The River is the Road: Paintings by George Rodrigue
MAY 2025: The Alexandria Museum of Art is honored to be awarded the Cultural Arts Award, presented by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, for the exhibition, πΊπππππ π ππππππ’π: πβπ π ππ£ππ π πππ, curated by the George Rodrigue Life & Legacy Foundation and Art Tour. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports the arts, as well as those who help promote tourism in the Central Louisiana region. Together, let’s toast to another year filled with the celebration of our rich culture, abundant creativity, and the strong sense of community that defines us!
Alexandria Museum of Art
933 Second Street
Alexandria, LA
Culminating its traveling schedule in Alexandria, this exhibit is the first of its kind and traces 45 years of the river in George Rodrigueβs paintings, exploring the unique ways Rodrigue used the river as a reference to his Cajun heritage, and ultimately as a metaphor for the journey of life. The exhibition, organized by the Life & Legacy Foundation, and curated by Dana Holland-Beickert, includes 45 original artworks, including paintings, pastels, and sculptures from the private collection of Wendy Rodrigue, the George Godfrey Rodrigue, Jr. Family Trust, and selected works borrowed from collectors β including AMoAβs Steamboat. This exhibit is funded in part by Telich Custom Homes and Morgan Stanley.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Perhaps the most famous of the Blue Dog Series paintings, George Rodrigueβs βHawaiian Bluesβ was commissioned by the department store Neiman Marcus in 1998 for the cover of their catalogue. Join Rodrigueβs widow, Wendy, for the story, filmed by Douglas Magnus at the Alexandria Museum of Art in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Events
School tours, lectures, and events with Wendy Rodrigue, March 7-12, 2025.
- Opening Reception: Friday, March 7, 2025 6:00PM
- Exhibition Tour with Wendy Rodrigue: Saturday, March 8, 11:00 a.m.
- Pop-up guided tours, led by Wendy Rodrigue: The first is on Monday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m. and the second is on Tuesday, March 11, at 1:15 p.m.
FREE and open to the public - School tours led by Wendy Rodrigue: Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 12.
June 5-7
Join Wendy Rodrigue for a lecture at the Alexandria Museum of Art, in Alexandria, Louisiana, within the special exhibition The River is the Road: Paintings by George Rodrigue.
- June 5, 6:00 pm: Join Wendy Rodrigue for a lecture at the Alexandria Museum of Art, within the special exhibition The River is the Road: Paintings by George Rodrigue.
- June 6-7, 10:30am and 2:00pm daily: Exhibition tours with Wendy Rodrigue.
Join Wendy Rodrigue for an intimate and insightful look into the exhibit The River is the Road: Paintings by George Rodrigue.
Spots are limited. Select your time, and reserve HERE. Free with museum admission.
Press
- Rapides Parish Journal
Two more opportunities to experience Wendy Rodrigueβs pop-up tours available
03/10/2025 - Town Talk
PHOTOS: George Rodrigue paintings on exhibit at Alexandria museum
03/08/2025 - Town Talk
WATCH: Rodrigue exhibit opens at Alexandria museum
“The River is the Road: Paintings by George Rodrigue” is now on display at the Alexandria Museum of Art until June 21.
By: Melinda Martinez
03/08/2025 - KALB
βThe River is the Roadβ exhibit opens at Alexandria Museum of Art
By Jonathan Kinder and Aiora Rivas
03/08/2025 - KALB
βThe River is the Roadβ exhibit heads to Alexandria
By Victoria Watson
03/05/2025
Highlights
June 5-7, 2025
March 7-11, 2025
Feedback
The story you told made his art much more special. It was not just art for the sake of art, but it was art with a purpose, with a story, with a meaning that lives on. You made me want to watch the PBS production because you did such an excellent portrayal. I was intrigued to learn more. Sometimes we do not realize the impact we make on others, and you are definitely making an impact every time you speak. Keep up the wonderful work.
Carolina R, Alexandria, LA – June 2025
Such a beautiful story. I haven’t stopped thining about it since our tour Friday morning– Such and inspiration, both George and Wendy!
Reagan H, Alexandria, LA – June 2025
Wendy beautifully combines her passion for fine art with storytelling, transmitting a personal and inspiring message about ART!
Britni L, Alexandria, LA – June 2025
It’s fabulous…Wendy Rodrigue is one of the best story tellers I’ve ever heard from countless museum tours worldwide!!
Tatyana H, Alexandria, LA – June 2025
Such amazing exhibit! Seeing Wendy tell the history of his (George Rodrigue’s) paintings is incredible!
Esther MH
Wonderful exhibit along with the narrative about his paintings
Yvonne L
This was such a special experience!!! Wendy is an amazing story teller! Absolutely enjoyed every minute and have a new understanding and insight into George Rodrigue’s artwork.
Allison P
Hearing Mrs. Wendy is an absolute treasure. 10 out of 10! Make every effort to see the exhibit and go to the gallery talks she does for free.
Esther MH
Her story telling about Rodrigue and his artwork was mesmerizing. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Liz B