ABOUT NIC
Nicholas S. Dahl, born April 8, 1992, was a bright, passionate, effervescent and caring person. Nic loved everyone and everyone loved him. He enjoyed exploring the world, including spending a year abroad in Spain and China during college. He traveled more continents and countries than his parents combined, but New York City was the only place Nic ever wanted to be. From a very early age, he walked the streets of New York like he owned them. He loved the Opera, every museum he ever walked into, music and Broadway. He was on the board of the Opera League of Los Angeles at the time of his death.
He was a kind soul, and he wanted everyone to be housed and never hungry. Nic would always tell his family to talk to those who are homeless as they should be seen and loved. Nic volunteered at food kitchens and donated to centers to help those in need.
Nic was a prolific writer and reader. He created and shared poems during family gatherings, friends’ weddings and on social media. He was wordy and worldly. Among his favorite poetry was “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman. Nic contained Multitudes.
He cherished the childhood book I Love You the Purplest written by Barbara Joosse and illustrated by Mary Whyte. He was convinced the little blond-haired boy in the book was him and the brown-haired boy was his brother, Finn. Every year on Mother’s Day, Nic and Finn sent their mother a beautiful bouquet of purple flowers. Purple remained Nic’s favorite color throughout his life. Nic was a proud LGBTQ man, and his political passions fueled his crusade for equality.
To learn more about Nic visit his website at www.nicholasdahl.com.
ABOUT TEAM MULTITUDES
Running was something Nic hated and loved, but for certain, it was an activity that supported his mental health. With his friends in Los Angeles, Nic participated in three triathlons. Prior to Nic’s sudden death on October 14, 2022, Theresa (Nic’s sister) and Nic had talked about running a marathon together. Low and behold, the next Baltimore Running Festival was scheduled for October 14, 2023, the anniversary of Nic’s passing. We felt this was a sign to follow through on this plan.
Since 2022, friends from across the country have come together to run, celebrate and give back as part of Team MULTITUDES. Forty runners joined us for the Baltimore Running Festival in 2023, and 47 participated in 2025.
We are already looking ahead to our next gathering at the Baltimore Running Festival on October 16, 2027. The event features races for all levels – from the 5k to the full marathon – so there’s a place for everyone. Start training now and plan to join us.
Throughout the year, Team MULTITUDES raises funds in memory of Nic for the Nicholas S. Dahl Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Howard County. The fund supports causes Nic cared deeply about – including the arts, women’s rights, mental health, literacy and food insecurity.
To date, we have funded a capital expansion at the VanNess Recovery House in Los Angelos, CA, provided support to the Franciscan Center in Baltimore to help feed those in need, and have created two programs in Nic’s name:
The Nicholas Dahl Visiting Artist Residency at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum in Provincetown, MA. This residency scholarship funds a one-week creative experience in Provincetown, including lodging, art workshops, free studio space, a museum membership and the opportunity to work with artists and writers in the area.
The Nicholas Dahl Poetry Workshop at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD. Each April, the Nic Dahl Poetry Workshop will be held in celebration of National Poetry Month. This workshop will be for both new and experienced artists to explore the beauty of language, with a focus on poetry inspired by art. This free of charge class will allow participants to experiment with poetic techniques, discover their unique voice, and engage in discussions that merge art and poetry. Artists will be encouraged to present their work at the annual AVAM Poetry Slam in February with a grand prize award of $250.
You can also help by supporting the Nicholas S. Dahl Charitable Fund by making a donation below.
Please share Nic’s story and encourage others to make a gift to keep Nic’s memory and good vibes with us forever.
