As the city’s jazz festival season unfurls, artist Annie Moran embarks on a significant milestone: five years as a featured participant in New Orleans’ flagship cultural celebration. This year, she presents a new work that combines her private studio practice with a major public art milestone. Her latest watercolor painting is a tribute to The Welcoming Committee, her first exterior mural and a centerpiece of the Unframed public art series presented by The Helis Foundation.
Located at 1399 Girod Street in the Central Business District, the mural is currently in its second phase of completion. Its expansive imagery draws on the city’s rich cultural ecosystem, featuring musicians, a chef, a Mardi Gras Indian queen, and native flora and fauna.
The work offers a vivid homage to New Orleans’ collective identity and the people who shape it. Moran’s watercolor rendering of the mural debuts during the first weekend of Jazz Fest, April 24–27, at Tent G. The original will be available for purchase, alongside pre-orders for limited edition prints, which will be released to coincide with the mural’s unveiling at her official website.
In addition to the mural and festival showcase, Moran is also preparing for a new public art commission and a painting for the historic Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
A Louisiana native, Moran is known for her detailed yet expressive interpretations of Southern life. Her work spans multiple media, including watercolor, oil, textiles, and large-scale installations.
Her art reflects a deep connection to the natural world and cultural heritage of the region. The Welcoming Committee marks a significant evolution in her career—from gallery walls to the streets of New Orleans.
Moran’s public art practice is characterized by its accessibility and community engagement. The Unframed series, in particular, has fostered meaningful interactions between artists, collectors, and the public.
“The Unframed series has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to bring my art to the people and create a dialogue between the street and the studio,” Moran says. “I believe that public art has the power to inspire and uplift the community.”
Throughout her career, Moran has received numerous accolades, including a 2020 Emerging Artist Award from the New Orleans Museum of Art.
A testament to her dedication and perseverance, Moran’s five-year journey as a featured participant in Jazz Fest is a remarkable achievement.
As the city’s jazz festival season unfolds, artist Annie Moran continues to leave her mark on New Orleans’ visual landscape, cementing her position as a leading public artist in the city.
“I was inspired by the vibrant colors and textures of the city’s street art, and I wanted to capture the essence of New Orleans in a way that was both intimate and expansive,” Moran says in a statement.
The original watercolor painting of The Welcoming Committee will be available for purchase at the Jazz Fest festival, while limited edition prints will be released to coincide with the mural’s unveiling at her official website.