Niema Lightseed Wilson

Multidisciplinary artist and teacher.

Education

Master of Fine Arts, California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA 2026

Charles Gaines Fellowship Recipient.

Mentored by Valeria Tizol-Vivas.

Teaching Assistant for gloria galvez.

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Theatre Performance, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL 2002

Advanced Portrait Painting in Oil, Aloria Weaver & David Heskin 2023

Workshop in traditional indirect painting techniques, art history, color theory, oil mediums and layering, and brush handling.

Mastering Composition, Ian Roberts 2022

Oil painting course in effective landscape composition, color theory, value and form, brush handling, and art history.

Integrative Bodywork for the Manual Therapist, Jonathan Primack & Alex Susbauer, Portland, OR 2018 - 2024

Massage Certificate, East West College of the Healing Arts Portland, OR 2017

Hatha Yoga Teacher Certificate, Temple of Kriya Yoga Chicago, IL 2003–2004

Exhibitions

Natural Intelligence - MFA Thesis Show

CalArts D301 Gallery, Valencia CA. March 2026

Luminous Liminal - MFA Mid-Residency Show

CalArts Mint Gallery, Valencia CA. January 2025

Spreadin’ Rhythm Around - Group Show

Broadway Rose Theatre, Tigard OR. September 2023

Lectures

Embodiment, Creativity, Liberation: Artist Talk, CalArts, 2026

Working with Foraged Pigments, CalArts, 2025

Meeting Your Muse, CalArts, 2025

The Subtle Sip: Meditation & Poetry Writing, Heaven’s Tea Portland, 2023

Hearthforge: Art-making as Healing Practice, Dancing Tree Sanctuary OR, 2022

Courses

Charming Your Muse, School for Sacred Storytelling, 2023

Disarming Our Language: Transforming Internalized Oppression, Portland Underground Graduate School, 2020 & 2021

Medicinal Poetry Writing, Flora Bowley’s Collective, 2018

Employment

Teaching Assistant, California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA 2025-2026

Supported the delivery of classroom materials, provided consultant support to undergrad students, and offered presentations.

Advisory Council Member, Stelo Arts and Culture Foundation,

Portland, OR 2021-2023

Founder, Licensed Massage Therapist, Lead Artist, and Workshop Facilitator

The Body Poetic Portland, OR 2018 – 2024

Provided multiple bodywork modalities, mindfulness and writing workshops, creativity coaching, rituals, and other wellness services while running all business operations.

Offered workshops and courses in collaboration with Hey Doc Clinic, PSU (Portland State University). PUGS (Portland Underground Graduate School), Souldust Conference, Soul Weaver’s Gathering, Flora Bowley, and Songwriter Soirée.

Yoga Teacher and Administrative Assistant

Sun Gate Center Portland, OR 2014 – 2017

Responsible for designing and teaching classes and workshops related to yoga and personal wellness. Supported the owner with admin tasks such as social media, client services, and event management.

Awards

Stability Grant, Regional Arts and Culture Council, Portland, OR 2022

Post Truth Project Grant, Open Signal, Portland OR 2017