Wendy Rodrigue Shares "Life and Legacy" of George Rodrigue with Students

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.

To read more about Wendy Rodrigue "Life and Legacy Tour" and the inspiration behind it, visit Musings of an Artist's Wife.