Next Week: Baton Rouge & Shreveport Aioli Dinners

Tickets are going fast for next week's Baton Rouge and Shreveport Aioli Dinner Supper Club events. Don't miss out on these special dining experiences inspired by George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting.

May 4,2016

Baton Rouge

Hosted by Randy K. Haynie

May 7, 2016

Shreveport

Frierson Plantation

Each dinner features a wine-paired, four-course meal and supports GRFA's dynamic arts in education programs. Watch the video below to learn more!

Purchase Tickets

Art Contest Winners Share $45,250

On Saturday, April 16th, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts awarded $45,250 in college scholarships to 16 talented Louisiana students. Finalists in the 2016 Art Contest represent cities across the state including Jefferson, Marrero, Gretna, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, DeRidder, Zachary, and Lafayette.

At the Awards Luncheon in New Orleans, these talented juniors and seniors accepted their scholarships, had their original artwork on display, and were treated to special presentation by author Wendy Rodrigue.

Congratulations to our 2016 Art Contest winners!

Junior and senior scholarship winners with Jacques Rodrigue at the Art Contest Luncheon in New Orleans.

Kourtney Aultman, our 1st place senior, was awarded a $6,000 scholarship.

Nathan Vogel placed first for the juniors.

Click here to view a photo album from the Luncheon and see the complete list of the scholarship winners in the 2016 Art Contest.

Students Have Field Trip of a Lifetime

Students Have Field Trip of a Lifetime

In partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, GRFA sent 60 fourth grade students and faculty members from Louisiana A+ School Homer Elementary School on a field trip of a lifetime.

On the way to the museum, students visited the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, AR, for the Student Presidential Tour. Activities included an orientation film, a tour of the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, Life in the White House, and the current temporary exhibit. 

(Top) Students from Homer Elementary School explore the galleries at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. (Bottom) Having fun while experiencing outdoor sculptures!

Through writing, discussion, and sketching, students analyzed sculptural works at Crystal Bridges to gain a deeper appreciation of three-dimentional art. They also had the opportunity to explore the museum's trails and enjoy outdoor artworks.

They then visited the Amazeum where their skilled education team actively interacted with students and chaperones to inspire curiosity and discoveries. On their trip back to Homer, LA, participants stopped in Little Rock and experienced the extremes of science with liquid nitrogen and vortex cannon demonstrations at the Arkansas Museum of Discovery.

Exploring Art at French Quarter Fest

What a beautiful weekend for French Quarter Festival! With a record attendance of over 750,000 people, many families made their way to the Chevron STEAM Zone to participate in hands-on projects that brought together science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

GRFA's team worked with children to create a "Life Cycle of an Oak Tree" and shared examples of the oak tree in the art of George Rodrigue.

We were so excited to partner with Chevron once again for this action-packed weekend!

(Top left) A young artist shares her completed "Life Cycle of an Oak Tree" project. (Top right) Hundreds of children and their parents visited GRFA at the Chevron STEAM Zone. (Bottom) GRFA's French Quarter Fest team included dedicated educators from our Louisiana A+ Schools program.

French Quarter Fest This Weekend

Saturday and Sunday: Join Us at French Quarter Fest



The weather will be beautiful this weekend for the 2016 French Quarter Festival in New Orleans! Once again, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts will be providing a hands-on art activity for families at the Chevron STEAM Zone. STEAM education brings together science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue gets creative with students while making STEAM art projects at last year's French Quarter Festival.

Who
The Chevron STEAM Zone is free, and all are welcome! The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts will be joined by The Nature Conservancy, Project Lead the Way, Audubon Nature Institute, Note for Notes, the New Orleans Pelicans, and New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park.

What
GRFA's creative project will be exploring the life cycle of the Louisiana oak tree.

Where
The Natchez Wharf in the French Quarter, where Toulouse Street meets the Mississippi River.

When
Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

We hope to see you at the 2016 French Quarter Festival!

Celebrities Judge Art Contest

For the past two weeks, local celebrities and community leaders have been visiting the GRFA office to serve as final round judges for the 2016 Scholarship Art Contest. This year's contest theme, in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, is "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival."

We are so grateful to these individuals sharing their time, expertise, and enthusiasm -- and for supporting our mission to advocate for youth through arts in education!

Final Round Judges Include:

Laura Ashley, Jones Walker Law Firm

Chef John Besh, Besh Restaurant Group

Sonny Borey, Krewe of Orpheus

Susan Brennan, Second Line Stages

Nadine Blake, Nadine Blake New Orleans

Simon Blake, Nadine Blake New Orleans

Michelle M. Carolla, New Orleans Auction Galleries

Martine Chaisson, Martine Chassion Gallery

Marilyn Dittman, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Clancy Dubos, Gambit Weekly

Margo Dubos, Gambit Weekly

Tricia Dubroc, Louisiana Public Facilities Authority

Derek Franklin, Krewe of Orpheus

Dathel Georges, The Advocate

David Harouni, Harouni Gallery

Jessie Haynes, The Helis Foundation

Jane Scott Hodges, Leontine Linens

Ben Jaffe, Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Jelena James, New Orleans Auction Galleries

Ashley Longshore, Ashley Longshore Gallery

Paul Leaman, New Orleans Silversmiths

Irvin Mayfield, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra

Renee Maxwell, Krewe of Orpheus, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

James Michalopoulos, Michalopoulos Gallery

Barbara Motley, Louisiana State Arts Council

Biff Motley, Motley & Associates, Inc.

Terrance Osborne, Terrance Osborne Art

Alexa Pulitzer, Alexa Pulitzer LLC

Miranda Restovic, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

Robyn Dunn Schwarz, Matthew Clayton Brown

Michael Smith, Ashley Longshore Gallery

Gary Solomon, Jr., The Solomon Group

Artist Terrance Osborne scores original pieces made by Louisiana high school juniors.

Chef John Besh stopped by to participate as a final round judge.

Members of the Krewe of Orpheus look at pieces made by high school seniors.

Ben Jaffe of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band judges the 2016 Art Contest at GRFA's office.

Winners of the contest will be announced on April 16th at the Scholarship Awards Luncheon in New Orleans! The sixteen student finalists will share $45,000 in college scholarships.

Tickets to the luncheon are now available to the public.

Click here to view the 2016 Finalists

Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans Aioli Dinners

Aioli Dinners in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans

The Aioli Dinner Supper Club is coming soon to Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans! Join us at one of these exciting dinner events inspired by George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting.

Each dinner features a wine-paired, four-course meal and supports GRFA's dynamic arts in education programs. Watch the video below to learn more!

Purchase Tickets

Tickets Available for Scholarship Luncheon

On Saturday, April 16th, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, GRFA is hosting the 2016 Art Contest Luncheon to honor this year's 16 student finalists and award over $45,000 in college scholarships. Tickets to the Luncheon are now available to the public. Purchase yours today!

Click Here to View Finalists

New Aioli Dinners for Spring 2016

The Aioli Dinner Supper Club is coming to three Louisiana cities this spring: Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans! Join us for a wine-paired, four-course dinner inspired by George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting. These unique culinary experiences support the arts in education initiatives of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.

May 4, 2016

Baton Rouge, LA

Hosted by Randy K. Haynie

Honorary Host: Taylor Barras, Louisiana Speaker of the House

Menu Coming Soon!

Learn more.

May 7, 2016

Shreveport, LA

Frierson Plantation

Menu Coming Soon!

Learn more.

May 14, 2016

New Orleans, LA

Home of Lori & Bobby Savoie

Menu Coming Soon!

Learn more.

Purchase Tickets

2016 Art Contest Finalists Announced

Thank you to all of the students who entered the Scholarship Art Contest this year! We received over 600 entries from across the state for the theme of Louisiana Celebrates Carnival.

Sixteen (16) finalists have been selected by our first round of judges. These high school juniors and seniors will share $45,250 in college scholarships, and one will be featured as the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus.

Scholarships will be given out at our Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.

Click Here to View Finalists

Preservation Hall Student Concert

Yesterday, 2nd-grade students from Martin Behrman Charter School had a special morning at the Rodrigue Studio gallery in New Orleans. As part of our Louisiana A+ Schools network, they were the first people to see a newly curated exhibition "Rodrigue: Celebrating Music" which showcases music-themed paintings from throughout George Rodrigue's career.

GRFA Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue gave a behind-the-scenes tour to the students, sharing the stories and musicians that inspired the paintings.

Students were then treated to a private concert by the amazing musicians of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, who introduced the traditional music styles of New Orleans and discussed how they have shaped the history of the city. The Preservation Hall Foundation, which advocates for music education and preserving New Orleans' rich musical heritage, graciously partnered with GRFA for this special event.

Watch Video from WGNO's News With A Twist!

"Rodrigue: Celebrating Music" opens to the public today and will remain on view through May 15, 2016. In addition to original paintings, this exhibition features the Rodrigue Steinway, which George Rodrigue created to fundraise for arts education in Louisiana.

Aioli Dinner Supper Club Coming to Shreveport

The Aioli Dinner Supper Club will be heading to Shreveport, Louisiana, on May 7, 2016! Join us and celebrate a four-course outdoor dinner with wine pairing to support Louisiana A+ Schools, a statewide arts-in-education program of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.

May 7, 2016

Frierson Plantation

Shreveport, LA

Come experience a unique culinary tradition made famous by George Rodrigue's Aioli Dinner painting, which depicts the Creole Gourmet Societies of Louisiana from 1870-1920. At each dinner, guests will participate in a special recreation of the painting.

Click here to learn about the history of Rodrigue's Aioli Dinner painting, as well as the many interpretations it inspired throughout his career.

Purchase your tickets today!

aiolidinner.com

 

Art Contest Deadline is Tomorrow!

One Day Left to Enter Art Contest!

The deadline to enter GRFA's

2016 Scholarship Art Contest is tomorrow, February 17, 2016 at 5:00 PM. 

In partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, the 2016 Art 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."

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!  Learn More.

Student Exhibit Opens in New Orleans

For the past eight months, the original artwork from our 2015 Scholarship Art Contest has been on tour at museums across Louisiana in Alexandria, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. Tomorrow, "Louisiana's Music" makes its final stop in New Orleans, where it opens at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

The exhibition features 15 original pieces from Louisiana high school juniors and seniors and celebrates the dynamic musical heritage of the state. These talented students shared $45,000 in college scholarships through the 2015 Art Contest.

19 Days Left to Enter 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!

Learn More

Kendra Scott Makes Jewelry With LAA+ Students

Kendra Scott with 3rd grade students at Homer A. Plessy Community School in New Orleans. (Photo by Frank Aymami)

On Thursday, January 14th, the 3rd grade students at Homer A. Plessy Community School had quite a treat. Jewelry designer Kendra Scott, who recently opened a retail location on Magazine Street, stopped by to share the art of jewelry making with students at this New Orleans Louisiana A+ School.

Watch WGNO's coverage of Kendra's visit!

Top left, the Kendra Scott team. Right, Kendra and the students were all smiles. Bottom left, a student shares her necklace design. (Photos by Frank Aymami)

After developing their individual designs, students worked with the Kendra Scott team to build their unique pieces. Artist Mallory Page, whose artwork inspired Kendra Scott's Spring 2016 Collection, was there to share the design experience with the students. Page is the daughter-in-law of George Rodrigue and works to continue his legacy of arts education as a board member for GRFA.

Top left, students work with the Kendra Scott team to complete their designs. Top right, a student shares his completed necklace. Bottom, Mallory Page admires a finished bracelet design. (Photos by Frank Aymami)

In addition to this special visit, Kendra Scott and Mallory Page hosted a fundraising event that evening at her New Orleans jewelry store. Kendra generously donated a portion of proceeds from jewelry sales to GRFA's arts-in-education programs.

(Left to Right) National Art Education Association Executive Director Deborah Reeve, Kendra Scott, artist Mallory Page, and GRFA Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue (Photo by Frank Aymami)

Thank you to Kendra Scott and her team for bringing fun and creativity to students at Homer A. Plessy Community School and for championing the arts in education through their philanthropy!

Applications Due Friday to Join 2016 LAA+ Schools

Applications Due Friday to Join 2016 LAA+ Schools

Through Friday, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts' Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+) program is 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.

The deadline to submit an application of interest is Friday, January 15, 2016.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOINING LAA+ SCHOOLS

LAA+ Evaluation Released

During the 2014/2015 academic year, Dr. James Catterall of the Centers for Research on Creativity (CRoC) in Los Angeles, California, directed a research team to study three high poverty and failing first-year Louisiana A+ Schools.

During the year, Dr. Catterall's team conducted a total of 50 classroom observations in 20 classrooms across all three schools, led numerous teacher focus groups, interviewed principals, and surveyed LAA+ staff and trainers. Their study confirmed that with arts integration:

• School climate and student engagement improved
• Students were given opportunities to grow as critical thinkers and artists
• Parental involvement increased

Click here to see more exciting results from this study and to learn how arts integration is transforming schools in Louisiana.

Year in Review: Looking Back at 2015

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 Supplies

The 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.

DONATE TODAY

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!

Learn More

Happy Holidays!

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

Three Days Left to Enter the 2015 Raffle!

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

ENTER TODAY!