Louisiana Culture Awards 2014

On April 22, 2014, the annual Louisiana Culture Awards were held at the Capital Park Museum in Baton Rouge.  Part of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development’s Culture Connection, this awards ceremony honored individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the state’s historic, artistic, and cultural legacies.

This year’s Art Education Award recipient was Henry Price of Shreveport, who was instrumental in the founding of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts’ Louisiana A+ Schools Program.  His commitment to establishing visual arts and music instruction as part of core curricula is evident in his professional and leadership positions.  He is the arts supervisor for Caddo Parish Schools, president of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, and a member of many boards in Shreveport and northwest Louisiana.

Pictured, (Left) Chairman of the Louisiana State Arts Council, Michael Echols, (Center) Henry Price, (Right) Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne 

Please join us in congratulating Henry Price for this tremendous award!  It’s because of passionate individuals like him that Louisiana A+ Schools can continue to nurture creativity in every student through an arts-integrated school network.

Jacques Rodrigue, Executive Director of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, was also in attendance to present the newly-created George Rodrigue Lifetime Cultural Achievement Award to Sue Turner of Baton Rouge.  A philanthropist and community activist, Sue has worked to preserve historical sites and the arts of Louisiana through leadership positions and contributions to numerous organizations across the state.

Pictured, (Left) Executive Director of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, Jacques Rodrigue, (Center) Sue turner, (Right) Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne

GRFA at French Quarter Festival 2014

This year’s French Quarter Festival boasted a record-breaking attendance of 733,000, making it the largest free music festival in the country.  GRFA, in partnership with title sponsor Chevron, was there to provide unique art making experiences at the STE(A+)M Zone (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

With projects designed to inspire scientific inquiry and creativity, GRFA welcomed over 3,000 visitors!  Activities included:

Activity 1:  Gak Attack

Is it a solid? A liquid? Just what is this squishy stuff?  All kids love slime! This fun science experiment allows kids to create their own “gak” while learning about primary colors and the science of color mixing.

Activity 2:  Fabulous Frogs

Over 20 varieties of frogs call Louisiana home!  Through this creative printmaking project, kids learn about the unique anatomy and habitat of these amazing amphibians. From powerful legs to lightning fast tongues, the marvelous features of frogs and the animal kingdom are investigated.

Thank you to Chevron and everyone who stopped by to do an activity with us!  We had a great time this year at the Chevron STE(A+)M Zone and look forward to sharing engaging projects at next year’s French Quarter Festival!