Sometime after moving to Louisiana, I discovered Blue Dog. I don’t recall exactly when or where that was – it may have been at the Blue Dog Cafe in Lafayette -- but I became enamored from the beginning. That sweet puppy dog face. Those eyes that beg me to throw a tennis ball and play catch. What’s not to love?
So when I read that there was an exhibit opening of Rodrigue’s work at Lake Charles' Imperial Calcasieu Museum this past Friday, I cleared the calendar. It’s an exhibit that is part of Louisiana’s 200th anniversary celebration this year. “200 Years: The Faces and Places of Louisiana” will be on display at the Sallier St. museum until November 2nd.
I learned from a newspaper article, and discovered first hand at the opening, that Rodrigue is known not only for his iconic Blue Dog paintings, but for his portraits of famous people, as well. At this exhibit, I saw paintings of Chef Paul Prudhomme, Louis Armstrong, current Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and his wife, Supriya, our Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, and many others. Newer portraits often include Blue Dog standing next to the famous person. This Cajun folk artist also creates posters for popular Louisiana festivals – the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Fest, New Orleans Jazz Fest, etc.
I have read that the inspiration for Blue Dog came from one of Rodrigue’s own dogs named Tiffany, and a painting he did on Louisiana’s legendary scary-campfire-story- creature, the Loup Garou.
I couldn’t resist buying a picture book and some note cards.
So when I read that there was an exhibit opening of Rodrigue’s work at Lake Charles' Imperial Calcasieu Museum this past Friday, I cleared the calendar. It’s an exhibit that is part of Louisiana’s 200th anniversary celebration this year. “200 Years: The Faces and Places of Louisiana” will be on display at the Sallier St. museum until November 2nd.
I learned from a newspaper article, and discovered first hand at the opening, that Rodrigue is known not only for his iconic Blue Dog paintings, but for his portraits of famous people, as well. At this exhibit, I saw paintings of Chef Paul Prudhomme, Louis Armstrong, current Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and his wife, Supriya, our Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, and many others. Newer portraits often include Blue Dog standing next to the famous person. This Cajun folk artist also creates posters for popular Louisiana festivals – the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Fest, New Orleans Jazz Fest, etc.
I have read that the inspiration for Blue Dog came from one of Rodrigue’s own dogs named Tiffany, and a painting he did on Louisiana’s legendary scary-campfire-story- creature, the Loup Garou.
I couldn’t resist buying a picture book and some note cards.
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2 comments:
Cool. I like the art work posted on the Blue Dog Cafe site.
CHM, Blue Dog is a wonderful little restaurant, with great food as well as great art.
Reagan, thanks for the compliment! What is your site? I'd love to see it. I clicked on your name, but it didn't take me to your site. I used to have a blog roll on my site, but it got too long and so many of them hadn't posted in ages. Rather than just take a few off and hurt some friends' feelings, I just took the whole thing off.
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