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Thursday, December 3, 2015

LAA+ Schools Announces Call for 2016 Applications


Calling All Louisiana Schools: Join the LAA+ Network in 2016




The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is pleased to announce that Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+) is now 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.





Rodrigue Family Visits 2 LAA+ Schools

Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue and Wendy Rodrigue, widow of George Rodrigue, visited Ridge Elementary School and J. Wallace James Elementary School in the Lafayette area to see arts-integration in action in the classrooms. Both of these terrific schools are part of our network of 16 Louisiana A+ Schools across the state.



Wendy Rodrigue reads to children at J. Wallace James Elementary School. (Photo credit: Paul Lieu, The Advertiser)



Jacques Rodrigue gets creative with students during an ornament making project. (Photo credit: Paul Lieu, The Advertiser)


The family toured the schools, visited with students and teachers, and saw examples of how the arts are integrated into each subject. Wendy Rodrigue read George Rodrigue's "Are You Blue Dog's Friend?" and "Why Is Blue Dog Blue?" to students, and Jacques Rodrigue led them in a George Rodrigue-themed ornament activity inspired by his Blue Dog series.

Jacques and Wendy were also excited to announce the 2016 application period for LAA+ Schools and to share how a recent independent study by Centers for Research on Creativity proved that the A+ Schools method is transforming classrooms across Louisiana.




Monday, November 30, 2015

Today Only! Free Blue Dog Lapel Pin


Free Blue Dog Lapel Pin With Each Book Purchased





Today only, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is offering a special Cyber Monday deal! Purchase the award-winning The Pot & The Palette Cookbook or The Other Side of the Painting and receive a free Blue Dog Lapel Pin per book. Individual pins are valued at $50 each and make great stocking stuffer gifts!


About the Books


All proceeds from the books directly support our arts in education programs, including an annual Scholarship Art Contest, George's Art Closet, and Louisiana A+ Schools.




The Pot & The Palette Cookbook was produced in collaboration with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation and features original artwork by Louisiana high school students who participated in our 2013 Art Contest. The Cookbook boasts over 100 delicious recipes by famous Louisiana chefs, including Emeril Lagasse, John Besh, Paul Prudhomme, and Leah Chase.





The Other Side of the Painting by Wendy Rodrigue is an illuminating, lively memoir that derives from her popular blog Musings of an Artist's Wife.



**To receive your Blue Dog Lapel Pin(s), you must purchase your book(s) through GRFA's main website.**




Monday, November 23, 2015

Now Hiring: Development Associate


The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Development Associate for Louisiana A+ Schools.



Development Associate


Reporting to and in partnership with the Development Director, the Development Associate will design and implement a fundraising strategy to support the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts' Louisiana A+ Schools Program. A new position in the organization, the Development Associate will have the opportunity to expand GRFA's existing development functions.


Responsibilities include:


Donor Relations
  • Assist in the development and execution of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts' Louisiana A+ Schools annual fundraising plan
  • Secure financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations
  • Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors and program sponsors
  • Creating and executing a strategy for a large sustained base of annual individual donors
  • Develop solicitations for mail and email fundraising campaigns
  • Arrange and conduct school tours with existing and potential donors

Special Events

  • Work with Director of Operations and Special Events Coordinator to secure paid attendance to special events including the statewide Aioli Dinner Supper Club series
  • Secure hosts for "Aioli Dinner" fundraising events and follow up with hosts to generate ticket sales

Grant Writing
  • Develop and track proposals for all foundation, corporate and government grants
  • Identify, write, compile and submit grants in cooperation with GRFA and LAA+ staff
  • Ensure that reporting of the use of grant funds is completed accurately

Reporting
  • Prepare monthly reports for the Development Director to assess fundraising program effectiveness

Qualifications

  • B.A. required, M.A. preferred
  • 5 or more years of experience in Development
  • Experience with Raiser's Edge or equivalent donor management solution
  • Basic knowledge of Louisiana's education system
  • Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills
  • Must have ability to travel frequently across all of Louisiana 

Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is based in New Orleans at the Rodrigue Foundation office. Interested applicants can send their cover letter and resume to info@georgerodriguefoundation.org.



Friday, November 20, 2015

Student Exhibition Opens in Lafayette



"Louisiana's Music" Opens in Lafayette


Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue with the 15 student finalists at the awards luncheon for the 2015 Art Contest.



Now through January 2016, head to the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum on the campus of University of Louisiana at Lafayette to see "Louisiana's Music", an exhibition featuring artwork from the 15 talented student finalists from our 2015 Scholarship Art Contest.


The 15 pieces in the exhibition explore many aspects of Louisiana's musical heritage through vibrant portraits, whimsical interpretations, and more.





2016 Art Contest: "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival"




Do you know a creative Louisiana high school junior or senior? Encourage them to submit an original work of art for our 2016 Art Contest for a chance to share $45,000 in college scholarships. This year's theme is "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival" in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus. The winning student will have their artwork turned into the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus and be invited to ride in the 2017 parade in New Orleans!



Raffle: Win 5 Signed Rodrigue Prints





There are four more weeks to enter our 2015 Raffle to support GRFA's arts in education programs! The 1st place winner receives five signed and framed silkscreen prints by George Rodrigue. There are also great prizes for 2nd - 15th place! Each chance is $10. Click here to learn more and enter the raffle.




Wednesday, November 11, 2015

RAFFLE: Win 5 Signed Rodrigue Prints


New Raffle:  Win 5 Signed Rodrigue Prints





The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is pleased to announce a new raffle to benefit our arts in education programs! The grand prize of the raffle will win FIVE silkscreen prints by George Rodrigue. Each print in the set is signed and framed. There are also exciting prizes for runner up winners.



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.

Deadline to enter is December 18, 2015 at 5:00 PM.

$10.00 per chance






Save the Date:  #GivingTuesday 2015





Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday.


This year, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. We invite you to join the movement and help us bring creativity into Louisiana classrooms through George's Art Closet.

Each month, GRFA awards $1,000 custom art supply kits to two Louisiana schools through George's Art Closet. This successful program addresses the needs of teachers facing inadequate funding for visual art supplies.

This #GivingTuesday, with your support, we hope to fund five additional custom kits. Any donation made on December 1, 2015, will go directly to our George's Art Closet program and to transforming classrooms into dynamic, creative spaces.



Thursday, November 5, 2015

New Poster Now Available


New Poster: "Little Boy Blues"



"Little Boy Blues" by Skyla Blady
1st Place Junior in 2015 Art Contest
24 x 36 inches
Signed, edition of 250
$25.00




Skyla Blady, now a senior at Riverdale High School in Jefferson, LA, was shocked when her original artwork, "Little Boy Blues," was selected as a finalist in our 2015 Scholarship Art Contest in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

When her name was announced as the 1st Place Junior at the awards ceremony in April, she was even more surprised. She had invested hours in the painting and was very proud of the result, but had no idea it would become the poster selected for New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's four free music festivals.



Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue with student artist Skyla Blady at a recent Aioli Dinner Supper Club event in Metairie, LA.



Her vibrant poster debuted at the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in October and will also be for sale at the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, and Treme Creole Gumbo Festival.

Can't make it to the festivals? You can purchase your signed poster on our website. Proceeds from "Little Boy Blues" will directly support GRFA's arts-in-education programs, with a portion going back to Blady, who is currently a senior preparing for college. 




Call for Entries - 2016 Art Contest




We are now accepting entries for the 2016 Scholarship Art Contest in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus! Louisiana high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to submit an original
2-dimensional work of art for the theme "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival." Fifteen finalists will share $45,000 in college scholarships, and the overall winner will work with GRFA to turn their art into the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus!
 


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Looking Back at Our Lake Charles and Metairie Aioli Dinners




Lake Charles Aioli Dinner Raises $40,000 for Arts Education

On October 1, 2015, the Aioli Dinner Supper Club gathered at the soon-to-open Blue Dog Cafe in Lake Charles for a night to support arts in education in Louisiana. Guests enjoyed a rustic, four-course meal prepared by Chef Greg Doucet of Jolie's Louisiana Bistro. Through tickets sales and our live and silent auctions, we were able to raise over $40,000 for GRFA's arts in education programs, including Louisiana A+ Schools, our annual Scholarship Art Contest, and George's Art Closet.

Thank you to our friends in the Lake Charles community for your incredible support and for making this Aioli Dinner Supper Club event such a memorable night!



Click here to view a photo album for the Lake Charles Aioli Dinner Supper Club event.




Metairie Aioli Dinner Raises $42,000 for Art Contest Scholarships

A week after our Lake Charles event, the Aioli Dinner Supper Club dined at the home of Christine Vinson in Metairie. In addition to the generosity of our hostess, we were thrilled to have the dinner sponsored by Vinson Guard Service, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, and the Krewe of Orpheus.

Guests shared a four-course meal prepared by Chef Mark Quitney of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, enjoyed music performed on the Rodrigue Steinway, and raised over $42,000 to support our annual Scholarship Art Contest!

Our 2016 Art Contest, in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, invites Louisiana high school juniors and seniors to submit original works of art for the theme "Louisiana Celebrates Carnival." In the Spring, GRFA will award $45,000 in college scholarships to 15 talented finalists!



Click here to view a photo album for the Metairie Aioli Dinner Supper Club event.




Thursday, October 15, 2015

Print Donation Program Adds New Rodrigue Print


Print Donation Program Adds New Rodrigue Print


"Cat Tie" by George Rodrigue, 2015
Estate Stamped Open Edition, 29 x 22"


The Estate of George Rodrigue is pleased to add "Cat Tie" to GRFA's Print Donation Program. Since 2009, the Print Donation Program has helped over 600 organizations raise over $1 million at their fundraising events through silent auctions, raffles, and more.

The program allows organizations to purchase a George Rodrigue silkscreen print from the Rodrigue Estate for $500. If the print does not help the organization raise funds exceeding $500, they can return it for a full refund. To date, the program has been tremendously successful in helping non-profits reach their fundraising goals.

These Rodrigue prints are specifically designed as a fundraising vehicle for non-profits to raffle or auction directly to their supporters. They are not for sale in any Rodrigue Gallery.




"Little Boy Blues" by Skyla Blady Available at Blues & BBQ Festival





This weekend is the 10th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festivalin New Orleans! In addition to great live music, you'll have the opportunity to see and purchase "Little Boy Blues" by Skyla Blady, the overall winner in our 2015 Art Contest. Skyla is now a senior at Riverdale High School in Jefferson, LA, and created her original design for the theme "Louisiana's Music."

In partnership with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the 2015 Art Contest awarded $45,000 in college scholarships to 15 talented Louisiana high school students. Poster sales will support the arts in education programs of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.



Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Oct. 16-18
Lafayette Square Park
540 St. Charles Ave.
FREE admission
Signed posters for sale at $25.00




Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue and student artist Skyla Blady with "Little Boy Blues" at our recent Metairie Aioli Dinner event.




Call for Entries -- 2016 Art Contest




This year, in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, we invite Louisiana high school juniors and seniors to explore the richness of Louisiana's Carnival traditions by submitting an original 2-dimensional work of art. Ten senior and five junior finalists will share $45,000 in college scholarships.

The Grand Prize Winner of the 2016 Art Contest will work with the Rodrigue Foundation's staff to turn their artwork into the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus and will also be invited to ride in their 2017 parade in New Orleans!

Know a creative Louisiana student? Please encourage them to submit an entry by February 12, 2016!






Monday, October 12, 2015

Call for Entries - 2016 Art Contest



We are happy to announce our Call for Entries to our 2016 Art Contest in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus!  Please encourage any Louisiana high school junior or senior that you know to submit an entry!

$45,000 in Scholarship Awards



Theme:  Louisiana Celebrates Carnival

in partnership with:





Many countries have Carnival traditions, but Louisiana's unique festivities are renowned worldwide for their history, colorfulness, satire, and playfulness. Mardi Gras in Louisiana is a statewide celebration for all ages. It is a chance to leave the everyday world behind through street parades, costumes, and balls. This year, in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, we invite Louisiana high school juniors and seniors to explore the richness of Louisiana's Carnival traditions by submitting an original 2-dimensional work of art.

The artistic approach can be historical, contemporary, or imaginary in its conception, with interpretations ranging from a traditional scene of a parade to an abstract exploration of the Carnival tradition.




Eligibility
All juniors and seniors in Louisiana are eligible for entry in the GRFA Art Contest. No test score, grade point average or college major requirement is necessary for enter. The contest is open to all juniors and seniors attending public and private schools, home schooled students, and GED students.

Deadline
Online application and photo of art submissions must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016. Visit our website to learn more about the Terms and Conditions.

Poster Artist
The winning artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts team to design the official 2017 poster for the Krewe of Orpheus. The student and their family will also be invited to ride with the Krewe of Orpheus in their 2017 annual parade!

Selecting Finalists
A blind, two-part judging process focuses on three categories:

1. Concept/design
2. Technical skill
3. Creativity

GRFA requires that submissions be between 11 x 14 and 18 x 24 inches. Winners will be announced at the 7th Annual Art Contest Awards Luncheon presented by Cox on April 16, 2016, at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans.



ATTENTION ART TEACHERS

The school that submits the most entries will recieve a year's worth of art suppies through our George's Art Closet program. Art supply kits are valued at $1,000 and they can give students the tools needed in order to have a first-class art education! Please encourage all of your students to enter.


Thank You to Our Sponsors!
  
    












Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Lafayette Aioli Dinner Raises $25,000


Aioli Dinner Supper Club Raises $25,000 in Lafayette





The Aioli Dinner Supper Club would like to thank our Lafayette supporters for helping us meet and exceed our fundraising goal of $25,000 for Louisiana A+ Schools, our most ambitious statewide program.



Click here to view a photo album for the Lafayette Aioli Dinner Supper Club event.



It was a beautiful night on the grounds of the Heymann House at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Chef Greg Doucet of Jolie's Louisiana Bistro prepared a four-course dinner inspired by the rustic cuisine of the historic Creole Gourmet Societies of Southern Louisiana.

With the expansion of the Louisiana A+ Schools program to 16 schools, the Aioli Dinner Supper Club is playing a crucial role in the number of teachers and students impacted by arts integration in the classroom. Thank you to our friends and sponsors who made this dinner a success! 
 

Join the Aioli Dinner Supper Club this Thursday in Metairie! 



Porter Lyons Supporting GRFA With Special Event


Our friends at Porter Lyons, a jewelry design company inspired by and based in New Orleans, are launching a new collection called Deco Bohemia. To celebrate, they are hosting an afternoon of unique bohemian fun at the Longue Vue House & Gardens on October 24, 2015. Ticket proceeds and a portion of jewelry sales from the event will benefit the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.








Tuesday, September 29, 2015

This Week in Lake Charles


Free Lecture at Imperial Calcasieu Museum

The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts will be in Lake Charles, Louisiana, this week for two special events.




Join us at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum for a free lecture by Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue as he explores the career and arts-in-education legacy of George Rodrigue. The museum is currently exhibiting Rodrigue, a collection of prints and paintings by the late artist. Also on view is Louisiana's Music, an exhibition showcasing the artwork of 15 finalists from GRFA's 2015 Scholarship Art Contest.

"Continuing an Arts in Education Legacy"
Lecture by Jacques Rodrigue
Wednesday, September 30th
7:00 pm
204 W. Sallier Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601




Aioli Dinner at New Blue Dog Cafe




The Aioli Dinner Supper Club had an amazing time in Lafayette last week, and we're ready to bring this unique dining experience to Lake Charles on Thursday, October 1st! Chef Greg Doucet of Jolie's Louisiana Bistro will once again be providing a delicious four-course menu with wine pairings. The Aioli Dinner Supper Club celebrates George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting and raises funds for our statewide arts in education initiatives.



When: Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Where: Blue Dog Cafe
609 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA





Seats are also still available for the Aioli Dinner Supper Club’s event in Metairie on October 8th in partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus and the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Click here to learn more and purchase your tickets.






Friday, September 18, 2015

6 Days Until Lafayette Aioli Dinner!


6 Days Until Lafayette Aioli Dinner



The Aioli Dinner Supper Club will be in Lafayette on Thursday to share a delicious four-course menu prepared by Chef Greg Doucet of Jolie's Louisiana Bistro. This unique dining experience will celebrate George Rodrigue's iconic "Aioli Dinner" painting and raise funds for our statewide arts in education initiative, Louisiana A+ Schools.




When: Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Where: ULL Alumni Center (Heymann House)
600 East St. Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA



Click here to read more about the event in The Daily Advertiser.



Free Lecture in Lafayette

For ten years, artist George Rodrigue honored the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with portraits of its distinguished guest speakers in the Flora Levy Lecture Series. This fall the university honors Rodrigue with the special lecture, "George Rodrigue: Painting to the Frame," presented by William Andrews, Executive Director of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.


September 23, 2015
7:00 PM
UL Lafayette, Angelle Hall
FREE! 





Celebrating #ArtsEdWeek

National Arts in Education Week is coming to a close, but we've had lots of fun celebrating the creative work of our 16 Louisiana A+ Schools on Twitter. Follow us at @RodrigueFdn and @APlusLA to see wonderful examples of how the arts enrich the classroom.



Pictured, hallway artwork at Rollins Place Elementary in Zachary, LA





Thursday, September 10, 2015

Upcoming Lecture and Special Events


Upcoming Lecture: "George Rodrigue: Painting to the Frame"

For ten years, artist George Rodrigue honored the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with portraits of its distinguished guest speakers in the Flora Levy Lecture Series. This fall the university honors Rodrigue with the special lecture, "George Rodrigue: Painting to the Frame," presented by William Andrews, Executive Director of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.


September 23, 2015
7:00 PM
UL Lafayette, Angelle Hall
FREE!





Fall Special Events

Near South Louisiana? Don't miss the Aioli Dinner Supper Club's three upcoming events! All proceeds benefit the statewide arts-in-education programs of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, including Louisiana A+ Schools and our annual Scholarship Art Contest.


September 24, 2015
Lafayette
Under the oaks at University of Louisiana at Lafayette


October 1, 2015
Lake Charles
At the brand new Blue Dog Cafe


October 8, 2015
Metairie
In partnership with the Krewe of Orpheus, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, and Vinson Guard Service




Click here to see photos from previous Aioli Dinner Supper Club events.



Thursday, September 3, 2015

New Video: Rodrigue's Arts in Education Legacy


New Video:  Rodrigue's Arts in Education Legacy

We are pleased to share a new video presentation by Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue that celebrates the life and legacy of his father George Rodrigue.   Watch now to learn about the artist and how the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is continuing his legacy to promote the arts in education. This lecture was filmed in July 2015 at the "Rodrigue: Houston" exhibition.



"George Rodrigue Inspires an Arts in Education Legacy"



Student Exhibition Coming to Lake Charles

"Louisiana's Music," our 2015 Scholarship Art Contest exhibition, is on the move! At the R.W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, the final day to view the show will be Sunday, September 6th. On Friday, September 11th, the exhibition will open at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles. We invite you to see firsthand this creative collection of work by some of Louisiana's most talented students.


Click here to learn more about the 15 finalists and their artwork.




Friday, August 28, 2015

Two Louisiana A+ Schools Win Art Education Grants



Two Louisiana A+ Schools Win Art Education Grants

Congratulations to two of our Louisiana A+ Schools! Rollins Place Elementary in Zachary and St. Helena Arts & Technology Academy in Greensburg have been awarded Community Partnership Grants from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. The schools will use the grants to implement in-school or after-school education programs that support music and arts instruction.




Aioli Dinner Supper Club in Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Metairie

Are you looking for a unique way to support arts in education across Louisiana? If so, we invite you to join us at one of our upcoming Aioli Dinner Supper Club events. These fabulous four-course dinners are inspired by George Rodrigue's famous Aioli Dinner painting and directly support our network of 16 Louisiana A+ Schools and our Annual Scholarship Art Contest. Dinners for Fall 2015 will be hosted in Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Metairie. Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets today!








Thursday, August 13, 2015

New Dates Announced for Aioli Dinner Supper Club





The Aioli Dinner Supper Club is pleased to announce two new dinner dates for Fall 2015! Join us at one of our upcoming dinners to enjoy a delicious four-course menu to support Louisiana A+ Schools, an arts in education program of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.



The Heymann House, ULL Alumni Center
Lafayette, LA


Blue Dog Cafe
Lake Charles, 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.