for events today.

Subsequent family moves took Ellen and Bob to St Cloud Minnesota, near their son Michael, and his future wife Marcy, who were living in Minneapolis. Ellen quickly established herself at The Paramount Center for the Arts, becoming Art Gallery Director. She worked tirelessly along with so many volunteers, to present and sell the work of local artists at the Gallery.

After caring for her mother and father in St Cloud, Ellen and Bob moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 2019 to be closer to Susan, her husband Mark and her grandson Oliver.

As a life-long stained glass artist, Ellen understood the value of art to life. She strived to connect local artists to their community, and to enrich the communities in which she lived with art. Whether it was developing new classes for all ages, writing endless grants for funding, or coming up with new ideas to showcase art in her community – Ellen was continually looking for ways to make those connections. After years of planning and executing them, Ellen loved to shop at any Art Fair featuring local artists. Her home was filled with treasures she found at the fairs, and she could often tell you the life story behind the artist who made each piece.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Bob, her brother Tom (Laurie) Clark, her son Michael Nelson (Marcy Cheeseman), her daughter Susan (Mark) Little and her grandson, Oliver Little in addition to her brothers and sisters in-law, cousins, nieces and her nephew. She will be remembered with love.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider supporting ArtSpace/Lima, 65-67 Town Square, Lima, Ohio, 45801. Add in Memo Line: In Memory of Ellen Nelson.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.