George Rodrigue: Painting for Myself
*Exhibition extended through May
Longview Museum of Fine Arts
215 E. Tyler Street
Longview, TX 75601
Curated by Dana Holland-Beickert, and organized by the Life & Legacy Foundation, the collection unveiled in this exhibition features an extraordinary assortment of paintings, sculptures, works on metal, and neon pieces, representing the true essence of George Rodrigue’s artistic journey. Rodrigue crafted these artworks without any external influence, whether agents, galleries, or collectors. Many of these pieces remained exclusively within the personal collection of George and Wendy Rodrigue, adorning their homes in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Carmel, California.
This traveling exhibition of 50 artworks from George and Wendy’s private collection originated at the Museum of New Art in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, September 12, 2023 – January 2, 2024. View highlights and press HERE.
George Rodrigue’s Bodies featured at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts
In the early 2000s, George Rodrigue began a series he called Bodies. Recalling his years at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, he noted that he was never the best draughtsman in class and that figure drawing was an ongoing struggle.
This series, created late in his career, was something he really wanted to do, some thirty-five years after art school. It represents a mature artist with a great command of draughtsmanship and anatomy. Even after the fame of the Blue Dog Series, Rodrigue never lost his passion for capturing the human form and continuing to develop as an artist.
Events
November 2: Longview, Texas. Opening Reception, George Rodrigue: Painting for Myself. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 5:30 p.m.
March 31 – April 5
Longview Museum of Fine Arts; Longview, Texas
George Rodrigue: Painting for Myself
Multiple events surround this blockbuster exhibition, including an ArtWalk, a Family Day, Student Outreach, and the Texas film premiere of BLUE: The Life & Art of George Rodrigue!
March 31: Exhibition tours for schools with Wendy Rodrigue
April 1: 12:45-2pm: Exhibition tours for schools with Wendy Rodrigue: TST Upper High School Groups
April 2: Exhibition tours for schools with Wendy Rodrigue
April 3: Exhibition tours for schools with Wendy Rodrigue: Mt Pleasant High School
April 3: 5-8pm: ARTWALK. Contact LMFA for details.
April 4: Exhibition tours for schools with Wendy Rodrigue: Christian Heritage School, TST Middle School
April 4: 5:30-10:30pm: Join special guests Wendy Rodrigue and Executive Producer Jim Dotson for the Texas Premiere of the PBS Documentary BLUE: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue
Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres, Documentary Premiere, After Party with Gumbo, Fixins, and Live Music by Julieanne & Her One Man Band. Casual Chic Attire
GET TICKETS HERE
Press
- KLTV
Longview Museum of Fine Arts hosts ‘George Rodrigue: Painting for Myself’ exhibit
01/24/2025 - Longview News Journal
Longview Museum of Fine Arts showcases new Fredonia Street building with ‘Blue Dog’ paintings
11/25/2024 - The Henderson News
Longview Museum of Fine Arts presents Blue Dog exhibition
10/21/2024 - County Line Magazine
LMFA Presents Blue Dog Exhibit in New Building
08/31/2024
Highlights
Thank you, Longview! It was an exciting opening reception for some 200 museum members celebrating “George Rodrigue: Painting for Myself” at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, hosted by Executive Director Tiffany Jehorek and her enthusiastic staff, board and volunteers.
November 2-5, 2025
Opening Events
Great fun at the Longview Arboretum’s ChalkUp! event, with artistic creations by area students, inspired by George Rodrigue!
Wendy Rodrigue and Dana Holland-Beickert of the George Rodrigue Life & Legacy Foundation were on hand for the judging, joined by Tiffany Jehorek of the Longview Museum of Fine Arts and Kimberly Fish of the Longview Arboretum!
March 31 – April 5
Student Outreach with Wendy Rodrigue, Family Day, Movie Premiere and More!
March 31: School Tours with Wendy Rodrigue
Christian Heritage School and Tatum High School
April 1: School Tours with Wendy Rodrigue
Trinity School of Texas, High School Groups
Feedback
Thank you for sharing such personal insights on the paintings of George Rodrigue. The lessons on joy, hope and staying true to one’s self are invaluable. I will forever look on the Blue Dog paintings with a new outlook! Thank you for sharing these special pieces with Longview!
Kelly D., Longview, TX – November 2024