Curriculum Vitae — J. R. Welch

J. R. Welch

Visual Artist · Photographer · Writer
New Orleans, Louisiana | thejrwelch.com | @thejrwelch
1013 N. Carrollton Ave, New Orleans LA 70119 | 504-289-0810

Visual Art Practice

The Witnesses
Charcoal and mixed media series exploring family constellation, inherited memory, and generational narrative. Developed as a cohesive body of work for solo exhibition.

Contested Seat
Large-scale pastel works using chairs and avian imagery as metaphors for power, displacement, and belonging. Anchor work: The Last Claimant (50 x 37 in.), featuring the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and American flag chair.

Pink Elephant (In Progress)
Acrylic and mixed media works reflecting on the forgotten Mississippi Delta. The series examines nostalgia, civic decline, tourism mythologies, and the tension within the American Dream.

Photography (Archival Pigment Prints)

Studio in the Country
A photographic study of the 1973 Bogalusa recording studio, documenting its material textures, musical residue, and cultural legacy. Artists recorded there include the Neville Brothers, Kansas, Stevie Wonder, P. J. Morton, and The Revivalists.

Super Sunday
Documentation of Mardi Gras Indian traditions in and around A. L. Davis Park, capturing ritual, regalia, and intergenerational cultural expression.

When the Churches Sang Together
A visual record of post-Katrina reconciliation between First Baptist New Orleans and Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, exploring race, worship, memory, and public healing.

Rising Voices
Street photography documenting civic protest and contemporary public dissent.

Literary Publications

·  The Christian Century

·  Blueline Magazine

·  Queen’s Review

·  Pictura Journal

·  Reckon Review

·  Down in the Dirt

·  Longlisted: The World’s Greatest Short Story, judged by Kristen Arnett, Southeast Review

Book Projects

·  River Calling: The Cost of Myths (Creative Nonfiction, in submission)

·  Every Fiber: A Lyric of the Delta (Poetry manuscript, in submission)

·  City Care: Walk these Steets with Me (Civic Guide on the Material Poor, forthcoming 2026)

Professional Experience

President — Join Compassion | New Orleans, LA | Dec 2023 – Present

Lead a nonprofit network representing 130 churches across six parishes in Southeast Louisiana, focused on compassion ministry, justice initiatives, and civic engagement. 

Lead Minister— First Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Feb 2019 – Mar 2023

Led a historic, multicultural downtown faith-based organization through institutional transition and the COVID-19 pandemic. Oversaw staff, public communication, and city partnerships.

Founder & Lead Cultural Architect — Harbor Community Collective | New Orleans, LA | Mar 2006 – Feb 2019

Founded and led a community movement engaging marginalized populations in New Orleans. Directed partnerships, programming, and cultural initiatives.

Co-Founder & Director — Convergence Gallery and Center for the Arts | New Orleans, LA | Jun 2006 – Jan 2011

Co-founded and directed a gallery and performance space integrating visual art, music, and public storytelling. Supported emerging artists and hosted regional and national exhibitions.

Residency

Northern Louisiana Artist Exchange — Ross Lynn Foundation | Ruston, LA | March 2026 – Present

Education

·  Master of Theology (M.Th.), Campbellsville University

· Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Organizational Management, Campbellsville