Nilton was born in Lima, Peru. As a youth his family immigrated to Miami, Florida and then moved to Providence, RI. He grew up in Lima, Peru and studied journalism at the University of San Martin de Porres and Painting at the Institute Superior Jose Sabogal in Lima, Peru. He has exhibited individual and collectively within the U.S. and abroad. His paintings are in private and corporate collections. His work reflects an inward search for his native origin as it releases to his creativity; his work is a spiritual rebirth, a liberating reawakening.

Nilton is a past a Sol Gallery Board Member. Sol Gallery promotes Latino Art and culture. He has been developing his talent as an art and painting instructor for years with children and youth in the city of Providence. He has worked in schools summer camps and before and after school programs. He has also worked for different organizations that support art and culture in the city of Providence, such as Providence After School Alliance, Achievement First Providence Mayor Academy Elementary, Blackstone Valley Community Action Program, City Arts, Dorcas Place, YMCA, Urban League of RI, Hispanic Heritage Society Museum, RISD, Providence Safe Smart Program and Providence School District. Nilton also works for the Providence School Department.

Nilton has received recognition awards from the City Hall and from different state representatives acknowledging his art work, his support and the impact that he has as a role model for children, youth and people of Providence.

SOLO SHOW

2016 “Deeply / Profundamente”, Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, Pawtucket, RI

“Living in Memory/Viviendo en Memoria”, Bridge Center at Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

2015 “Deeply/Profundamente”, Colo Colo Gallery, New Bedford, Massachusetts

2009 “Living in Memory/ Viviendo en Memoria”, Colo Colo Gallery, New Bedford, Massachusetts

2008 “Living in Memory/ VIviendo en Memoria”, Gallery Z, Providence RI

2007 “Living in Memory/ Viviendo en Memoria”, Consulate General of Peru, Hartford, Connecticut

2006 “Living in Memory/ Viviendo en Memoria”, Multicultural Center at Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI

2005 “Constant Mystery/Misterio Constante”, BankRI Gallery, Providence, RI

2001 “Tierra Natal / Native Land”, Multicultural Center at Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

1999 “Caminando entre Formas y Colores/ Walking between Shapes and Colors”, Center City Gallery at the Arcade, Providence, RI

SELECT GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2016 “The Affordable Art Fair”, Chelsea, New York City
         “Origins and Identity”, Atrium Gallery, State Department of Admin. Bldg., Providence, RI
         “Group Show”, Gallery Z, Providence RI

2015 “Affordable Art Show”, Gallery Z, Providence RI
        “Latin American Art”, Warwick Museum of Art, RI

2014 “Latin American Exhibition”, Newport Art Museum– Coleman Center Studies, Newport RI
         “13th Annual State Latin American Art Exhibit”, Atrium Gallery, State Department of Admin. Bldg., Providence, RI
         “Latin Exhibition”, South Providence Library Gallery, Providence RI

2013 “NetWorks 2011-2012”, Newport Art Museum,Newport RI
         “The Fabric of Our Community”, URI Providence Campus Gallery, RI

2012 “The Art and Soul of Rhode Island”, Gallery Z, Providence RI

2011 “The 2011 NetWorks Artists”, Candita Clayton Gallery, Providence RI
         “NetWorks 2011 Artist Video World Premiere”, RISD Museum of Art, Chace Center, Providence RI
         “Small Picture Show”, Gallery Z, Providence RI

2010 “Dalla Collezione”, Gallery Z, Providence RI
         “The Armenian Genocide Exhibition”, URI Providence Campus Gallery, RI

2009 “Group Show”, Colo Colo Gallery, New Bedford, Massachusetts
         “Miracle Due, Gonna come True”, The Courthouse for the Arts, North Kingstown, RI

2008 “Multicultural Exhibit”, Gail Cahalan Gallery, RI

2007 “Latino Expressions III”, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Bldg., Manhattan, NY

2006 “Distortion”, Atrium Gallery, State Department of Admin. Bldg., Providence, RI
         “Latino Arts”, Natty Gallery, Warwick, RI
         “Latino Visual Art Exhibit” New Haven, Connecticut
         “Latin Show” Jerry’s Art Gallery, Providence, Rhode Island
         “Nostalgia / Memorias” Venezuela Gallery, Consulate of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, New York

2005 “Latin American Exhibition”, CCRI Campus Art Gallery, Warwick, RI
         “Expo Alternative”, City Art Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Collective 2005”, Gallery Leadership Rhode Island, Providence, RI
         “Conección Latina”, Adobe Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Connecting the Dots/ Conectando los Puntos”, Sol Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Carnival”, URI Providence Campus Gallery, RI

2004 “Latino Art Exhibit”, Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, Massachusetts
         “Hispanic Heritage Exhibition”, City Hall Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Art Competition and Exhibition”, Warwick Museum of Art, RI
         “A Celebration of Latino Art”, Hunt-Cavanaugh Gallery, Providence College, RI
         “Collective 2004”, City Arts Gallery, Providence, RI

2003 “Mosaicos”, Atrium Gallery, State Department of Admin. Bldg., Providence, RI
         “Globalization”, URI Providence Campus Gallery, RI
         “Creative Sol”, URI Providence Campus Gallery, RI
         “Latino Artists’ Exhibition”,City Hall Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Spring International Exhibition”, Latin American Art Museum, Miami, Florida
         “Conexiones a través del Tiempo/Connections through Time” The Rhode Island Foundation Gallery, RI
         “Latin American Artists’ Exhibition”, CCRI, Flanagan Campus Art Gallery, Lincoln, RI
         “Encuentro de Artistas de USA y España / La Ultima Cena”, Sala de Exposiciones Brossa, Barcelona, España
         “Art Voyages”, The De Blois Gallery, Newport, RI

2002 “The Last Supper/ La Ultima Cena”, Downtown Gallery, Providence, RI
         “The Last Picture Show”, Sol Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Latin American Visual Arts Expo”, Atrium Gallery, State Department of Admin. Bldg., Providence, RI
         “Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration”, Latino Resource Group, Fleet Bank, Providence, RI
         “Spheres/ Esferas”, The Newport Art Museum, RI
         “Windows to the Sol”, URI Providence Campus Gallery, RI

2001 “Mixed Mediums”, Windsor Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Art Display”, Public Library, Providence, RI
         “Latin American Art Exhibit”, The Latin American Cultural House, Pawtucket, RI
         “Experience Latin American Art”, The Tsetse Gallery, Providence, RI

2000 “Carta and Edge of the Map”, The Rhode Island Foundation Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Somos Latinos/We are Latinos”, Artist from New England at Sol Gallery, Providence, RI
         “Regional Artist Exhibit 2000”, Central Research Division Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut
         “Shared Vision”, Joint Exhibition by Afro-American and Latino Artist from New England at Sol Gallery, Providence, RI

1999 “Raices Culturales del Arte Latino”, RI State Council on the Arts, Providence, RI
         “Latino Art Exhibit”, Project New Urban Arts, Providence, RI
         “Exhibit of Latino Art”, Center City Gallery at the Arcade, Providence, RI
         “Latino Art Exhibit”, Multicultural Center of the University of RI, North Kingstown, RI

Awards & Recognitions

2016 Welcoming Ambassador- Certificate of Appreciation. In recognition of your significant contribution to the Welcoming Rhode Island initiative, your time and willingness to share your inspiring story to bridge the divide between foreign-born new comers and native-born Rhode Islanders to fosters a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island.

Certificate of Special Recognition of your artistic talent and contribution to the arts in the Ocean State. Thank you for your advocacy in the community and the best wishes for continued success given by Gina M. Raimondo, Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation.

Citizen Citation in recognition of your "Deeply" exhibit on display at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, an exhibit, which showcases your tremendous artistic and contributes to the phenomenal arts in state of Rhode Island. I am joined by the people of Providence in congratulating you on this special occasion, as well as thanking you for your dedication and service to our community given by Jorge O. Elorza. Mayor of Providence.

Citation in recognition of your Art Exhibit Opening "Deeply" The City of Cranston extends its sincerest congratulations and very wishes on his memorable occasion given by Allan W. Funs, Mayor of Cranston.

Citation in recognition of the opening of his exhibition entitled "Deeply" The entire City extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the hope for continued good fortune given by Donald R. Grebien, Mayor of Pawtucket.

Citation for his contributions to the Community through the Arts given by James Diossa, Mayor of Central Falls.

Diploma en su reconocimiento a su trayectoria artistica y valiosa contribucion a la difusion de la Cultura Peruana otorgada por Augusto Thornberry, Consul General del Peru en Harford, CT

Citation in recognition of The Opening of your exhibit “ Deeply “ at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center and your dedication and outstanding contribution to the arts and culture in the State of Rhode Island granted by The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

2014 City of Providence Official Citation for my participation in the 2014 State Latin American Art Exhibit at The Atrium Gallery Hosted by The Rhode Island State Council on Arts. On behalf of the citizens of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, I wish you continued success and all the best in the future. State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations granted by Lincoln D. Chafee, Governor of Rhode Island.

2009 City of Providence Official Citation for his dedication and selfless Contribution to the Latino Community through the Arts and exhibiting his exceptional Art Work at Colo Colo Gallery of Massachusetts, during the 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration earning the respect and admiration of the people of Providence from The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations given by Peter S. Mancini, City Council President.

2008 Award for his Outstanding Contribution to Enhance the Quality of Life for the People of the State of Rhode Island granted by Donald L. Carcieri, Governor of Rhode Island.

Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in Appreciation of his volunteer efforts for the Back to School Celebration Event given by Sheldon Whitehouse, Senator.

Certificate of Recognition for his contribution to the Back To School Celebration from Elizabeth H. Roberts, Lieutenant Governor.

Certificate of Recognition for his dedication to education as exhibited by his outstanding contributions to the Back to School Celebration, his commitment as a volunteer essential to the event’s success from Patrick C. Lynch, Attorney General.

Certificate of Appreciation for countless hours of fundraising efforts made to provide for children who attend public schools in Providence a copy of this citacion is bestowed upon Nilton Cardenas as evidence of our admiration and esteem granted by A. Ralph Mollis, Secretary of State.

Citation in recognition as an outstanding volunteer and supporter of the annual Back to School initiative, providing thousands of students with the tools to succeed in school, in addition to the work that he carries out on a day to day basis in support of his community, earning the respect and ad migration of his family, friends and peers, in addition to all the people of Providence who join me on this memorable occasion to wish him the best in all his future endeavors granted by David N. Cicilline, Mayor of Providence

Citation in recognition of being honored for his outstanding and dedicated service to the success of the distribution efforts of school supplies and back packs at the Back to School Celebration from Joseph S. Almeida, Representative.

Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his Valuable Support for The Peruvian Art in the United States of America, granted by Jose Benzaquen, Consul General of Peru in Hartford, Connecticut.

2007 Certificate of Recognition of the remarkable contributions made in the service of the arts and culture of the Northern Manhattan community, and in honor of the achievements of the individual artist whose rich talents and work given by Casa Duarte, Debralee Santos, Program Director & NMCED, Dr.Nurys de Oleo, Executive Director.

Excellence Award “Por su excelente participación, apoyo a las artes culturales y contribución a la Sociedad Cultural Colombo-Americana” given by Gabriel Martinez, President of the Colombian American Cultural Society of RI.

Citation for Promoting Colombian Cultural Awareness through the Arts granted by Mayor of the City of Pawtucket, James E. Doyle.

Citizen Citation in recognition of his achievements as an artist and as curator of the Columbian American Cultural Society, contributing to and reflecting the spirit of our neighborhoods and enlivening the art community of the City of Providence with his outstanding skills, dedication and talents, earning him the thanks and appreciation of the City along with our best wishes for his continued growth and success in the years ahead given by Mayor of the City of Providence, David N. Cicilline.

Recognition Award for his splendid artistic trajectory granted by the Consulate General of Peru, Consul Jose Benzaquen in Hartford, Connecticut

2006 Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of his Continuing Contribution to the Arts in Rhode Island from Governor Donald L. Carcieri

Citation for Celebrating the “5th Annual State Latin American Visual Arts Expo” and his dedication and commitment to the Latino art world from The Rhode Island House of Representatives, Grace Diaz

Citation in recognition of his dedication and commitment to The Latino art and world and his continued contribution to the fine arts in the State of Rhode Island from Mayor of Pawtucket James C. Doyle

Senate Citation in Recognition for his Collaborative and Artistic Accomplishments in Creating the “Mathematical Hues” Mural from Senator Juan M. Pichardo

2005 Citation in Recognition of his Artistic ability to creatively mentor special students and create a unique “Inclusive Community” Mural at Bridgham Middle School from Council President John J. Lombardi

2003 Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of his valuable contribution toward the enhancement of the fine arts in the State of Rhode Island and his participation in the “2003 State Latin American Visual Arts Expo” from Governor Donald L. Carcieri

Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of his selfless contribution to the community and on being honored with the Individual Artist Award from Governor Donald L. Carcieri

Community Service Award for his Dedication and Selfless Contribution to the Community through the Arts from The International Gallery for Heritage and Culture

2002 Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his ethnic and artistic contribution to Rhode Island’s quality of life from Human Resources/outreach and diversity office in Rhode Island.

Senate Citation in recognition of the momentous occasion of the exhibition of his Artwork in the first Latin American Visual Arts Expo from The Rhode Island Senate

Citation in recognition of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the first Latin American Visual Arts Expo from The Rhode Island House of Representative.

Certificate of Appreciation for exhibiting his exceptional Artwork at the Newport Art Museum.

Certificate of Appreciation for exhibiting his exceptional Artwork at the De Blois Gallery of Newport of Rhode Island from Hispanic Cultural Society of Rhode Island.

2001 Certificate of Appreciation for his participation in the Art Display and Silent Auction from Hispanic Cultural Society of Rhode Island.

2000 Certificate of Appreciation for his Contributions of Service to Volunteers in Providence Schools (VIPS)

Citation for his outstanding contributions to children, education and the community at large from The Rhode Island House of Representatives.

1999 Certificate of Appreciation in Service to Oliver Hazard Perry Middle School and Community.

Citation in Recognition of his dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the children in the City of Providence from The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.