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Monday, December 22, 2014

A Look Back at 2014


2014 was a great year for the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, marked by many successes for our arts in education programs, as well as an exciting new partnership with the White House.

This year GRFA:


Awarded $50,000 in college scholarships


Over 700 high school juniors and seniors from across Louisiana entered our 2014 Art Contest, with 21 finalists sharing $50,000 in college scholarships. In partnership with Audubon Nature Institute, the theme for the contest was "Louisiana's Natural Beauty." The winning artwork went on tour to museums in Alexandria, Lake Charles, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, LA.



Became Program Director for Turnaround Arts: Louisiana


This year we were honored to be chosen by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities (PCAH) to be program director of Turnaround Arts: Louisiana, an education initiative designed to turn around low-performing schools through arts-integration. Schools in the Turnaround Arts program see a boost in academic achievement, motivated student learning, and improved school culture.


Added 3 new schools to our Louisiana A+ Schools network


Three new schools were added to our Louisiana A+ Schools program - making for a total of nine member schools.  LAA+ is a research-based whole school program with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner through arts-integration curriculum. Essential to the success of this program is the LAA+ Summer Institute, where we provide a weeklong training in arts-integration. This year we hosted over 500 educators at the Summer Institute!


Brought Arts Education Outreach to California


In October, GRFA brought arts education outreach and fieldtrips to students and families in the Carmel community. We visited Mary Chapa Literacy and Technology Academy (a Turnaround Arts: California school) for a morning of creativity and painting. Families also joined us at the Rodrigue Studio Carmel for a special community art-making day.


Donated 15 pianos to LSU School of Music


In September, the Estate of George Rodrigue unveiled a posthumous silkscreen print called "Take Five" in an edition of 950. Proceeds from the sales were used to purchase 15 new upright Steinway pianos for the students of the LSU School of Music.


Won Best Illustrated Cookbook in America


The Pot & The Palette Cookbook, featuring original artwork by Louisiana high school students from our 2013 Art Contest, was named Best Illustrated Cookbook in America by Gourmand Magazine. Because of its popularity, it has already entered a third printing. This publication was produced in partnership with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation and features 100 recipes from Louisiana's best chefs.



We are looking forward to great things in 2015! 

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