Welcome to
Carmel Del Mar

Welcome to the  Art Program! I am so excited to be your art teacher and see all your creativity and imagination at work.

Educational Background

Over the past 23 years, I've had the privilege of working as an art specialist in the Del Mar Union School District. It has been a joyful, busy, creative experience to help foster the imaginations of so many students. Taking inspiration from the world of Art and working in materials ranging from clay to watercolors, I have seen students grow in creative confidence and their ability to ask thoughtful questions. 

Prior to joining DMUSD I worked in the education department at the San Diego Museum of Art. I also have  participated in the Colonial Williamsburg Fellowship Program, been a Robert Rauschenberg /LAB School of Washington D.C. Honoree, and attended Harvard's Project Zero Summer Institute and the National Gallery of Art Teacher Institute.

•Bachelor of Arts: Santa Clara University (Major Fine Art, Minor Spanish)

•Master of Arts in Teaching, museum education: the George Washington University

• Credentials: Single Subject in Art; Professional Clear Multiple Subject;CLAD

•Teacher of the Year: Del Mar Hills 2008-2009:  Carmel Del Mar 2014-2015

Contact Information:

Email: nnelson@dmusd.org

ZOOM meetings by appointment


Educational Philosophy 

 It is the mission of the Launch Art Program to create a well rounded art education experience where  each child finds joy in art and the development of transferable thinking skills by observing works of art and making art. This approach is based on Harvard's Artful Thinking Program and Studio Thinking (also developed at Harvard).Together these programs help students create rich connections between works of art, hands on art making, and curriculum topics. It works to ensure students develop critical thinking skills, and empowers students to identify their artistic process to better understand their choices and build creative skills appropriate to art and other content areas.

Art Class Links

Coming soon!








Life Outside of School

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my husband Victor and two dogs Shelby and Josie. When I am not at home reading, drawing,  walking my dogs or cooking you can find me at the ranch riding my horse.