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On March 14, 2014, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts held its first ever Aioli Dinner Fundraiser in Monterey, California. John and Cheryl Pisto, owners of the Whaling Station, hosted thirty couples in their home and the event raised $15,000 for GRFA education programming that will be tied into the Rodrigue Memorial Retrospective now on view in Carmel, CA.
This first ever fundraiser of its kind re-created George Rodrigue's most famous non-Blue Dog painting from 1971. It was Rodrigue's first painting with people and guests to this fundraiser were asked to wear black pants, white shirts and black ties.
The original Aioli Dinner painting above depicts a group of Cajun men who gathered in South Louisiana in the early 1900's and was named for the aioli, garlic mayonaisse sauce, that they used with their cooking.
Rodrigue used the above photograph as the inspiration for the painting and you can learn more about the painting in Wendy Rodrigue's Musings of An Artist's Wife blog.
Thank you to all of our California friends that hosted and created the event! We are forever indebted to Jayne and Rich Brinton, Steve and Vel Cox, Neil Shapiro, Saundra Meyrose, Tony and Barbara Ricciardi, Myles and Rhonda Williams and all of George's friends from the Carmel area.
Also at the event was George's two sons, Andre and Jacques, as well as Jacques' new wife, artist Mallory Page Rodrigue.
John Pisto not only hosted the event, but, the entire dinner was filmed and will be featured on his upcoming local television show.
Visit the Whaling Station's website to view more photos from the event. Thank you everyone for your support and be on the lookout for similar Aioli Dinner Fundraisers in your area!
Thanks to all the students who entered the Scholarship Art Contest this year!
Over 700 students from around Louisiana entered the contest (our most entries to date). Due to the volume of entries and tie-breakers, GRFA will award sixteen (16) seniors and five (5) juniors a total of $50,000 in college scholarships! Click below to learn more!
The Pot & The Palette wins Best Illustrated Cookbook in America and is one of seven finalists for Best Illustrated Cookbook in the world.
Gourmand Magazine, the International Cookbook Revue based in Madrid, Spain, recently announced that our cookbook, The Pot & The Palette, is in the running to be named Best Illustrated for 2013! The award winner will be announced at the World Cookbook Awards Ceremony in Beijing, China, on May 20-21, 2014.
Other finalists include:
- Canada- English – Alice Eats, Pierre Lamielle
- Canada – French - Mandarine et Kiwi, Laila Heloua, Nathalie Lapierre
- France – L’Allaitement Maternel, Alain Dabadie (Springer-France)
- Germany – Festlichte Menus für Hochzeitstage, Michaela Maria Drux, Evert Kornmayer
- Japan – Alain Ducasse, The Secret Recipe, Hiromi Nagasaki
- Spain – Cocina Pop, Mario Suarez, Ricardo Avolo
"We are so happy for all of the students featured in The Pot & The Palette," says Jacques Rodrigue, Executive Director of GRFA. "To be nominated for this prestigious award goes to show how talented our young people in Louisiana are and it is great that they are getting international recognition at such an early age." (pictured above, students sign their artwork in copies of the cookbook at Barnes & Nobles in the New Orleans area)
In December, Gourmand informed GRFA that the cookbook had won Best Illustrated in America and in January Gourmand announced that our cookbook was one of seven finalists for Best Illustrated worldwide.
Gourmand has conducted an international cookbook awards ceremony since 1997 and according to Gourmand:
The Awards Ceremonies will be the most glamorous ever, organized with the studios who helped the Opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games 2008. Beijing Cookbook Fair will take place May 19 – 22, 2014, with tourism options before and after the professional book fair.
The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards are often compared by journalists to the "Oscars". We believe that we are inspired by the Olympic Spirit, which will show in Beijing.
The Pot & The Palette by George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) and the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) features 100 recipes by Louisiana's greatest restaurants with 50 illustrations by Louisiana's most talented student artists. In 2013, GRFA and LRAEF teamed up to create a statewide art contest for Louisiana junior and senior high school students using the theme "Louisiana's Culinary Heritage" and winners shared in $45,000 of college scholarships.
Each year, we award $45,000 in college scholarships and awards to Louisiana high school juniors and seniors. For our 2014 Art Contest our theme is "Louisiana's Natural Beauty" and our partner is Audubon Nature Institute.
Over the next few weeks, we will suggest various Louisiana animals and plants that students may want to use in their artwork entries. Deadline for the contest is February 12, 2014. Click here to learn how to enter.
Scientific name: Quercus
virginiana
The Southern Live Oak trees are found across the coastal, southeast
United States. Known for their iconic beauty and providing ample shade, these semi-evergreen
trees can live to be more than 500 years old reaching heights of more than 60
feet and spanning more than 80 feet across (pictured above, Blue Dog Oak, a lithograph by George Rodrigue, pictured below, George Rodrigue photographs the Youngsville Oak).
The shallow, wide root base,
expansive canopy and hearty nature of this native species make live oaks strong
enough to survive hurricane winds. In South Louisiana, the restoration of Oak
Chenieres is crucial to providing natural storm barrier and preventing coastal
erosion (pictured, The Youngsville Oak, a print by George Rodrigue that raised money to save a live oak tree in Youngsville, LA).
Each year, we award $45,000 in college scholarships and awards to Louisiana high school juniors and seniors. For our 2014 Art Contest our theme is "Louisiana's Natural Beauty" and our partner is Audubon Nature Institute.
Over the next few weeks, we will suggest various Louisiana animals and plants that students may want to use in their artwork entries. Deadline for the contest is February 12, 2014. Click here to learn how to enter.
Scientific Name: Ursus americanus
luteolus
Black bears are large, bulky mammals with
long black hair and a short, hairy tail. The Louisiana black bear
is different from other black bears because its skull is longer, more narrow
and flatter than other black bears and its molar teeth are larger. (pictured, Tee Teddie 1995/2013 Acrylic on canvas by George Rodrigue 48x36 inches)
Although weight varies considerably, large
males may can weigh as much as 6OO pounds and the body length of adult
Louisiana Black bears ranges from 4 to 7 feet. While black bears are able
to stand and walk on their hind legs, they usually stand or walk on all four
legs.
Each year, we award $45,000 in college scholarships and awards to Louisiana high school juniors and seniors. For our 2014 Art Contest our theme is "Louisiana's Natural Beauty" and our partner is Audubon Nature Institute.
Over the next few weeks, we will suggest various Louisiana animals and plants that students may want to use in their artwork entries. Deadline for the contest is February 12, 2014. Click here to learn how to enter.
Scientific Name: Grus americana
Only two species of cranes occur in North America. Today, sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) are prevalent. Whooping cranes (Grus americana) suffered severe population decline, and by 1944 only 21 could be counted, with the species continued persistence in peril. Whooping cranes were added to federal endangered species status on March 11, 1967. As of Jan. 31, 2011 approximately 565 individuals survive (Stehn, 2011). (pictured below, Morning Heron by Christopher Stafford, not a Whooping Crane but the heron is often confused for the whoooper and this entry won a $1,000 scholarship in our 2010 art contest)
It is the tallest North American bird at 5 feet. Adults are mostly white with a red head crown and a long, dark, pointed bill. They have long dark legs which trail behind in flight and a long neck that is kept straight in flight. Black wing tips can also be seen in flight. Immature birds are pale brown. These birds forage while walking in shallow water or in fields, often probing with their bills. They are omnivorous, eating insects, aquatic plants and animals, crustaceans, seeds, and berries.
This species' name comes from its whooping call. The whooping crane is endangered mainly as a result of habitat loss and illegal take. Southwest Louisiana was once important wintering range for migrant whooping cranes and until the mid-twentieth century, the site of the only resident nesting colony in the U.S., but they were absent for over 60 years.
Due to their historical presence in Louisiana, in Feb. 2011 the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries re-established a resident population at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, located in Vermilion Parish.
We hope you will considering painting, photograhing or drawing the Whooping Crane in your art contest entry. Click here to learn how to enter.
American Alligator: Art Contest Suggestion #1
Whooping Crane Part I: Art Contest Suggestion #2
Louisiana Black Bear: Art Contest Suggestion #3
Louisiana Live Oak: Art Contest Suggestion #4
Each year, we award $45,000 in college scholarships and awards to Louisiana high school juniors and seniors. For our 2014 Art Contest our theme is "Louisiana's Natural Beauty" and our partner is Audubon Nature Institute.
Over the next few weeks, we will suggest various Louisiana animals and plants that students may want to use in their artwork entries. Deadline for the contest is February 12, 2014. Click here to learn how to enter.
Scientific Name: Alligator mississippiensis
American Alligator’s are located throughout southern United States and Central America. Their entire body is covered with large, strong, ossified, horny plates. An alligator’s tail, which accounts for half of the alligator’s total length, is used for aquatic propulsion. (pictured, Blue Dog and Cajuns on the River by George Rodrigue).
The tail can also be used as a weapon of defense if the alligator feels threatened. American Alligators can weigh as much as 750 pounds and mostly feed on insects, crawfish, snails, and fish. They have 80 teeth though alligators do not chew food, they just swallow it.
Alligators live in wetlands, which is a vital habitat that holds the key to their continued long-term survival. Only two countries on earth have alligators: the United States and China. The Chinese alligator is endangered. In the 1970s, the American Alligator was listed as endangered, but the population recovered due to successful conservation efforts and regulations from the state and federal government.
We hope you will considering painting, photograhing or drawing the American Alligator in your art contest entry. Click here to learn how to enter.
American Alligator: Art Contest Suggestion #1
Whooping Crane Part I: Art Contest Suggestion #2
Louisiana Black Bear: Art Contest Suggestion #3
Louisiana Live Oak: Art Contest Suggestion #4
In celebration of the release of our " The Pot & The Palette Cookbook," enter for your chance to win one of over twenty (20) prizes!
GRAND PRIZE
George Rodrigue has opened up his personal archives to offer "Heat in the Kitchen" (a now SOLD OUT Blue Dog print not available in any gallery, 25x38 inches).
$10 per chance. Drawing December 20, 2013.
As a special treat, the print is signed by George Rodrigue, Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali plus 40+ chefs featured in The Pot & The Palette Cookbook! (pictured throughout, chefs signing the raffle print)
Thank you to Chef John Besh, Chef Aaron Sanchez of Mestizo, Chef Tory McPhail of Commander's Palace, Chef Susan Spicer of Bayona, Chef Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery, Chef Phillip Lopez of Root, Chef Tenny Flynn of G.W. Fins, Chef Tariq Hanna of Sucre and Chef Brian Landry of Borgne.
Due to the uniqueness of this item, the value is considered priceless. All proceeds from the raffle benefit the educational programs of George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA).
$10 per chance. Drawing December 20, 2013.
The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts invite you to join us for the
Monday, November 18, 2013
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal St.
PRESS RELEASE
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Adds Newest Rodrigue Piece:
100-Year-Old Steinway Piano Adorned with Signature Blue Dog
Piano to Be Featured in Hotel Lobby as Part of Rodrigue Gallery
New Orleans – Nov 6, 2013 – Home to the Rodrigue Gallery, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is continuing its partnership with famed artist George Rodrigue by adding The Rodrigue Steinway "Blue Dog Piano" to its collection. The creator of the world-renowned Blue Dog series used a 100-year old Steinway Model A grand piano as his canvas to create an impressive piece that will be displayed in the hotel’s lobby for up to two years for guests and locals to admire.
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| Billy Joel signed and played the piano in May 2013. |
Celebrating its 100th birthday, the genuine 1913 Steinway was donated and fully restored to Steinway & Sons standards by the Hall Piano Company. When not at home at the Sheraton New Orleans, the piano will continue touring the country to raise awareness about the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) and the LSU School of Music. Musical legends such as Billy Joel, Allen Toussaint, Ellis Marsalis Jr., Irvin Mayfield, Dr. John and many others have already played and signed the grand piano which is equipped with a state-of-the-art digital recording system allowing it to replay some of those memorable performances as well as a library of 4,000 songs.
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| George Rodrigue paints the Rodrigue Steinway. |
In addition to the Blue Dog Piano, on display at the hotel’s Rodrigue Gallery are rare Blue Dog prints, an original Blue Dog painting on loan from the New Orleans Museum of Art and the only reproduction of Victory on Bayou St. John, originally created for the WWII Museum.
Located in one of the hotel’s private function spaces, The Rodrigue Gallery is open for guests’ viewing pleasure whenever unoccupied. Locals and visitors can also view select pieces highlighted through the exterior facing windows on Canal Street. For more information about Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, please visit www.sheratonneworleans.com.
Don't miss the first two opportunities to buy "The Pot and The Palette Cookbook" by George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) and the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF)!
New Cookbook features 100 recipes by Louisiana's greatest restaurants with artwork by Louisiana's most talented student artists.
Limited quanitites of books will be on hand at both events and books are currently available for online pre-sale. All proceeds benefit GRFA and LRAEF programs.
Book Launch
Taste recipes from the cookbook and get your book signed by Chef Alon Shaya of Domenica, Chef Chris Montero from Cafe NOLA, a chef from Mr. B's and students artists Morgan Barranco, Megan Pierce and Haily Dupont featured in the book.
Monday, November 11, 2013
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Book Signing
Get your book signed by Tommy Cvitanovich of Drago's, student artists Allison Strahan, Lauren Nassour and Haily Dupont featured in the book.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Raffle
Additionally, win prizes in celebration of the release of our "The Pot & The Palette Cookbook" in our special RAFFLE! Enter for your chance to win one of over twenty (20) prizes! All proceeds from the raffle benefit the educational programs of George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA). Each chance is $10 and there is no maximum number of entries.
Grand Prize
George Rodrigue has opened up his personal archives to offer "Heat in the Kitchen" (above, a now SOLD OUT Blue Dog print not available in any gallery, 25x38 inches). As a special treat, the print is signed by George Rodrigue, Emeril Lagasse and many other famous chefs featured in The Pot & The Palette Cookbook. Learn more about the raffle.
(interior book pages featured below)
“Is there any state in the union more closely associated with good food than Louisiana?” says Blue Dog artist George Rodrigue. “From its abundant Gulf seafood to its Cajun and Creole traditions to its world-famous restaurants, residents of the Pelican State bring a lot to the table. The Pot and the Palette is a dual celebration of all that Louisiana has to offer: more than 100 recipes from the state’s finest chefs accompanied by illustrations of its culinary heritage by its most talented student artists.”
“In Louisiana, we believe in supporting each other,” says Emeril Lagasse. “George has supported the Emeril Lagasse Foundation for 10 years, and I am so proud of the many chefs and restaurateurs who have contributed recipes to make this book—which benefits both the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and the Louisiana Restaurant Association Educational Foundation—a true reflection of today’s Louisiana cuisine.”
According to Stan Harris, CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, “the recipes in ‘The Pot & The Palette’ reflect the full bounty of the state, from Monroe to Metairie, Bossier City to Baton Rouge, Lake Charles to Lafayette, and of course, New Orleans.”
The book includes over 100 recipes from top LRA member chefs and restaurants, such as, Emeril’s New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp with Petite Rosemary Biscuits, Leah Chase’s Gumbo Z’Herbes, John Besh’s American Sector Chicken and Dumplings, Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Meatloaf, Commander’s Palace’s Commander’s Salad, Café B’s Crawfish Beignets, Susan Spicer’s Artichoke Dolmades, Blue Dog Café’s Cast-Iron Duck Breast with Fig and Root Beer Glaze, Ruffino’s Crawfish Mac & Cheese, Cotton’s Chicken Fried Rabbit Po’ Boy, Slap Ya Mamma’s Red Beans and Rice, Ruth’s Chris’ Sweet Potato Casserole, Galatoire’s Chicken Clemenceau and Donald Link’s Grilled Tuna and Olive Salad from Peche.
Louisiana’s culinary heritage is brought to life through more than 50 stunning artworks created by Louisiana junior and senior high school students as entries to the annual GRFA Visual Arts Competition, through which GRFA awarded $45,000 in college scholarships in 2013.
George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts Partners with Audubon Nature Institute for Statewide Art Contest
Louisiana high school students compete in annual art contest for individual college scholarships and awards totaling $45,000
WHAT: George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) announces a Call for Entries for its 5th Annual Art Contest. The 2014 art contest theme is “Louisiana’s Natural Beauty” in partnership with Audubon Nature Institute.
Louisiana’s landscape is a natural wonder defined by waterways, animals and plant life. Throughout the state, oaks, cypress, magnolias and other varieties shade country roads, swampland and neighborhoods. Azaleas, irises, and water lilies add bursts of color in parks and alongside bayous, home to alligators, snakes, and hundreds of species of fish, frogs, mammals and insects.
Audubon Nature Institute celebrates all of these wonders of Louisiana's natural beauty. Named for the great wildlife artist and naturalist, John James Audubon (1785-1851), for nearly 100 years Audubon Nature Institute has been a leader for preservation in Louisiana through its Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and most recently, the Olmsted Renewed Campaign, which works to preserve live oak trees in Audubon Park.
“I invite this year’s applicants to explore Louisiana’s Natural Beauty,” says George Rodrigue. “The artistic approach can be historical, contemporary, or imaginary in its conception, with interpretations ranging from a traditional or abstract Louisiana landscape to an exploration of indigenous plant and animal life.”
The annual GRFA scholarship art contest offers one-time college scholarships and awards totaling over $45,000 to the top ten senior and top five junior winners. The senior winner will receive a $6,000 college scholarship. Since 2009, GRFA received 1,766 entries from across Louisiana, awarding 67 students a combined $178,500 in college scholarships.
A blind, two-part judging process focuses on three categories: interpretation of theme, creativity and design. GRFA requires that submissions be between 11 x 14 and 18 x 24 inches. Acceptable mediums include oil or acrylic paint, charcoal, pencil or graphite, watercolor, photography, mixed media or digital media. All Louisiana high school juniors and seniors are eligible, regardless of test scores, grade point averages or declared majors. GRFA is unable to accept framed canvases or three-dimensional work.
Each student that enters the contest will receive a complimentary admission certificate to an Audubon property. Winners will be announced at the 5th Annual Art Contest Awards Luncheon presented by Chevron on March 8, 2014, at the Audubon Tea Room in New Orleans.
WHEN: Taking applications now at www.rodriguefoundation.org/artcontest. Deadline is February 12, 2014
WHO: All Louisiana juniors and seniors attending public and private high schools, home schooled students and GED students.
WHY: The winning artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with internationally-renowned artist George Rodrigue to design a special poster to be sold at all Audubon Nature Institute properties. Sales from these posters will benefit the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and Audubon.
George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization advocating the importance of the arts in the development of our youth through a variety of art educational programs. www.georgerodriguefoundation.org
Audubon Nature Institute is a 501(c)3 not for profit that operates a family of museums and parks dedicated to nature. These New Orleans facilities include: Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Entergy IMAX® Theatre, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Audubon Wilderness Park, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and Audubon Nature Institute Foundation. www.AudubonInstitute.org
Click the play button above to listen to the commercial.
A Tribute to George Rodrigue
November 7th (Thursday) 6:30 PM
BUY TICKETS AND LEARN MORE
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will pay tribute to the internationally renowned Louisiana artist and creator of the infamous Blue Dog series, George Rodrigue. Hosted by the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, this one-of-a-kind evening is part of a national tour for the 1913 Rodrigue Steinway "Blue Dog Piano," which has been painted by the honoree himself.
The live concert will feature five acclaimed pianists performing on Steinway Grand as it celebrates its 100th birthday in 2013. Performing artists include:
Sean Dietrich (Jazz)
John Ripley (Rock 'n Roll)
David Seering (Broadway)
Donnie Sundal (Hip Hip & Funk)
Bobby Van Duesen (Ragtime)
Visit www.rodriguesteinway.com for the history, restoration process and unveiling of bringing together the great works of both George Rodrigue and the Hall Piano Company of New Orleans.
Menu
Chef John Carey has prepared a gourmet menu for this special event with numerous culinary stations to allow guests to comfortably meander through the Emerald Ballroom with complimentary wine served tableside. Pastry Chef Yasha Becker has created a themed specialty dessert with his Signature Baby Grand Piano in Dark Chocolate filled with Grand Marnier Cream and Assorted Blue Dog Miniature Pastries.
Wine Pull
Wine enthusiasts can re-stock their wine cellars while supporting MKAF and GRF charitable education missions. We are inviting private wine collectors and restaurants to donate to the Wine Pull. Call MKAF at (860) 650-2226 to make a wine donation to benefit this fundraiser. Bottles will be wrapped and tagged. Patrons will purchase numbered corks matching the mystery wine bottles.
Live Auction
The live auction will feature private wine dinners in patron homes or restaurants with one of the featured Rodrigue Tribute pianists, a Louisiana Duck Hunting Trip, a New Orleans Getaway Package, a Rodrigue Print, a CBS PGA Tour Package to name a few.
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