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.
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!