Dream Big! The Art of George Rodrigue
Presented by Santa Fe Community College Continuing Education
SFCC Visual Arts Gallery
6401 Richards Avenue
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Thursday, September 5, 2024. 4-6 p.m.
Opening Reception with Wendy Rodrigue
Join Wendy Rodrigue for “Dream BIG! The Art of George Rodrigue” at the Santa Fe Community College Visual Arts Gallery. Beautifully curated by Dana Holland-Beickert for the Life & Legacy Foundation, this first-of-its-kind exhibition seeks to inspire through stories of pursuing one’s dreams, meeting one’s fears, and expressing our art, whatever it may be, with the full wonder of our imagination.
Dreams are the portal to creativity. They are tied to instinct and desire, and they are the birthplace of ideas. As a young artist, fresh out of art school from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles in 1969, George Rodrigue (1944-2013) made the bold decision to return to his homeland in Louisiana, determined to fulfill his own dreams.
Rodrigue was motivated, optimistic and maybe a bit naïve, never imagining he would be the one responsible for promoting his own work. However, with little interest from galleries or agents in his dark, repetitive landscapes, that is exactly what he had to do. After selling paintings for years across the country from the back of his car, Rodrigue eventually opened his first gallery in his home in Lafayette, Louisiana. It wasn’t until 1998, that he and his wife Wendy acquired their own gallery in the French Quarter of New Orleans, fulfilling one of Rodrigue’s objectives.
George Rodrigue’s artistic journey was deeply shaped by his childhood experiences, particularly his battle with polio, which he contracted at the age of nine. This pivotal moment fostered a profound connection to art as a means of expression and healing. Following his recovery, the memories of his fellow patients — especially those in iron
lungs — left an indelible mark on him. Driven by a desire to lessen the fears of these young patients, Rodrigue channeled his creativity into creating joyous paintings on reflective surfaces, now installed in children’s hospitals in Louisiana, Texas and Tennessee.
The paintings in this exhibition explore not only these philanthropic visions, but also some of Rodrigue’s greatest public accomplishments. One of these collaborations was the Xerox project in 2000, a significant turning point in Rodrigue’s career, catapulting his work to a global audience. This collaboration with top advertising giants in New York not only showcased his artistic talent but also brought him a substantial financial windfall. The success of this project allowed him to pursue his dream of owning a home in Carmel Valley, California, where he could design and build his ideal studio. Rodrigue’s fame and commitments in New Orleans left him little privacy or time for painting, but the quiet landscape of Carmel provided a delightful sanctuary. This became his primary studio for the rest of his life.
Rodrigue also found refuge and comfort in the art community of Santa Fe. It was a place where he saw creativity and dreams flourish, a place where artists encouraged one another, free from the competitiveness of larger urban cities. In 1987, his one-man exhibition within Rosalea Murphy’s apartment above her Pink Adobe restaurant marked a pivotal moment in Rodrigue’s career, showcasing his work to an audience that appreciated the spirit of artistic exploration. A deep, lifelong friendship developed between Rodrigue and Murphy, an artist herself, originally from New Orleans. The portrait Rodrigue created of her is a poignant tribute to their relationship and is on view for the first time since its inception.
Rodrigue’s unwavering spirit serves as an inspiration to many. His message resonates with young artists, reminding them that the journey toward their dreams often requires resilience and dedication. Rodrigue never let his dreams die, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to motivate young artists while encouraging the next generation to pursue their passions, believe in their potential and find joy in the process.
Dream BIG and Enjoy Life!
“I realize more today than ever that Europe had to experience the Dark Ages in order to have the Renaissance. Art reinvents itself by people who go through things that they may not understand at the time. There’s always hope that new generations will discover new things that eventually propel society forward. For lack of a better word, I feel now a renaissance in the way I look at things and in the way the Blue Dog looks at me.” G.R., from Wendy’s journal, 2013
The exhibition is drawn exclusively from the private collection of Wendy Rodrigue Magnus, widow of American artist George Rodrigue. The artwork is presented through a collaboration with SFCC School of Arts and Design, SFCC Continuing Education, SFCC Foundation, and the Life & Legacy Foundation. The exhibition continues through Oct. 2.
Outreach
After several false starts in Santa Fe, we’re excited to announce that finally this wonderful Rodrigue-inspired Life & Legacy programming is up and running for local schools! Thank you, Santa Fe Community College, and thank you especially to the delightful, curious, engaged students of Santa Fe area schools! Wendy is sharing George Rodrigue’s life and art with students this month, relating it to New Mexico’s geography, culture, art scene, and children!
Above photos are by Kelly Trujillo and Douglas Magnus. The poem and graphics below are by Bob Janes of Heartsong Songwriting. Thank you!
Special thanks also to Kelly Trujillo for arranging the school visits and taking many of these photos, Linda Cassel for making the introduction and providing the exhibition space, David Jones for his magic touch, and Nicholas Wernicki and Ben Lincoln for ideas and support galore!
Please join Wendy for adult and family programming within the exhibition “Dream BIG! The Art of George Rodrigue” featuring 40 original artworks now on view, thanks to Santa Fe Community College-
September 19th and 26th in the George Rodrigue exhibition in the SFCC Visual Arts Gallery.
Ya’ll are awesome, and your perspective enhanced my own. I am excited and grateful! See you again soon!
Wendy Rodrigue
Upcoming Events
March 2, 2025
Four Seasons Resort; Santa Fe, New Mexico
Announcing the New Mexico premiere of the new documentary film, BLUE: The Life & Art of George Rodrigue, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers. Also available is an elegant dinner by Terra Restaurant at the Four Seasons! Please join Wendy Rodrigue for this special evening benefitting Santa Fe Community College Continuing Education and the George Rodrigue Life & Legacy Foundation. Learn more and register.
Continuing Education
Wendy Rodrigue will be partnering again with SFCC Continuing Education for programming this summer at the Four Seasons. Details posting soon.
Press
Santa Fe New Mexican Pasatiempo
Out There!
09/06/2024
Los Alamos Daily Post
SFCC Visual Arts Gallery Hosts Opening Reception For ‘Dream Big! The Art of George Rodrigue’ Thursday Sept. 5
08/07/2024 By Carol A. Clark
Related Events
Exciting Summer 2024 programming coming to New Mexico! Join Wendy Rodrigue for a series of classes focused on art history, analysis, and storytelling, centered on the life and art of her late husband, George Rodrigue (1944-2013).
Hosted by Santa Fe Community College Continuing Education with support from Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.
See the catalogue posted here: https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/continuing-education/
September 19, 2024, 1- 4 pm, $59
DREAM BIG!: George Rodrigue Exhibition Tour
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Register
Course number : 4000112 ID : 4999
Join Wendy Rodrigue at Santa Fe Community College, in SFCC’s Visual Art Gallery, for a personal tour of the exhibition, DREAM BIG!: Paintings by George Rodrigue.
Although best known for his Blue Dog paintings, Rodrigue’s approach to landscapes and his surreal depictions of Cajun folklife made an indelible mark on modern American painting. He became the first American artist to win an award at Le Salon des Artistes in Paris in more than 100 years, and his book, The Cajuns of George Rodrigue (Oxmoor House, 1976) was selected by the National Endowment for the Arts and First Lady Rosalynn Carter as an official Gift of State during the Carter White House. Later, Rodrigue’s Blue Dog Series became one of the most recognizable symbols in modern art, catapulting the artist to worldwide fame. Wendy shares stories from her late husband’s fascinating life and career, with a special focus on his poignant late paintings, following his cancer diagnosis in 2012, thought to have occurred from prolonged exposure to oil paints and varnishes. Class registration includes a George Rodrigue commemorative poster.
September 26, 2024, 1- 4 pm, $59 (under 18 free)
Blue Dog: An Art Adventure for Families
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Register
Course number : 4000111 ID : 4998
Meet in SFCC’s Visual Art Gallery for an engaging afternoon surrounded by original paintings by American artist George Rodrigue (1944-2013), famous for his colorful Blue Dog canvases.
The artist’s widow, Wendy Rodrigue, leads a tour of this magnificent exhibition of paintings from her private collection, BIG DREAMS: Paintings by George Rodrigue. Learn the stories behind Rodrigue’s career, including the surprising way he overcame adversity to discover art and achieve his dreams. Appropriate for all ages, Wendy weaves the personal narratives she often shares in schools, while encouraging art analysis and insight from participants. “There are no wrong answers in how we interpret art,” she explains. “Everyone present adds to the experience.” Class registration includes a George Rodrigue commemorative poster. Appropriate for ages 5 and up-all participants under the age of 18 admitted at no charge.
Feedback
An excellent evening with insights and lively stories of the incredible artist George Rodrigue! Wendy is mesmerizing …filled with love and laughter… and a few tears. A must visit soon for all!
Coreen C., Santa Fe, NM – September 2024
Wendy, you are an amazing speaker and your stories were so inspiring. Thank you for sharing all this. I was incredibly moved, and want to learn more!
Laura L., Albuquerque, NM – July 2024
My heart is full. Thank you so much for today.
Michelle S., Sante Fe, NM – July 2024
Thank you for today… you’re a super inspiring ‘girl’! You have a very special gift (besides being beautiful and kind)… Your story telling is captivating… I’m for sure a fan! Yay!
Marrika N., Santa Fe, NM – July 2024
Thank you so much for a wonderful afternoon. We enjoyed every moment of the talk. Your storytelling is incredibly engaging. I admire your ability to be honest about the struggles you faced.
Connie L., Tucumcari, NM – July 2024
I enjoyed your readings from your blog so much, I bought the book as soon as I got home.