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Looking Back at 2015
This past year, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts' programs have been marked by growth and success, while continuing the vision of artist George Rodrigue to advocate for youth through arts in education. We are proud to share that in 2015 GRFA:
Awarded $45,000 in College Scholarships
In April, GRFA awarded $45,000 in college scholarships to Louisiana high school juniors and seniors through our 2015 Art Contest. Since 2009, the Art Contest has awarded $283,000 in scholarships to talented Louisiana students.
Donated $50,000 in Art SuppliesThe George's Art Closet program has donated over $50,000 in art supply kits to classrooms with little or no resources for visual arts supplies, allowing teachers and students the opportunity to engage in meaningful creative projects.
Nearly Doubled the Louisiana A+ Schools Program
Our Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+) program continues to grow and transform schools through arts integration. Through our network of 16 LAA+ Schools, we provide professional development to over 600 educators, impacting 7,000 Louisiana students each day with curriculum infused with the arts.
Shared George Rodrigue's Legacy with Houston Students
From April to July, the Estate of George Rodrigue presented "Rodrige: Houston", a retrospective exhibition of the artist's work. GRFA provided free busses and field trips to over 800 Houston students, awarded $25,000 in art supply kits to Houston schools with little or no funding for visual art supplies, and hosted four free Community Art Days.
Brought the Aioli Dinner Supper Club to 5 Cities
This year we introduced the Aioli Dinner Supper Club, a special dining experience that celebrates George Rodrigue's iconic Aioli Dinner painting while raising funds for our Louisiana A+ Schools program. In 2015, Aioli Dinners were hosted in New Iberia, Monroe, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Metairie. We look forward to continuing this unique, delicious dinner series in 2016!
With 2015 coming to a close, please consider a gift to the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts to ensure that our programs continue to thrive and impact the lives of Louisiana students. We count on the generosity of supporters like you to help us continue the mission of advocating for youth through the arts in education.
We wish you a happy, healthy New Year!
7 Weeks Left to Enter 2016 Scholarship Art Contest
Do you know a creative Louisiana high school junior or senior? Encourage them to enter for a chance to win a college scholarship!
The deadline to enter the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts' 2016 Scholarship Art Contest is February 12, 2016. The contest is open to all Louisiana high school juniors and seniors who wish to submit an original work of art for the theme "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival." The 2016 Art Contest is in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, one of the most dazzling Carnival parades in New Orleans. Fifteen student finalists will share $45,000 in college scholarships! The overall winner will have their artwork turned into the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus and be invited to ride in their 2017 parade!
Happy Holidays from GRFA!
Pictured, The Rodrigue family with students from J. Wallace James Elementary School in Lafayette, LA, after a recent tree ornament activity. Click here to read about Wendy Rodrigue's visit to this LAA+ School.
On behalf of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and Louisiana A+ Schools, we wish you a happy and healthy Holiday Season! We are so thankful for your friendship and support this past year and look forward to sharing our mission with you in 2016.
Congrats to the 2015 Raffle Winners!
Thank you to everyone who entered the 2015 Raffle and supported GRFA's arts in education programs! The names below were drawn, and all winners have been contacted directly by email with instructions for claiming their prizes.
M. Brennan
L. Gagliano
J. O'Malley
T. McDaniel
A. Pfanner
T. Fox
N. Cordill
J. Frosch
G. Sakowski
M. Niziol
T. Booth
J. McElwes
T. Skipworth
V. Titus
C. Aime
K. Melancon
Have you entered our 2015 Raffle yet? We invite you to take a chance today to win great prizes while supporting the arts in education across Louisiana. The deadline to enter is Friday, December 18th at 5:00 PM.
The grand prize winner of the raffle will receive FIVE silkscreen prints by George Rodrigue. Each print in the set is signed and framed. There are also exciting prizes for 2nd - 15th place!
The Grand Prize winner will receive the above signed silkscreen prints by George Rodrigue. Click here to learn more about the prints and to see runner up prizes.
All proceeds from the raffle benefit the arts in education initiatives of GRFA, including providing $45,000 in college scholarships through our annual Art Contest, transforming schools through arts integration with Louisiana A+ Schools, and enhancing classroom creativity through George's Art Closet.
The Raffle closes Friday at 5:00 PM.
$10.00 per chance
GRFA Visits Louisiana A+ Schools in New Orleans and Baton Rouge
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue visited two Louisiana A + Schools this week to read George Rodrigue's beloved children's books to students and share an ornament-making project inspired by the many colors of Rodrigue's Blue Dog series. Thank you to the students and teachers of Homer A. Plessy Community School in New Orleans and The Durfrocq School in Baton Rouge for welcoming us into your classrooms!
Homer A. Plessy Community School, New Orleans
The Dufrocq School, Baton Rouge
The application period to become an arts-integrated, Louisiana A+ Schools is now open! Click here to learn more about joining our network of 16 schools across the state.
One Week Left to Enter 2015 Raffle
On December 18th at 5:00 PM, our 2015 Raffle will close and winners will be drawn for fantastic prizes, including a set of five signed and framed silkscreen prints by George Rodrigue. Funds raised through the raffle directly support our arts in education programs, which include an annual Scholarship Art Contest, George's Art Closet, and Louisiana A+ Schools.
Click the image above to learn more about the many prizes you could win in the 2015 Raffle.
Calling All Louisiana Schools: Join the LAA+ Network in 2016
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is pleased to announce that Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+) is now accepting applications for the 2016/2017 academic year. LAA+ is a network that provides teachers with the essentials to think more creatively about how students can apply learning to the real world, and how they can present curricula in ways that nurture the whole student. At the center of this program is the use of the arts in every subject, in every classroom.
Louisiana A+ Schools values the arts as essential to the learning process. Click here to learn more.
Joining the A+ Network requires a significant time and resource commitment from a school's entire staff. We anticipate adding 3-10 schools for the 2016/2017 school year.
Rodrigue Family Visits 2 LAA+ Schools
Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue and Wendy Rodrigue, widow of George Rodrigue, visited Ridge Elementary School and J. Wallace James Elementary School in the Lafayette area to see arts-integration in action in the classrooms. Both of these terrific schools are part of our network of 16 Louisiana A+ Schools across the state.
Wendy Rodrigue reads to children at J. Wallace James Elementary School. (Photo credit: Paul Lieu, The Advertiser)
Jacques Rodrigue gets creative with students during an ornament making project. (Photo credit: Paul Lieu, The Advertiser)
The family toured the schools, visited with students and teachers, and saw examples of how the arts are integrated into each subject. Wendy Rodrigue read George Rodrigue's "Are You Blue Dog's Friend?" and "Why Is Blue Dog Blue?" to students, and Jacques Rodrigue led them in a George Rodrigue-themed ornament activity inspired by his Blue Dog series. Jacques and Wendy were also excited to announce the 2016 application period for LAA+ Schools and to share how a recent independent study by Centers for Research on Creativity proved that the A+ Schools method is transforming classrooms across Louisiana.
Free Blue Dog Lapel Pin With Each Book Purchased
Today only, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is offering a special Cyber Monday deal! Purchase the award-winning The Pot & The Palette Cookbook or The Other Side of the Painting and receive a free Blue Dog Lapel Pin per book. Individual pins are valued at $50 each and make great stocking stuffer gifts!
About the Books
All proceeds from the books directly support our arts in education programs, including an annual Scholarship Art Contest, George's Art Closet, and Louisiana A+ Schools.
The Pot & The Palette Cookbook was produced in collaboration with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation and features original artwork by Louisiana high school students who participated in our 2013 Art Contest. The Cookbook boasts over 100 delicious recipes by famous Louisiana chefs, including Emeril Lagasse, John Besh, Paul Prudhomme, and Leah Chase.
The Other Side of the Painting by Wendy Rodrigue is an illuminating, lively memoir that derives from her popular blog Musings of an Artist's Wife.
**To receive your Blue Dog Lapel Pin(s), you must purchase your book(s) through GRFA's main website.**
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Development Associate for Louisiana A+ Schools.
Development Associate
Reporting to and in partnership with the Development Director, the Development Associate will design and implement a fundraising strategy to support the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts' Louisiana A+ Schools Program. A new position in the organization, the Development Associate will have the opportunity to expand GRFA's existing development functions. Responsibilities include:Donor Relations
- Assist in the development and execution of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts' Louisiana A+ Schools annual fundraising plan
- Secure financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations
- Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors and program sponsors
- Creating and executing a strategy for a large sustained base of annual individual donors
- Develop solicitations for mail and email fundraising campaigns
- Arrange and conduct school tours with existing and potential donors
Special Events
- Work with Director of Operations and Special Events Coordinator to secure paid attendance to special events including the statewide Aioli Dinner Supper Club series
- Secure hosts for "Aioli Dinner" fundraising events and follow up with hosts to generate ticket sales
Grant Writing
- Develop and track proposals for all foundation, corporate and government grants
- Identify, write, compile and submit grants in cooperation with GRFA and LAA+ staff
- Ensure that reporting of the use of grant funds is completed accurately
Reporting
- Prepare monthly reports for the Development Director to assess fundraising program effectiveness
Qualifications
- B.A. required, M.A. preferred
- 5 or more years of experience in Development
- Experience with Raiser's Edge or equivalent donor management solution
- Basic knowledge of Louisiana's education system
- Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills
- Must have ability to travel frequently across all of Louisiana
Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is based in New Orleans at the Rodrigue Foundation office. Interested applicants can send their cover letter and resume to info@georgerodriguefoundation.org.
"Louisiana's Music" Opens in Lafayette
Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue with the 15 student finalists at the awards luncheon for the 2015 Art Contest.
Now through January 2016, head to the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum on the campus of University of Louisiana at Lafayette to see "Louisiana's Music", an exhibition featuring artwork from the 15 talented student finalists from our 2015 Scholarship Art Contest.
The 15 pieces in the exhibition explore many aspects of Louisiana's musical heritage through vibrant portraits, whimsical interpretations, and more.
2016 Art Contest: "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival"
Do you know a creative Louisiana high school junior or senior? Encourage them to submit an original work of art for our 2016 Art Contest for a chance to share $45,000 in college scholarships. This year's theme is "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival" in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus. The winning student will have their artwork turned into the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus and be invited to ride in the 2017 parade in New Orleans!
Raffle: Win 5 Signed Rodrigue Prints
There are four more weeks to enter our 2015 Raffle to support GRFA's arts in education programs! The 1st place winner receives five signed and framed silkscreen prints by George Rodrigue. There are also great prizes for 2nd - 15th place! Each chance is $10. Click here to learn more and enter the raffle.
New Raffle: Win 5 Signed Rodrigue Prints
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is pleased to announce a new raffle to benefit our arts in education programs! The grand prize of the raffle will win FIVE silkscreen prints by George Rodrigue. Each print in the set is signed and framed. There are also exciting prizes for runner up winners.
The Grand Prize winner will receive the above signed silkscreen prints by George Rodrigue. Click here to learn more about the prints and to see runner up prizes.
All proceeds from the raffle benefit the arts in education initiatives of GRFA, including providing $45,000 in college scholarships through our annual Art Contest, transforming schools through arts integration with Louisiana A+ Schools, and enhancing classroom creativity through George's Art Closet.
Deadline to enter is December 18, 2015 at 5:00 PM.
$10.00 per chance
Save the Date: #GivingTuesday 2015
Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday.
This year, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. We invite you to join the movement and help us bring creativity into Louisiana classrooms through George's Art Closet.
Each month, GRFA awards $1,000 custom art supply kits to two Louisiana schools through George's Art Closet. This successful program addresses the needs of teachers facing inadequate funding for visual art supplies.
This #GivingTuesday, with your support, we hope to fund five additional custom kits. Any donation made on December 1, 2015, will go directly to our George's Art Closet program and to transforming classrooms into dynamic, creative spaces.
New Poster: "Little Boy Blues"
"Little Boy Blues" by Skyla Blady
1st Place Junior in 2015 Art Contest
24 x 36 inches
Signed, edition of 250
$25.00
Skyla Blady, now a senior at Riverdale High School in Jefferson, LA, was shocked when her original artwork, "Little Boy Blues," was selected as a finalist in our 2015 Scholarship Art Contest in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. When her name was announced as the 1st Place Junior at the awards ceremony in April, she was even more surprised. She had invested hours in the painting and was very proud of the result, but had no idea it would become the poster selected for New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's four free music festivals.
Her vibrant poster debuted at the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in October and will also be for sale at the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, and Treme Creole Gumbo Festival. Can't make it to the festivals? You can purchase your signed poster on our website. Proceeds from "Little Boy Blues" will directly support GRFA's arts-in-education programs, with a portion going back to Blady, who is currently a senior preparing for college.
Call for Entries - 2016 Art Contest
We are now accepting entries for the 2016 Scholarship Art Contest in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus! Louisiana high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to submit an original 2-dimensional work of art for the theme "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival." Fifteen finalists will share $45,000 in college scholarships, and the overall winner will work with GRFA to turn their art into the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus!
Lake Charles Aioli Dinner Raises $40,000 for Arts Education
On October 1, 2015, the Aioli Dinner Supper Club gathered at the soon-to-open Blue Dog Cafe in Lake Charles for a night to support arts in education in Louisiana. Guests enjoyed a rustic, four-course meal prepared by Chef Greg Doucet of Jolie's Louisiana Bistro. Through tickets sales and our live and silent auctions, we were able to raise over $40,000 for GRFA's arts in education programs, including Louisiana A+ Schools, our annual Scholarship Art Contest, and George's Art Closet.
Thank you to our friends in the Lake Charles community for your incredible support and for making this Aioli Dinner Supper Club event such a memorable night!
Click here to view a photo album for the Lake Charles Aioli Dinner Supper Club event.
Metairie Aioli Dinner Raises $42,000 for Art Contest Scholarships
A week after our Lake Charles event, the Aioli Dinner Supper Club dined at the home of Christine Vinson in Metairie. In addition to the generosity of our hostess, we were thrilled to have the dinner sponsored by Vinson Guard Service, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, and the Krewe of Orpheus.
Guests shared a four-course meal prepared by Chef Mark Quitney of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, enjoyed music performed on the Rodrigue Steinway, and raised over $42,000 to support our annual Scholarship Art Contest!
Our 2016 Art Contest, in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, invites Louisiana high school juniors and seniors to submit original works of art for the theme "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival." In the Spring, GRFA will award $45,000 in college scholarships to 15 talented finalists!
Click here to view a photo album for the Metairie Aioli Dinner Supper Club event.
Print Donation Program Adds New Rodrigue Print
"Cat Tie" by George Rodrigue, 2015
Estate Stamped Open Edition, 29 x 22"
The Estate of George Rodrigue is pleased to add "Cat Tie" to GRFA's Print Donation Program. Since 2009, the Print Donation Program has helped over 600 organizations raise over $1 million at their fundraising events through silent auctions, raffles, and more. The program allows organizations to purchase a George Rodrigue silkscreen print from the Rodrigue Estate for $500. If the print does not help the organization raise funds exceeding $500, they can return it for a full refund. To date, the program has been tremendously successful in helping non-profits reach their fundraising goals. These Rodrigue prints are specifically designed as a fundraising vehicle for non-profits to raffle or auction directly to their supporters. They are not for sale in any Rodrigue Gallery.
"Little Boy Blues" by Skyla Blady Available at Blues & BBQ Festival
This weekend is the 10th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festivalin New Orleans! In addition to great live music, you'll have the opportunity to see and purchase "Little Boy Blues" by Skyla Blady, the overall winner in our 2015 Art Contest. Skyla is now a senior at Riverdale High School in Jefferson, LA, and created her original design for the theme "Louisiana's Music." In partnership with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the 2015 Art Contest awarded $45,000 in college scholarships to 15 talented Louisiana high school students. Poster sales will support the arts in education programs of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Oct. 16-18
Lafayette Square Park
540 St. Charles Ave.
FREE admission
Signed posters for sale at $25.00
Call for Entries -- 2016 Art Contest
This year, in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, we invite Louisiana high school juniors and seniors to explore the richness of Louisiana's Carnival traditions by submitting an original 2-dimensional work of art. Ten senior and five junior finalists will share $45,000 in college scholarships. The Grand Prize Winner of the 2016 Art Contest will work with the Rodrigue Foundation's staff to turn their artwork into the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus and will also be invited to ride in their 2017 parade in New Orleans! Know a creative Louisiana student? Please encourage them to submit an entry by February 12, 2016!
We are happy to announce our Call for Entries to our 2016 Art Contest in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus! Please encourage any Louisiana high school junior or senior that you know to submit an entry!
$45,000 in Scholarship Awards
Theme: Louisiana Celebrates Carnival
in partnership with:
Many countries have Carnival traditions, but Louisiana's unique festivities are renowned worldwide for their history, colorfulness, satire, and playfulness. Mardi Gras in Louisiana is a statewide celebration for all ages. It is a chance to leave the everyday world behind through street parades, costumes, and balls. This year, in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, we invite Louisiana high school juniors and seniors to explore the richness of Louisiana's Carnival traditions by submitting an original 2-dimensional work of art. The artistic approach can be historical, contemporary, or imaginary in its conception, with interpretations ranging from a traditional scene of a parade to an abstract exploration of the Carnival tradition. EligibilityAll juniors and seniors in Louisiana are eligible for entry in the GRFA Art Contest. No test score, grade point average or college major requirement is necessary for enter. The contest is open to all juniors and seniors attending public and private schools, home schooled students, and GED students. Deadline Online application and photo of art submissions must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016. Visit our website to learn more about the Terms and Conditions. Poster ArtistThe winning artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts team to design the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus. The student and their family will also be invited to ride with the Krewe of Orpheus in their 2017 annual parade! Selecting FinalistsA blind, two-part judging process focuses on three categories: 1. Concept/design 2. Technical skill 3. Creativity GRFA requires that submissions be between 11 x 14 and 18 x 24 inches. Winners will be announced at the 7th Annual Art Contest Awards Luncheon presented by Cox on April 16, 2016, at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans. ATTENTION ART TEACHERS The school that submits the most entries will recieve a year's worth of art suppies through our George's Art Closet program. Art supply kits are valued at $1,000 and they can give students the tools needed in order to have a first-class art education! Please encourage all of your students to enter. Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Aioli Dinner Supper Club Raises $25,000 in Lafayette
The Aioli Dinner Supper Club would like to thank our Lafayette supporters for helping us meet and exceed our fundraising goal of $25,000 for Louisiana A+ Schools, our most ambitious statewide program.
Click here to view a photo album for the Lafayette Aioli Dinner Supper Club event.
It was a beautiful night on the grounds of the Heymann House at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Chef Greg Doucet of Jolie's Louisiana Bistro prepared a four-course dinner inspired by the rustic cuisine of the historic Creole Gourmet Societies of Southern Louisiana. With the expansion of the Louisiana A+ Schools program to 16 schools, the Aioli Dinner Supper Club is playing a crucial role in the number of teachers and students impacted by arts integration in the classroom. Thank you to our friends and sponsors who made this dinner a success!
Join the Aioli Dinner Supper Club this Thursday in Metairie!
Porter Lyons Supporting GRFA With Special Event
Our friends at Porter Lyons, a jewelry design company inspired by and based in New Orleans, are launching a new collection called Deco Bohemia. To celebrate, they are hosting an afternoon of unique bohemian fun at the Longue Vue House & Gardens on October 24, 2015. Ticket proceeds and a portion of jewelry sales from the event will benefit the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.
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