Nelson has exhibited in such places as the Corcoran Gallery, Washington D.C.; The Henry Art Gallery, Seattle, WA; The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; Franklin Street Works, Stamford, CT; The College Art Association Conference, New York, NY; Walker's Point Center for the Arts, Milwaukee, WI; Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul, MN; and the Pingyao International Photography Festival, Pingyao, China. Nelson was the recipient of the Graduating with Excellence Award from the University of Washington School of Art in 2010 and has received grants such as the 4Culture Individual Artist Project Grant (Seattle, WA) the Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant, and faculty development grants at St. Lawrence University. His work has been reviewed in national and international publications.
Examining themes of gender, aging, class, and identity, Nelson records and interprets the personal narratives of his friends, family, and self. As one reviewer recently wrote, “His work delves into the nuances of human connection — love, friendship, intimacy, frustration and loss.” In addition to art, Peter sings and plays the mandolin with the indie-folk duo Jayber Crow.