He then worked as an Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans before opening up his private law office. Never losing his interest in art he took classes at LSU and privately. In 1993 after his wife died from cancer, Jerry retired from the practice of law and began canoeing the swamps around his home in Pearl River, La. He took people on Eco-Tours of the bayous and swamp. He learned about the swamp eco-system and trapping turtles and crawfish. He developed a special design for a wire trap for turtles and a smaller version for crawfish. He learned how to cook and worked at several little restaurants until taking a job at Bacco's in New Orleans. He was given the nick name 'Bluecat' at a catfish restaurant where he cooked in 1994.

  Currently he operates Fig Street Art Studio where he paints. Some images of his paintings are below. Prints are sold at the studio, on his Cafe Shops  and Zazzle web pages and at times on E-Bay. He also designs T-Shirts and logos for individuals and clubs. His City Park Bridge was selected to appear on a greeting card at Romantic Card Co.  His paintings and prints hang in many offices and homes throughout the United States.

     Jerry has served as a Justice of The Peace in Slidell, La. a town north of New Orleans, and a Lay Minister and has performed many weddings and marriage ceremonies over the past 14 years. Information on personalized marriage ceremonies can be found at the links on the left. He is available in the Greater New Orleans area to perform a wedding at you choice of location or in his office.Hurricane Katrina has closed the city but other areas are open for weddings contact Dr. Schwehm for information on getting married in the New Orleans Metro areas.

    Any questions or comments contact him at the e-mail address furnished here.