Every dog has its day. And this time, the celebrated dog is blue.
“Blue Dogs and Cajuns on the River,” an exhibit of paintings by Louisiana artist laureate George Rodrigue, will be on display at the LSU Museum of Art until Sept. 18.
The products of Rodrigue’s 40-year career span wall to wall. His iconic blue dog peers with wide yellow eyes in several paintings. Whether in costume, along the bayou or seated inside a home, the blue dog casts the same eerily remarkable gaze.
In addition to the gallery, several other local events featuring Rodrigue will be held in August.
One such event is Young Professionals Night: Meet and Greet with George Rodrigue.
The event will be held on the fourth floor River Terrace of the Shaw Center at 5:30 p.m. The $10 admission fee includes refreshments and music. The event is sponsored by George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and Forum 35.
Renee Payton, marketing director of the Museum of Art and Shaw Center for the Arts, urged students to make the most of this cultural opportunity. A native of Verdunville, Payton said the blue dog remains a key component of Louisiana art.
“Students don’t come often enough — we host LSU Night for faculty, staff and students in the fall and spring and invite the entire campus to visit the museum,” Payton said. “It is free for University students to visit the museum so there is no reason for them not to visit as often as they would Rodrigue” will take place Aug. 20 in the Manship Theatre on the second floor at 1 p.m. Speakers will explore rich Cajun culture, complete with cooking demonstrations and samples.
Prudhomme and Rodrigue will conduct book signings.
A native of New Iberia, Rodrigue proudly heralds his Cajun roots through his art. In Lafayette, the heart of Acadiana, Rodrigue is honored by The Blue Dog Café, where his beloved animal is the theme.
Stemming from the tales of French fur traders, the blue dog is inspired by the loup-garou, or werewolf. According to legend, under the spell of loup-garou a human transforms into a werewolf at night. The loup-garou can take the form of many animals, including horses, cows and dogs.
Rodgrigue crafted his famous dog while illustrating a children’s book and altered the blue dog’s color and shape over the years.
Rodrigue’s impact and contribution to Cajun art gives voice to the Cajun people, land and traditions.
Also included in the exhibition are Rodrigue’s early oak tree paintings, portraits of Louisiana governors and examples of his hurricane series.
 
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Contact Jalissa Bates at [email protected]