Ian J. Welch

Ian J. Welch of Brunson, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 4th, surrounded by the love of family and friends after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 39.

Throughout his illness, Ian was sustained by the devoted love and steadfast care of his cherished partner, Emily Barger. Her unwavering presence brought him comfort, dignity, and companionship through the most difficult chapter of his life.

Ian was born on January 3, 1987, in Toledo, Ohio. He showed an early love for art and music from childhood. He displayed exceptional talent from an early age, first as a student at Lial Elementary Montessori School run by the Sisters of Notre Dame, next at St. Patrick's of Heatherdowns, and later as a scholarship recipient at Central Catholic High School in Toledo. Fittingly, their mascot is "The Fighting Irish." Ian was a third-generation Irish American, a heritage of which he was deeply proud.

Ian fulfilled his early promise and grew into an extraordinary artist, educator, and mentor whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. Through his work as an elementary art teacher in Hampton County, South Carolina, he inspired hundreds of children to see themselves as artists and creative thinkers. His patience, kindness, and unwavering belief in his students changed lives.

A nationally and internationally exhibited printmaker, Ian earned an Associate of Arts from Owens Community College, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Bowling Green State University, a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking from Northern Illinois University, and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. His artwork was exhibited throughout the United States. Ian's work reflected a deep reverence for the natural world and, later, the unique landscapes of his adopted Lowcountry home, as well as the broader relationship between people and place.

Before becoming an elementary school teacher, Ian served as Assistant Professor of Art and Curator of the FAB Gallery at South Carolina State University. Before joining South Carolina State University, he served as an adjunct instructor at Bowling Green State University and Owens Community College, as well as Gallery Manager and Curator at Gathered Glassblowing Studio. Ultimately, Ian chose to leave higher education because he believed the greatest difference could be made by reaching children early in their artistic journeys. That decision reflected the limitless compassion and humility that defined his life.

Ian was also the owner and master printer of Pegboard Press, a former advisory board member for the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and an irreplaceable and dynamic creative force behind the educational programming and exhibitions at Hampton Friends of the Arts, Inc. in Hampton, South Carolina. He poured countless hours into community exhibitions, theater productions, workshops, and public art projects. He helped bring ArtFields Jr. opportunities to local students, mentored emerging artists, built scenery for theatrical productions, curated exhibitions, and generously shared his time and talent wherever they were needed.

All who knew Ian benefited from his unfailing encouragement and steadfast belief in others. Although he received many honors, including a 2026 South Carolina Governor's Award for the Arts, Ian never sought recognition for the many ways he served others. Public attention made him deeply uncomfortable. He simply believed that art had the power to transform people and communities, and he devoted his life to making that transformation possible.

Above all, Ian will be remembered for his gentle spirit, extraordinary talent, quick wit, contagious laugh, and limitless kindness. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students he encouraged, the artists he mentored, the community he nurtured, and the works of art that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Ian is survived by his beloved partner, Emily Barger; his mother, Sharon Enck-Welch, and her partner, Woody Fletcher, of Toledo, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his father, James W. Welch, Jr., also of Toledo, Ohio.

Ian also leaves behind countless friends, students, colleagues, and community members whose lives were forever changed by his kindness, mentorship, and unwavering belief in their potential. While his influence will endure for generations through the people he inspired, those who knew and loved him are left with an immeasurable void. His absence will be felt in every classroom he brightened, every studio he nurtured, every gallery he shaped, and every life he quietly transformed. Those who loved him most will strive to honor his legacy of radical empathy and his enduring reminder to us all, "No wasted days."

A celebration of Ian's life will be held Wednesday, July 22nd at 11 AM in the gymnasium at Hampton Intermediate School (formerly Hampton Elementary) located at 505 Hoover St. S., Hampton, SC 29924.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hampton Friends of the Arts or another organization supporting arts education, reflecting Ian's lifelong belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy of creating.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Welch family during this time.