The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts invites you to take an inside look at Wendy Rodrigue's Life & Legacy Tour. She began this statewide initiative last year as a way to connect Louisiana students with the art of George Rodrigue in a personal, intimate way.
"The kids ask poignant and meaningful questions that take us together on an intimate journey into the life and art of George Rodrigue." - Wendy Rodrigue
The video below was created during one such visit by Dr. Jules Boquet of Messiah Montessori School in Houma, LA. This school is part of the Louisiana A+ Schools network, which is supported by GRFA and uses arts integration to foster whole school transformation.
To date, Wendy has visited 25 schools across Louisiana including those within the Louisiana A+ Schools network. During each visit, she shares original artwork by George Rodrigue as well as special insight and stories related to his career and life. In the fall, she will continue the Life & Legacy Tour in Louisiana and beyond, visiting schools, museums, and universities to share Rodrigue's story.
To read more about Wendy Rodrigue's "Life and Legacy Tour" and the inspiration behind it, visit Musings of an Artist's Wife.
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."
The Aioli Dinner Supper Club would like to thank our Mandeville friends for making the April 28th Aioli Dinner such a memorable night supporting our Louisiana A+ Schools program. We would like to especially thank Daniela and Elie Khoury for opening their beautiful home to the Aioli Dinner Supper Club.
Aioli Dinner guests enjoyed a four-course menu by Chef Jeffrey Hansell of Ox Lot 9, with wine pairings provided by Daou Vineyards and Moët 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.
The Aioli Dinner Supper Club will return in the Fall:
GRFA's Jacques Rodrigue and Rachel Gaudry and D.R.E.A.M.S. teacher Annie Dee Hoerner with participants in the D.R.E.A.M.S. Art class.
Last Thursday, GRFA had the wonderful opportunity to share the art of George Rodrigue with art class participants of the D.R.E.A.M.S. Foundation of Acadiana. Located in Lafayette, LA, this inspiring non-profit provides sports and enriching activities for children and adults with special needs.
WATCH NOW: Click the video to see KATC's coverage of our painting class with the D.R.E.A.M.S. Foundation of Acadiana.
Early this year, D.R.E.A.M.S. was the recipient of the a $1,000 art supply grant through our George's Art Closet program to bring more creative opportunities to the community they serve.
With the help of GRFA's Jacques Rodrigue and Rachel Gaudry, the artists created their own versions of George Rodrigue's 2013 painting Spring Adds Color to My Life, which features the iconic Blue Dog surrounded by pink flowers.
Thank you to the staff and students of the D.R.E.A.M.S. Art program for welcoming the Rodrigue Foundation and sharing your creativity with us!
Please note that we will be providing complimentary shuttle service from Metairie to Mandeville for this event. If you are interested in transportation, please contact us at 504-324-9614 or info@georgerodriguefoundation.org.
Fans of George Rodrigue's Blue Dog Series: Don't miss the chance to take home one of five signed silkscreen prints! These vibrant Rodrigue prints will only be available through the live auction at our upcoming Aioli Dinner Supper Club event in Mandeville on April 28th.
Get your tickets today and don't miss the opportunity to take home wonderful works of art while supporting our mission to advocate for youth through the arts in education.
Takin Care of Business, 2000
Silkscreen print, signed by George Rodrigue
Edition of 350
21 x 16 inches
They All Ask For You, 2004
Silkscreen print, signed by George Rodrigue
Edition of 500
24 x 18 inches
Take Me To Your Leader, 1997
Silkscreen print, signed by George Rodrigue
Edition of 120
16 x 11 inches
Rodrigue NOLA 25th Anniversary, 2009
Serigraph on Chrome Paper, signed by George Rodrigue
The Aioli Dinner Supper Club invites you to celebrate the arts with a unique four-course wine dinner at the historic Mandeville home of Daniela and Elie Khoury on April 28, 2018!
This unique culinary experience inspired by George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting supports the arts in education initiatives of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.
Saturday, April 28, 2018
6:30 PM
At the Mandeville Home of
Daniela and Elie Khoury
Cuisine by
Chef Jeffrey Hansell of Oxlot 9
Jeffrey Hansell, Executive Chef of Oxlot 9, grew up on the gulf coast of Mississippi, 45 minutes east of New Orleans. Surrounded by the commercial fishing and shrimping industry, his love of fresh ingredients and the local catch inspired him to begin a career in the culinary field. Upon graduation from Culinary School at The University of Southern Mississippi, Hansell moved to New Orleans to work under Executive Chef Tory McPhail at Commander's Palace and then transitioned with Chef Thomas Robey to Birmingham, as sous chef at Veranda on Highland.
Ater his time in Birmingham, Hansell left for Aspen, Colorado, expanding his career at the Little Nell's restaurant, Montagna, as sous chef, working under Chef Robert McCormick. When an opportunity arose to work under one of Food & Wine's "Top 10 Chefs in American," Hansell moved back to New Orleans to work as Executive Sous Chef for John Besh at his restaurant, Lüke. After his time at Lüke, Chef Hansell was asked to come back to Birmingham to take over as Executive Chef at the Veranda on Highland where he spent the last 2 years. Chef Hansell has been featured twice in "Best Chefs of America" and "Best Chefs the American South," the first ever peer review of American Chefs. He was also featured in PBS.org kitchen careers and the Braiser.com in "the top 10 chefs to know in Birmingham." Most recently, Chef Hansell was nominated as Food & Wine Best New Chef 2014, representing the Gulf South.
Named after the Historic Covington, Louisiana Ox-lots, Oxlot 9 is an upscale southern bistro located on the ground floor of the Southern Hotel. Oxlot 9 has a simple yet sophisticated approach to seasonal ingredients found in the region, served in a lively and comfortable setting. It is a place that reflects the character of a 200 year old city in every detail of its soul, from the welcome of the hostess to the last drink brought to the table by your server. It is a restaurant inspired by the beauty of the people, the Gulf Coast, and the heritage of the South.
Wines by Daou Vineyards and Winery
Champagne and Cocktails Provided by
Menu with Wine Pairings
Passed Hors d'oeuvres
Roasted Gulf Oysters with Smoked Jalapeño and Lime Butter
Yellow Fin Tuna Poké with Lemongrass Aioli, Sweet Chili Vinaigrette, Blackened Pineapple, and Puffed Rice
Roasted Mushroom Tarts with Truffled Cheese Mousse, Caramelized Shallots, and Port Reduction
Chandon Sparkling Wine and Belvedere Vodka Cocktails
First Course
Chilled Spring Pea Soup with Marinated Blue Crab, Cucumber, Lemon Mint Crème Fraiche, and Pea Shoots
DAOU 2015 Chardonnay
Second Course
Butter Poached Royal Red Shrimp Tartine with Bellegarde Bread, Roasted Artichokes, Manchebo, and Radish Salad
Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue and participants with their Rodrigue-inspired puppets.
Thank you to everyone who joined us Saturday at the Children's Museum of St. Tammany. We had a wonderful time sharing children's stories by George Rodrigue and making Blue Dog puppets with families.
We encourage Northshore families to check out the fantastic programming available at this exciting new museum!
Now open! After a decade of planning, the Children's Museum of St. Tammany opened its doors on January 20.
Don't miss the family fun this Saturday! The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts will be at the newly-opened Children's Museum of St. Tammany in Mandeville, LA, for a special book reading and creative activity inspired by the artwork of George Rodrigue.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
2:00 PM
Children's Museum of St. Tammany
21404 Koop Drive
Mandeville, LA 70471
Free with Museum Admission
Jacques Rodrigue reads Are You Blue Dog's Friend? to students.
GRFA's Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue will read Why Is Blue Dog Blue? and Are You Blue Dog's Friend?, George Rodrigue's two beloved children's books. After the stories, guests will participate in an art making activity inspired by Rodrigue's Blue Dog series.
A young visitor to at the Museum works on a creative project. (Photo courtesy of Children's Museum of St. Tammany)
We hope you and your family will join us for a creative afternoon at a wonderful new museum dedicated to inspiring children!
Congratulations to the 16 winning students! Over 650 high school juniors and seniors from across Louisiana entered the 2018 Scholarship Art Contest by submitting original works of art for the theme "Monsters, Myths, and Legends." On Saturday, March 24th, GRFA awarded $45,250 in college scholarships to 10 seniors and 6 juniors!
The 16 finalists at the 2018 Scholarship Awards Luncheon in New Orleans.
(Left to right) 1st Place Junior Lauren Diaz, GRFA Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue, and 1st Place Senior Alexandra Hinkle
For the past two weeks, final round judges for the 2018 Art Contest have come to the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts in New Orleans to see and score the 16 finalists' pieces. These community leaders and arts professionals have determined how the finalists will place for the Art Contest.
Judges score the student artwork at the Rodrigue Foundation.
We will announce which scholarships each student has won at the Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Saturday, March 24th in New Orleans. If you'd like to join us for this special celebration, tickets can be purchased here.
Marcela Correa (Arts District of New Orleans) and Matthew Weldon Showman (Jonathan Ferrara Gallery) score pieces by senior finalists.
Thank you to the following individuals for serving as final round judges in the 2018 Art Contest:
Laura Ashley
Partner, Jones Walker LLC
Alex Beard
The Alex Beard Studio
Nadine Blake
Designer, Nadine Blake
Jordan Blanton
Co-Owner, LeMieux Galleries
Ellen Buckley
Director of Fundraising Events, National World War II Museum
Martine Chaisson
Martine Chaisson Gallery
Marcela Correa
Director, Arts District New Orleans
Marilyn Dittmann
Associate Director of Philanthropy, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Robyn Dunn Schwarz
Matthew Clayton Brown
Dathel Georges
The Advocate
Wayne Hardaway
SLS Arts
David Harouni
Harouni Gallery
T.G. Harrington
Filmmaker
Nicelle Harrington
Filmmaker
Jane Scott Hodges
Founder & Owner, Leontine Linens
Jelena James
Director of Fine Art Consignments, New Orleans Auction Galleries
Phil King
SLS Arts
Paul Leaman
New Orleans Silversmiths
Ashley Longshore
Ashley Longshore Gallery
Meg Miles
Executive Director, YAYA
Barbara Motley
Louisiana State Arts Council
Biff Motley
Motley & Associates
Nicole Ockmond
Musician/Owner Emovere Recordings
Mallory Page
Mallory Page Studio
Brian Piper
Curatorial Fellow in Photography, New Orleans Museum of Art
Raiza Pitre
Cox Communications
Jim Qualls
Gallery Director, The Alex Beard Studio
Monica Ramirez-Montagut
Director, Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane University
Miranda Restovic
President & Executive Director, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
Kathy Rodriguez
Instructor, Department of Fine Arts, University of New Orleans
Christa Schwartz
Domain Companies
Sam Seelig
SLS Arts
Kristin Shannon
General Manager, Orpheum Theater
Matthew Weldon Showman
Gallery Director, Jonathan Ferrara Gallery
Alphonse Smith
Director, Place + Civic Design, Arts Council New Orleans
A grand welcome for Wendy Rodrigue at River Oaks in Monroe, LA, during the first part of the Life and Legacy Tour.
This week Wendy Rodrigue will resume the George Rodrigue Life and Legacy Tour with twelve extended stops, primarily focused on schools in Louisiana. It all began last fall as a way of sharing George's life and art (and image!) with students at arts integrated schools throughout the state. Louisiana A+ Schools, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is a whole-school teaching method in which every subject is taught through the visual or performing arts.
Speaking to students at Ridge Elementary School in Duson, LA. This school is one of 18 LAA+ Schools across the state.
Wendy shares, "I'm always grateful for opportunities to share George with others, and I couldn't resist expanding the tour when possible to include schools outside of the LAA+ network. It's a wonderful experience ---as exciting for me as for the students--- many of them exposed for the first time ever to original Rodrigue paintings, which I carry with me in George's truck ---the same truck he and I traveled in for years, visiting schools across the country."
Students at The Dufrocq School enjoy a presentation featuring original works of art by George Rodrigue.
The Life and Legacy Tour continues across Louisiana schools, and this time will encompass schools within and outside of the LAA+ Network. Below are Wendy Rodrigue's upcoming stops. To follow the latest news from Wendy Rodrigue and read her extensive writing about the life and artwork of George Rodrigue, visit her website Musings of an Artist's Wife.
Life and Legacy Tour Schedule
(Events in BOLD are open to the public.)
March 15 St. Helena Learning Center and St. Helena Arts and Technology Academy (both LAA+ Schools) in Greensburg, LA
March 20 St. Peter School in Covington, LA
March 21 Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville/Lafayette, LA
March 22 Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge, LA
March 23 Singing River Academy (Gauthier, MS) at Rodrigue Studio in New Orleans
March 24 George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts Scholarship Art Contest Awards Luncheon in New Orleans. Details and tickets here.
March 24 New exhibition Rodrigue's Swirling Vision: The Sun, Cosmos, and Hurricanes opens at Rodrigue Studio in New Orleans, 6-8 PM, FREE and open to the public. Learn more.
March 26 Epiphany Day School (an LAA+ School) in New Iberia, LA
March 27 LSU Continuing Education, OLLI Felicianas Chapter, First Baptist Church, St. Francisville, 10 AM - 12 PM. FREE. Learn more.
Now open! After a decade of planning, the Children's Museum of St. Tammany opened its doors on January 20.
Recently opened in Mandeville, Louisiana, the Children's Museum of St. Tammany is a dynamic place for children and families to explore, play, and learn. The Museum's Executive Director Amy Fresh shares, "The Children's Museum of St. Tammany provides an interactive learning environment allowing children of all ages to express their imaginations through creativity and play."
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is excited to announce that we will be at the Museum on Saturday, March 31, 2018, for a special book reading and art making family event.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
2:00 PM
Children's Museum of St. Tammany
21404 Koop Drive
Mandeville, LA 70471
Free with Museum Admission
Jacques Rodrigue reads Are You Blue Dog's Friend? to students.
GRFA's Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue will read Why Is Blue Dog Blue? and Are You Blue Dog's Friend?, George Rodrigue's two beloved children's books. After the stories, guests will participate in an art making activity inspired by Rodrigue's Blue Dog series.
A young visitor to at the Museum works on a creative project. (Photo courtesy of Children's Museum of St. Tammany)
We hope you and your family will join us for a creative afternoon at a wonderful new museum dedicated to inspiring children!
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) advocates the importance of the visual arts in the development of our youth.GRFA encourages the use of art within all curriculums and supports a variety of art educational programs.
