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Friday, September 7, 2018

Announcing Baton Rouge Aioli Dinner with Governor and First Lady




This fall, the Aioli Dinner Supper Club invites you to celebrate the arts in education at one of our three upcoming events in New Orleans, and now, Baton Rouge, LA!

These unique culinary experiences inspired by George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting support the arts in education initiatives of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.




Thursday, November 15, 2018
6:00 PM
Hosted by
Daynese & Randy Haynie
Alana & Ryan Haynie


Special Guests
Governor John Bel Edwards
&
First Lady Donna H. Edwards



Cuisine by
Chef Ryan Trahan


Executive Chef of Blue Dog Cafe

and
Chef Peter Sclafani


Executive Chef of Ruffino's Restaurant
Two-time Louisiana Restaurant Association "Restauranteur of the Year"
James Beard House Visiting Chef








One Month Left to Enter Blue Dog Raffle



GRFA is proud to offer a rare silkscreen print created by artist George Rodrigue as part of a special raffle. All proceeds directly benefit our arts in education initiatives, including the Annual Scholarship Art Contest, art supply grants to Louisiana educators, and community outreach projects.


Raffle drawing will be held on October 12, 2018!






Thursday, August 30, 2018

Wendy Rodrigue's "Life & Legacy Tour" Continues in September


The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts invites you to join Wendy Rodrigue's Life & Legacy Tour at one of several events in September. Wendy began this statewide initiative last year as a way to connect Louisiana students with the art of George Rodrigue in a personal, intimate way. This fall, she is extending the tour to include presentations and talks for the general public as well.



Wendy Rodrigue giving a public lecture this summer at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, where a solo exhibition of George Rodrigue's work is on view through October 6, 2018.



September 8, 3:30 PM
Gallery Talk and Book Signing
Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS
Learn more


September 9, 1:00-3:00 PM
Art Talk and Stories about George Rodrigue to complement "Riverworks" exhibition
Louisiana Children's Museum
420 Julia Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Learn more


September 10, 5:30 PM
George Rodrigue Life & Legacy Presentation with Book Signing
Neal Auction Company
4038 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA
FREE & Open to the Public
Please RSVP to fineart@nealauction.com.
Learn more



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





Monday, August 20, 2018

Photos from PaintFest 2018




Julie Connelly, Coordinator of Tulane's Arts in Medicine program, welcomed guests to PaintFest 2018 on Saturday at Tulane Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children.



During the event, GRFA offered two creative opportunities to PaintFest participants: painting part of the special mural that will hang in the hospital, or create anything they'd like on their own blank canvas. 



Mardi Gras Customs and volunteers provided collaborative flower painting projects for attendees. Once completed, the large sculptural flowers will go on display in the hospital.




We are so appreciative of the many guests that helped complete the hospital art projects. Soon the hospital will have new, vibrant artwork to display in the halls.




PaintFest 2018 marked the 2nd year of collaboration between Arts in Medicine and the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts. Pictured, (left) Julie Connelly of Tulane's AIM and (right) Rachel Gaudry of GRFA.

Monday, August 13, 2018

PaintFest 2018 is Saturday!




GRFA invites you and your family to join us Saturday, August 18, for PaintFest 2018, a FREE community art making event at Tulane Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children! 



Last year's PaintFest was a wonderful success with many individuals helping us create artwork for the hospital. This year, the Tulane Health System's Arts in Medicine program has expanded the event to also include:

Large-scale community mural
3D flower sculptures
Art inspired by the New Orleans Tricentennial
A story corner
Music area
Face painting
AND MORE!


GRFA supports the Arts in Medicine program's mission of recognizing the integral role arts play in healing the spirit while transforming the hospital experience. If you and your family love to paint, we invite you to join us for this festive morning program!


PaintFest 2018
Saturday, August 18
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tulane Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children
4700 South I-10 Service Rd W
Metairie, LA 70001
Cafeteria, 1st Floor
FREE and Open to All


Questions about PaintFest? Contact the Tulane Arts in Medicine team at 504-780-6830.




PaintFest 2017 attendees helped us create Rodrigue-inspired murals for Tulane Lakeside Hospital.


Thursday, August 9, 2018

RAFFLE! Win a Blue Dog Print Signed by George Rodrigue



The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is proud to offer a rare silkscreen print created by artist George Rodrigue. Enter today for a chance to take home this signed and numbered print!

All proceeds from the raffle benefit the arts education initiatives of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, including our annual Scholarship Art Contest, George's Art Closet, and community outreach projects.






"Working My Way to the Moon"

By George Rodrigue
Silkscreen print, 1992
Signed Artist Proof # 32/90
16 x 11 inches
Framed in black acrylic


Raffle drawing will be held on October 12, 2018. Winner need not be present to win. GRFA will ship the framed print to winner after close of the raffle, or we will schedule a pick up time if winner is local to New Orleans.


Each chance in the raffle is $10.






Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Two Aioli Dinners Announced for New Orleans


Two Aioli Dinners Announced for New Orleans




The Aioli Dinner Supper Club invites you to celebrate the arts in education with a unique four-course wine dinner at one our upcoming fall events!

These unique culinary experiences inspired by George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting support the arts in education initiatives of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.




Friday, October 12, 2018
6:00 PM
In Partnership With
New Orleans Center for Creative Arts



Cuisine by
Chef Frank Brigtsen


Executive Chef of Brigtsen's in New Orleans, LA







Thursday, November 8, 2018
6:00 PM
at the St. Charles Avenue home of
Lisa and Rick Farrell


Cuisine by
Chef Ryan Trahan


Executive Chef of Blue Dog Cafe

OTHER GUEST CHEFS TO BE ANNOUNCED!


Music by
Lost Bayou Ramblers
Winners of the 2018 Grammy Award 
for Best Regional Roots Music Album






Thanks for Joining Us During White Linen Night!


Thank you to everyone who stopped by GRFA during White Linen Night to view HUNTER SLOAN: Good Night NYC. We had a wonderful time sharing Sloan's photography exhibition and making Blue Dog fans with all of you. Until next August!



Photographer Hunter Sloan next to his White Linen Night exhibition. 
His work will be on view at GRFA through August 20, 2018.




White Linen Night guests create their own Rodrigue-inspired fans to keep cool during the summer heat.



Friday, August 3, 2018

Tomorrow: Don't Miss White Linen Night at GRFA!


Get Crafty with GRFA During White Linen Night!



Visitors from last year's White Linen Night show off their fan creations!



Beat the heat on White Linen Night and visit GRFA to create your own Rodrigue-inspired fan. Free and open to visitors of all ages!

White Linen Night
Saturday, August 4th
5:30 - 9:30 PM
747 Magazine Street
(Near corner of Magazine & Julia St.)



New Exhibition Opens White Linen Night!


Also on White Linen Night, GRFA is pleased to present HUNTER SLOAN: Good Night NYC, a special solo exhibition featuring the photography of a scholarship winner from our 2014 Art Contest.




About the Exhibition

Photographer Hunter Sloan began the Good Night NYC series to playfully capture New York commuters who fell asleep on the subway, yet seemed to always wake up before their stop. As this series progressed, Sloan turned his camera to another segment of subway riders: the many homeless individuals who depended upon the subway to escape the brutal winter. What began as a tongue-in-cheek documentary series became a visual exploration of human vulnerability and fortitude.







Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Join Us White Linen Night for a New Exhibition!


In honor of White Linen Night, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is pleased to present HUNTER SLOAN: Good Night NYC, a special solo photography exhibition featuring a scholarship winner from the 2014 GRFA Art Contest.



White Linen Night
Saturday, August 4th
5:30 - 9:30 PM
747 Magazine Street
(Near corner of Magazine & Julia St.)



About the Exhibition

Photographer Hunter Sloan began the Good Night NYC series to playfully capture New York commuters who fell asleep on the subway, yet seemed to always wake up before their stop. As this series progressed, Sloan turned his camera to another segment of subway riders: the many homeless individuals who depended upon the subway to escape the brutal winter. What began as a tongue-in-cheek documentary series became a visual exploration of human vulnerability and fortitude.





Get creative with us during White Linen Night!




Once again for White Linen Night, GRFA will have a fan-making area for creative visitors of all ages! Grab some glitter and markers and create your own work of art inspired by George Rodrigue. 



Visitors from past White Linen Nights show off their fan creations!











Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Campers Say "Bonjour!" to Blue Dog




Bonjour NOLA Campers use Crayola Model Magic to create small, three-dimensional Blue Dog sculptures.


Last week the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts made a special visit to Lycée Francais de la Nouvelle-Orléans to share the art of George Rodrigue with their Bonjour NOLA Summer Camp. As part of our presentation, we shared information about the history of the Acadian and Cajun people, as well as how their historic legacies impacted the life and artwork of Rodrigue.

Campers learned about the origin of the iconic Blue Dog, which began as Rodrigue's interpretation of the Cajun loup-garou legend. They then used primary colors to sculpt their own version of the Blue Dog. We loved spending the afternoon with this creative and curious group of campers!




Bonjour NOLA Campers pose for a group photo with their finished Blue Dog projects.



Simone Feaster-Armour, LFNO's Teacher of Gifted
Services, shares about the project:


"At LFNO's Bonjour NOLA Summer Camp, we learned how Louisiana native George Rodrigue showed his love of Cajun culture through his art. Campers created their own unique sculpture based on Rodrigue's famous Blue Dog. This activity aligned perfectly with not only New Orleans' 300th anniversary, but also with our camp theme 'La Francophonie: or The French Speaking World.' "




Monday, June 25, 2018

Creative Outreach with Lighthouse for the Blind's Summer Camp



Lighthouse Campers use Crayola Model Magic to create small, three-dimensional Blue Dog sculptures.



Last week the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts was delighted to lead a sculpture workshop for Summer Campers at Lighthouse Louisiana, a passionate organization that empowers people with disabilities through employment, services, and advocacy. Camp Lighthouse is an action packed month of adventure for young participants, all of whom have some level of vision impairment.


Lighthouse Campers and GRFA's Rachel Gaudry pose for a group photo with their finished Blue Dog projects.



GRFA's Rachel Gaudry led the campers through a step-by-step sculpting process, breaking down the shapes and colors of the Blue Dog for the young artists. Lighthouse Louisiana's Director of Youth Services Andrea Rodriguez shares about the project:

"The kids had a great time making their own personal Blue Dog, some even including a cane and glasses. Art is important to our summer campers because they get to experience making things with their hands regardless of sight. They are able to feel the different shapes and learn ways to put them together to create something wonderful. Our kids also get to share their artwork with family members which is the icing on the cake."


To learn more about the mission and programs of Lighthouse Louisiana, visit www.lighthouselouisiana.org.







Tuesday, May 29, 2018

An Inside Look at Wendy Rodrigue's "Life and Legacy Tour"


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.



Monday, May 14, 2018

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."




Friday, May 4, 2018

See Photos from Mandeville Aioli Dinner




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.


Click here to view a photo album from the event.



Photos by Max Cusimano.


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:

Thursday, November 8, 2018
Home of Lisa & Rick Farrell
4534 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA



Photos by Max Cusimano.








Monday, April 23, 2018

Special Needs Artists in Lafayette Paint the Blue Dog with GRFA


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!












Friday, April 20, 2018

Free Shuttle to Mandeville Aioli Dinner for Southshore Guests





TRANSPORTATION
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.




LIVE AUCTION
And don't miss the exciting signed George Rodrigue prints available in this Aioli Dinner Live Auction! Learn more.