Sharing Rodrigue's Blue Dog with Pre-K Students

GRFA's Rachel Gaudry and Pre-K students from Isidore Newman School share their Blue Dog sculpture creations.

Recently, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts had the opportunity to share the Blue Dog with Pre-K students at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. Newman provides a robust visual art curriculum for young students with a special focus on Louisiana artists.

We were delighted to read George Rodrigue's children's books Are You Blue Dog's Friend? and Why Is Blue Dog Blue?, and then lead the students in a sculpting activity that explored shapes, color, and depth.

Students use Crayola Model Magic to create small, three-dimensional sculptures.

Pre-K teacher Kim Mantle shares, "Newman Pre-K has featured pieces inspired by George Rodrigue in almost every art show since 1996. The Blue Dog pieces are visually inviting, accessible, and fun! The kids are able to relate to the subject and feel confident experimenting with the shapes, colors, and whimsy associated with Blue Dog."

Kim continues, "Art is a natural, engaging, and joyful component of our Pre-K curriculum. Through the arts, our children are provided a variety of avenues to express emotions, interests, and complex thinking."