Jay (Jo Ann, they/she) is an analog-obsessed visual storyteller, educator, and amateur marathon runner. Community lies at the heart of their visual work, driven by a deep-seated desire to nurture compassion and forge connections within and beyond their communities.
Jayis a graduate of the International Center of Photography’s photojournalism program (New York, NewYork) where she was awarded The New York Times Foundation Scholarship and apprenticed under their mentor, the esteemed photojournalist Eugene Richards.
Jay is returning to photography and visual arts after a seven-year hiatus. Duringthat time, they transitioned to Executive Hospitality Management &Operations roles at MML Hospitality (2016-2020) to the dynamic realm ofPreacher’s inaugural Director of Hospitality & Culture, delving into the vibrant intersection of creativity and hospitality.
Currently, Jay is immersed in a phase of reigniting their passion for storytelling, producing events, crafting immersive experiences, and actively working towards the establishment W A N D E R , a community darkroom, gallery and gathering space.
Having spent the last 16 years in Austin, TX, Jay now finds solace in the tranquil surroundings of Lenox, MA, nestled in the Berkshires, where they along side their wife, seven-year-old daughter, and their furry pack.
EXHIBITIONS
2016
Proud to Serve
Northern Vermont University Johnson, VT
2015
Believe (film premiere)
Dup 15q Alliance Conference
Orlando, FL
2014
State of Denial
J Clark Gallery
Austin, TX
Selected Works
Miss Porter’s School
Farmington, CT
2013
Within 100 Miles (of Austin)
Sustainable Food Center
Austin, TX -permanent collection
2012
Proud to Serve
United States Military Naval Base
San Diego, CA
2011
End of War*
Northlight Gallery at
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Proud to Serve
SF LGBT Community Center,
San Francisco, CA
Processed Repeat Austin Series Vol. 2*
Gallery Black Lagoon
Austin, TX
Collected Works*
B. Hollyman Gallery
Austin, TX
2010
Austin Faces AIDS
Falcon 5, Contained Art Space Austin, TX
Fine Line Private Lives for Public View* – Clifford Gallery at
Colgate University, Hamilton, NY
Proud to Serve
The Q Center
Portland, OR
Walking the Block
B. Hollyman Gallery
Austin, TX
2009
Pluperfect*
International Center of Photography, New York, NY
Proud to Serve
The LGBT Community Center
New York, NY
Rise: New Work by New Artists*
Gallery I/D
Miami, FL
Walking the Block
The LGBT Community Center
New York, NY
*GROUP SHOW
AWARDS
New York Times Foundation Fellowship Recipient
Palm Center Fellowship for
Proud to Serve project
Kick-Starter funded for
Proud to Serve project
Guest artist for Art City Austin
Lecturing Visiting Artist
Miss Porter’s School
CLIENTS
Newsweek, The NewYorker, New York Magazine, Mother Jones, The Guardian, The Advocate, Food & Wine, The Washington Post, Texas Observer, Austin Monthly, Edible Austin,
Edible Berkshires,
Neighbor Works,
Sustainable Food Center,
AIDS Services of Austin,
The Center For American Progress and numerous International publications and clients
From 2006- 2008, I was part of the Austin pedicab community and beginning to find my eye as a photographer and storyteller.
During that memorable time, I was the subject of an 8 min doc short film Things that Click