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Please consider a year-end donation to the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and help keep the arts in Louisiana's classrooms. Your contribution supports arts in education for Louisiana's students and makes all of our programs possible.
Scholarships
Art Supplies
Through George's Art Closet, we award custom art supply kits to schools in need across Louisiana.
Teacher Training
Through Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+), now its own non-profit organization, we transform schools by providing whole faculties with ongoing training and professional development focused on arts integration. Over 700 teachers have been trained in 18 schools statewide, impacting over 10,000 students.
Every donation of $50.00 or more will receive a special GRFA Blue Dog lapel pin designed by George Rodrigue!
Looking for a holiday gift that gives back? The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts has great options, from Blue Dog silkscreen prints to cookbooks illustrated by some of Louisiana's most talented young artists. Your purchase will directly support our statewide arts in education programming! Check out the great gifts below for your holiday shopping.
"We Will Rise Again"
Hurricane Harvey Relief Edition
This year, GRFA and the Rodrigue family announced the re-release of George Rodrigue's historic post-Katrina Blue Dog silkscreen print We Will Rise Again to benefit schools throughout Texas and Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Harvey. This special edition will only be available to the public through the end of 2017. All proceeds from your purchase go toward providing art supplies to schools impacted by the storm.
Blue Dog Lapel Pin
Make a donation of $50.00 or more and receive GRFA's Blue Dog lapel pin designed by George Rodrigue.
The Pot & The Palette Cookbook
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, Paul Prudhomme, Leah Chase, and more!
All proceeds directly support GRFA's arts in education programs.
The Other Side of the Painting
by Wendy Rodrigue
Wendy Rodrigue's book The Other Side of the Painting derives from her popular blog Musings of an Artist's Wife. Her writing reveals the personal history behind George Rodrigue's art. She addresses in detail the early history of Rodrigue's Blue Dog, along with analysis and quotes from the artist describing some of his most famous work.
All proceeds directly support GRFA's arts in education programs.
Entering its sixth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. We know that many worthy organization need your support, but we hope you will consider contributing to the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts' mission of advocating for youth through the arts.
Your #GivingTuesday contribution supports arts in education for Louisiana's students and makes all of our programs possible.
Scholarships
Art Supplies
Through George's Art Closet, we award custom art supply kits to schools in need across Louisiana.
Teacher Training
Through Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+), now its own non-profit organization, we transform schools by providing whole faculties with ongoing training and professional development focused on arts integration. Over 700 teachers have been trained in 18 schools statewide, impacting over 10,000 students.
Every donation of $50.00 or more will receive a special GRFA Blue Dog lapel pin designed by George Rodrigue!
Thank you for your support!
Theme:
Monsters, Myths, and Legends
Deadline to Enter: January 19, 2018
Awards: 15 finalists will share $45,000 in Scholarships!
Monsters, myths, and legends have always inspired artists. Throughout his career, George Rodrigue breathed visual life into these stories, using his imagination to invent images and scenes associated with the tales, particularly those of the Cajun people. As a young boy in New Iberia, Louisiana, George's mother warned him, "If you're not good today, the Loup-garou will eat you tonight!" Years later, it was Rodrigue's artistic interpretation of the Loup-garou, or Cajun werewolf, that launched his iconic Blue Dog series.
Watchdog (1984), the first Blue Dog painting by George Rodrigue, is his interpretation of the Cajun loup-garou legend.
This year we invite Louisiana high school juniors and seniors to use their creativity to bring a monster, myth, or legend to life through an original work of art. We encourage students to explore their own regional folklore like George Rodrigue did; however, we also welcome them to create their own unique monster, myth or legend through their art.
George Rodrigue with his painting Creature from the Black Lagoon (1960), which was created when the artist was 16 years old.
In 2013, George Rodrigue created a new version of Creature, a one-of-a-kind piece on chrome.
The 18 schools that make up the Louisiana A+ Schools network have been in for a treat this Fall. As part of a special "Life and Legacy Tour", author Wendy Rodrigue has been visiting each of these schools to share the life and artwork of George Rodrigue. She says of her experiences visiting the schools, "Touring Louisiana A+ Schools is a natural for me to further honor George. He believed, as do I, in arts integration in all aspects of life -- especially education -- which is why the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts has supported LAA+ Schools from its inception."
(Above) Wendy Rodrigue speaks to students at Rollins Place Elementary in Zachary, LA. (Below) Wendy shares George Rodrigue's final self portrait with students at The Dufrocq School in Baton Rouge, LA.
The idea for the tour was born at The Dufrocq School in Baton Rouge, LA, when a student casually asked Wendy Rodrigue, "What did he look like?" From there, the idea of sharing his self portrait seemed like a great way to answer this question. Now each of the 18 LAA+ Schools will receive George Rodrigue's final self portrait from 2013, which he created via digital composition. The framed image will be displayed prominently at each school and also features the following quote by the artist:
"Sixty years later I still paint the way I felt as a child. I emphasize to students how important it is to retain that innocence, and that it's okay to create art in this way."
George Rodrigue's final self portrait, created in 2013, was donated by Wendy Rodrigue to each of the 18 Louisiana A+ Schools.
Reflecting on the tour, she shares, "It is in large part because of George's efforts that the arts are a daily and integral part of the educational experience at Louisiana A+ Schools; and it is imperative that every student recognizes not only his art and name, but also his kind and beautiful face."
(Top left) Wendy shares original works of art by George Rodrigue with The Dufrocq School. (Top right) Principal Mary Harris helps unveil Rodrigue's self portrait at South Highlands Magnet Elementary in Shreveport, LA. (Bottom) Wendy reads "Why Is Blue Dog Blue?" to students at Messiah Montessori in Houma, LA. Read Houma Today's coverage of her visit to the school.
Open to Texas and Louisiana Schools Impacted by Hurricane Harvey
Thanks to the incredibly generous response of our friends and supporters, GRFA has raised significant funds through the re-release of the "We Will Rise Again" silkscreen print to support Texas and Louisiana schools impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
We are pleased to award special $2,000 art supply kits through our George's Art Closet program. The art supplies in each kit will be tailored to the needs of elementary, middle, or high school classrooms.
To be considered for a $2,000 kit, please use the link below to complete and submit your Harvey Relief application.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign by purchasing the Hurricane Harvey edition of "We Will Rise Again." We will continue to sell this special print through the end of 2017 to raise even more funds for schools impacted by the storm.
We Will Rise Again, 2017
A silkscreen print by George Rodrigue
27x18 inches
Open edition (closing Dec. 31, 2017)
Official Rodrigue estate stamped signature
$500 plus shipping
George Rodrigue photographed with "We Will Rise Again" (2005)
About "We Will Rise Again"
Each print includes a frameable statement by George Rodrigue, preceded by a message from his family:
We dedicate this special release of George Rodrigue's We Will Rise Again to all those affected by Hurricane Harvey and its devastating floods. Like all Louisianians, we recall the unconditional support and kindness shown towards us by our Texas neighbors following Hurricane Katrina. To you, and to our beloved home state, we share this artwork and these enduring words, written by George Rodrigue.
-Wendy, André, and Jacques, August 2017
"Those of us from south Louisiana grew up with the aftermaths of hurricanes Audrey, Betsy, Camille...and now Katrina. As in times before, 'We will rise again.' Tears and rising water threaten to drown us. But don't be deceived. The land may be under water, but the spirit of New Orleans and the culture of Louisiana hold their heads high. We Will Rise Again shows the American flag covered with water. The blue dog is partly submerged, and its eyes, normally yellow, are red with a broken heart. Like a ship's SOS, the red cross on the dog's chest calls out for help. Katrina hit me personally at ground zero. My immediate thought was for the safety of people I know, followed by the shock of seeing helicopters and boats alongside familiar street signs, as rescuers assisted people from rooftops and attics. For the second time in this young twenty-first century I sat at my easel weighted by personal sorrow and my desire to help, this time also reflecting on the devastation of my city and the suffering of my neighbors. New Orleans has been home to my gallery and studio for sixteen years; it is where the Blue Dog was born. My wife is a third generation New Orleanian, and the Big Easy remains the 'big city' to my Cajun hometown of New Iberia. Wendy and I join thousands of New Orleans residents in our pledge to go HOME, to rebuild our city, and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives with a commitment to care for our citizens, embrace our culture, and make the good times roll...again." -George Rodrigue, September 2005
In 2017, after three successful years of implementation, Louisiana A+ Schools has become its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. While still supported by the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, LAA+ has created a statewide Board of Directors to provide leadership as they move forward with their mission and vision.
(From left to right, standing) Hollis Milton, Board Member and Superintendent of West Feliciana Parish Schools; Wayne Fernandez, Strategy Consultant for GRFA; Patrick Widhalm, Board Member and Head of School at Benjamin Franklin High School; Jacques Rodrigue, Board Chairman and GRFA Executive Director; Bethany France, Director of LAA+ Schools; Henry Price, Board Member and President of Shreveport Regional Arts Council; Christine Dunaway, Development Associate for GRFA; Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux, Board Member and President of Lake Charles Charter Academy Foundation.
(From left to right, seated) Rachel Locke, Professional Development Coordinator for LAA+ Schools; Dr. Sonia Fields Gutierrez, Board Member and Chief Academic Officer for St. Helena Arts & Technology Academy; Mary Harris, Board Member and Principal of South Highlands Magnet Elementary.
The newly formed Board of Directors met for the first time last week in Shreveport, Louisiana, at LAA+ Lab School South Highlands Magnet Elementary. They had a special tour of this outstanding LAA+ School and observed arts integration lesson plans in action.
LAA+ Board of Directors visits classrooms at South Highlands Magnet Elementary to see how the arts are infused into every subject.
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts began the Louisiana A+ Schools program in 2013 with the goal of empowering teachers to infuse the arts into every subject. Now its own public non-profit, LAA+ operates in 18 schools across the state is supported by GRFA through fundraising initiatives like the Aioli Dinner Supper Club.
Each year, LAA+ welcomes Louisiana schools to apply to join their diverse network by submitting a Letter of Interest.
WHY APPLY?
LAA+ is the first whole school arts-integrated reform initiative of its kind to enter Louisiana. The LAA+ network 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 to students in ways they learn best.
"After five years, Louisiana A+ Schools has proven itself as a leader in transforming schools through our professional development training in arts integration. We are excited to welcome new schools into our growing network."
- Jacques Rodrigue, LAA+ Schools Chairman of the Board and GRFA Executive Director
Any Louisiana school (public, private, charter, urban, suburban, rural, PreK through 12) can now begin the application process to be a member of the LAA+ Schools network by visiting www.aplusla.org and completing the LETTER OF INTEREST form.
"We are thrilled to begin work with a new cadre of schools across the state. The schools in our network have seen growth in academic success and in student engagement."
- Bethany France, Director of LAA+ Schools
About A+ Schools
Started in North Carolina in 1995, A+ Schools is a research-based whole school network with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner through an arts-integrated school network. Arts integration is achieved through continuous practitioner-led professional development, statewide support networks for teachers and administrators, and school partnerships with parents, community cultural resources, media and universities. There are currently over 150 A+ Schools across the country in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
The deadline to submit a Letter of Interest is December 1, 2017.
The Aioli Dinner Supper Club would like to thank our Shreveport friends for making the October 7th Aioli Dinner such a memorable night supporting our Louisiana A+ Schools program. We would like to especially thank the Frierson family for opening their beautiful home to the Aioli Dinner Supper Club for second time.
All photos by Hunter Sloan, a scholarship winner in our 2010 Art Contest.
Aioli Dinner guests enjoyed a four-course menu by Southern Fork Catering and a special "Aioli Dinner Brew" by Red River Brewing Company. The meals served at Aioli Dinner Supper Club events are inspired by the rustic cuisine of the historic Creole Gourmet Societies of Southern Louisiana.With the expansion of the Louisiana A+ Schools program to 18 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.
The Aioli Dinner Supper Club would like to thank our New Orleans friends for making the October 5th Aioli Dinner such a memorable night supporting our Louisiana A+ Schools program. We would like to especially thank Alexa Pulitzer and Seth Levine for opening their beautiful home to the Aioli Dinner Supper Club. And we extend a special thank you to co-hosts Christa and Matt Schwartz.
Aioli Dinner guests enjoyed a four-course menu by Chef Justin Devillier and wine pairings by Moet Hennessy. The meals served at Aioli Dinner Supper Club events are inspired by the rustic cuisine of the historic Creole Gourmet Societies of Southern Louisiana.With the expansion of the Louisiana A+ Schools program to 18 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. If you weren't able to attend this sold out event, please SAVE THE DATE for our next Aioli Dinner Supper Club event in New Orleans on April 19, 2018! Click the photo below to learn more.
New Orleans Aioli Dinner is SOLD OUT
October 5, 2017
New Orleans
6:00 - 9:00 PM
at the Home of Alexa Pulitzer & Seth Levine
This event is officially SOLD OUT!
Thank you to our Hosts and Sponsors for helping to make this event a success.
Weren't able to get a seat for the dinner?
Don't miss our upcoming Spring 2018 New Orleans Aioli Dinner at the home of Lisa & Rick Farrell on St. Charles Avenue.
Few Seats Left for Shreveport Aioli Dinner!
October 7, 2017
Shreveport
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Frierson Plantation
This unique dining experience features:
Cuisine by Southern Fork Catering
"Aioli Dinner Brew"
by Red River Brewing Company
Afterparty with whiskey tasting and cigars
Monsters, myths, and legends have always inspired artists. Throughout his career, George Rodrigue breathed visual life into these stories, using his imagination to invent images and scenes associated with the tales, particularly those of the Cajun people. As a young boy in New Iberia, Louisiana, George's mother warned him, "If you're not good today, the Loup-garou will eat you tonight!" Years later, it was Rodrigue's artistic interpretation of the Loup-garou, or Cajun werewolf, that launched his iconic Blue Dog series. This year, in partnership with the Louisiana Folklore Society, we invite Louisiana high school juniors and seniors to use their creativity to bring a monster, myth, or legend to life through an original work of art. We encourage students to explore their local and regional folklore like George Rodrigue did; however, we also welcome them to create their own unique monster, myth, or legend through their art.
DEADLINE TO ENTER
JANUARY 19, 2018
George Rodrigue Family and Foundation Release Historic Blue Dog Print for Hurricane Harvey Relief
Proceeds from George Rodrigue's We Will Rise Again benefit affected schools in Texas and Louisiana
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) and the Rodrigue family announce a re-release of George Rodrigue's historic post-Katrina print We Will Rise Again (2005) to benefit schools throughout Texas and Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Harvey. George Rodrigue raised millions of dollars for humanitarian and arts organizations following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The original print of We Will Rise Again raised $700,000, much of it generated by Texans, many of whom also helped displaced Louisiana families. This special release includes the reference "Hurricane Harvey 2017" in the white border alongside the words "We Will Rise Again" and Rodrigue's official estate-stamped signature. Hurricane Harvey Relief Prints sell for $500 each, a price set by Rodrigue for the original 2005 post-Katrina edition, long sold out. Rather than limit the new prints by number, GRFA limits them by time, with hopes of raising much-needed funds as quickly as possible for hurricane and flood impacted schools in Texas and Louisiana.
We Will Rise Again, 2017
A silkscreen print by George Rodrigue
27x18 inches
Open edition (closing Dec. 31, 2017)
Official Rodrigue estate stamped signature
$500*
*Prints will ship in approximately four (4) weeks. Please add $30 for shipping and handling.
George Rodrigue photographed with "We Will Rise Again" (2005)
About We Will Rise Again
Each print includes a frameable statement by George Rodrigue, preceded by a message from his family: We dedicate this special release of George Rodrigue's We Will Rise Again to all those affected by Hurricane Harvey and its devastating floods. Like all Louisianians, we recall the unconditional support and kindness shown towards us by our Texas neighbors following Hurricane Katrina. To you, and to our beloved home state, we share this artwork and these enduring words, written by George Rodrigue.
-Wendy, André, and Jacques, August 2017
"Those of us from south Louisiana grew up with the aftermaths of hurricanes Audrey, Betsy, Camille...and now Katrina. As in times before, 'We will rise again.' Tears and rising water threaten to drown us. But don't be deceived. The land may be under water, but the spirit of New Orleans and the culture of Louisiana hold their heads high. We Will Rise Again shows the American flag covered with water. The blue dog is partly submerged, and its eyes, normally yellow, are red with a broken heart. Like a ship's SOS, the red cross on the dog's chest calls out for help. Katrina hit me personally at ground zero. My immediate thought was for the safety of people I know, followed by the shock of seeing helicopters and boats alongside familiar street signs, as rescuers assisted people from rooftops and attics. For the second time in this young twenty-first century I sat at my easel weighted by personal sorrow and my desire to help, this time also reflecting on the devastation of my city and the suffering of my neighbors. New Orleans has been home to my gallery and studio for sixteen years; it is where the Blue Dog was born. My wife is a third generation New Orleanian, and the Big Easy remains the 'big city' to my Cajun hometown of New Iberia. Wendy and I join thousands of New Orleans residents in our pledge to go HOME, to rebuild our city, and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives with a commitment to care for our citizens, embrace our culture, and make the good times roll...again." -George Rodrigue, September 2005
The Aioli Dinner Supper Club invites you to celebrate the arts in education at one of two upcoming events. Each will feature a unique four-course wine dinner, live auctions, and more!
These culinary experiences are inspired by George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting and support the arts in education initiatives of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.
October 5, 2017
New Orleans
6:00 - 9:00 PM
at the Home of
Alexa Pulitzer & Seth Levine
Top Sponsors
Friends of George Rodrigue Sponsor
Prometheus Charitable Trust
Blaine Adams & Patrick Falcon
Host Committee
Alexa Pulitzer & Seth Levine
Christa & Matt Schwartz
Roger Ogden & Ken Barnes
Jane Scott & Philip Hodges
Christine M. Vinson & Jason Bargas
Cuisine by
Chef Justin Devillier
Winner of James Beard Award: Best Chef South 2016
Owner of La Petite Grocery and Balise Restaurants
October 7, 2017
Shreveport
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Frierson Plantation
Sponsors
Cuisine by
Southern Fork Catering
Special "Aioli Dinner Brew" by
Red River Brewing Company
Afterparty with whiskey tasting & cigars
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