Remembering Adam F. Nilson, Fine Art alum

Adam F. Nilson, Miller High Life mural (photo courtesy of Nilson Studios)

Adam F. Nilson ’03 (Drawing) passed away on March 5, 2023. He was the owner of nationally recognized Nilson Studio, where he created many beloved Milwaukee area murals. Generous with his community, Nilson also hosted art supply drives and mentored students to ensure children had access to the arts.

According to his website, Nilson credits his son Jackson with “the inspiration and courage to strike out on his own.” After graduating from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Nilson founded his studio mural business. His work spanned private murals and fine art work to Milwaukee hallmarks like the iconic Miller sign. Nilson’s clients ranged from restaurants and breweries to the Milwaukee Bucks, and his work was featured on several HGTV shows.

Starting his career at 17 years old, Nilson created a graffiti mural for his school, Beloit Memorial High School. Even years after graduating, Nilson continued to give back to students at Beloit Memorial and in the Milwaukee community, participating in fundraising efforts and mentoring to keep kids engaged in art.

Nilson’s generous creative contributions profoundly impacted his Wisconsin communities and beyond. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium in Beloit, WI. A visitation will precede the service at 10 a.m. Nilson’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to charity in his name.

Read Adam Nilson’s full obituary here.