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
I loved every minute of your presentation. Riveting and Inspirational !!
Betsy, New Orleans, LA (following a class with Wendy in Santa Fe) – July 2025
Hi Wendy.
Joe and Laurie, Santa Fe, NM – July 2025
Thanks so much for opening your studio to us this afternoon. I have a new appreciation for George’s work, and art in general. We enjoyed re-looking at our collection of Blue Dogs when we got home.
Keep up the great work!
We really enjoyed the class, the “Blue Dog” wine,
and getting to visit with Doug – – and all the other class participants!In fact, I think the class was the best thing we have done since we have been in Santa Fe!”
Janet G, Santa Fe, NM – July 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
What a joy to have you and Douglas in our classroom! This is true life-learning. I look forward to the ongoing conversation with students about George Rodrigue and the mesmerizing stories you shared with us! Here’s to next year, we must have you back!
Roni R, Santa Fe, – May 2025
The students walk in and the first thing they ask is, “Where’s Wendy?” Where is she y’all??
Nadine P, Santa Fe – April 2025
Such amazing exhibit! Seeing Wendy tell the history of his (George Rodrigue’s) paintings is incredible!
Esther MH, Alexandria, LA – March 2025
Wonderful exhibit along with the narrative about his paintings
Yvonne L, Alexandria, LA – March 2025
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, Alexandria, LA – March 2025
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.
Liz B, Alexandria, LA – March 2025
Her story telling about Rodrigue and his artwork was mesmerizing. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Liz B, Alexandria, LA – March 2025
I cannot overstate how effective you are as a speaker, Wendy! I have many public speakers in my family, and I meant it when I said you are gifted! Your message is simple, yet profound. It touched me deeply and challenged me to do more.
Jana, Nashville, TN – December 2024
She was so sweet. Told the kids to grab her card and email her their artwork if they want to connect. So wonderful. Talked about the highs and lows of dealing with George’s death, and how she picked herself up. That there are times in life you may feel that low, but you will rise again. I’m glad they hear that as teens.
What an awesome talk!! She had me in tears at the end. I know the kids learned so much.
Jessica, Nashville, TN – December 2024
I thought last night was wonderful. Your storytelling style takes me back to my family and my Louisiana roots. The exhibition of George’s is tremendous, and we’re so excited for it to be at the MACC.
Cheryl S., Nashville, TN – December 2024
I am so grateful that you do this across the country, but especially coming back to New Iberia! I graduated from CHS in 2006, and the school having a fantastic art program led to me pursuing my career in art (I became an architect). You visiting the students and inspiring the future generation of artists with George’s work is so impactful, especially in a small town.
Ashley D., New Iberia, LA – November 2024
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
I think you are incredibly brave and compassionate. What you are doing is powerful. It brings joy, reflection and inspiration to the hearts of many of all ages. It sheds light on the impact art plays in all of our lives, how art is the soul of an artist and most of all a glimpse into the soul and life of your love George Rodrigue. Cheers sweet girl. So glad you found your purpose.
Stacy O., – November 2024
I wanted to share how much George’s art has meant to me. Every brush stroke he made felt like a little bit of magic The Blue Dog paintings, in particular, allowed us to feel our pain, and through that, we found ways to heal. It’s incredible how, without even knowing it, George managed to heal hearts and touch lives. His art creates ripples, just like stones cast on water, spreading beauty and comfort far and wide.
Please know that his legacy continues to live on through the joy and peace his work brings to so many. Thank you for continuing to share him with us and continuing to let us feel hurt and joy.
Kathy H., – November 2024
Your speaking at the Masur was very moving tonight. I just wanted to let you know that I love what you do, and I learned a lot about a legendary artist today!
Kassie G., Monroe, LA – October 2024
It was such an honor attending the George Rodrigue Reception hosted by Wendy Rodrigue Magnus and meeting her and her husband.. absolutely amazing people carrying on George Rodrigue’s legacy.. Such a blessing for this to come to Monroe!
Peyton B., Monroe, LA – October 2024
Today Wendy Rodrigue visited South Walton High School, thanks to Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. She had my visual art students mesmerized!
Rhonda M., Destin, FL – October 2024
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
What a wonderful day that was for all of us! It was such a special day in the life of Art. Thank you for your storytelling and sharing George Rodrigue’s art and legacy with us. We look forward to seeing the exhibit this spring. The 6th graders painted ceiling tiles and many of them were inspired by him.
Peabody Montessori Elementary School – August 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.
We feel so fortunate to have you and Douglas share your knowledge and passion with us. Thank you for your dedication and giving us one of the highlights of our school year. We are so thankful that Morgan Kee our gifted art teacher included us in this.
Peabody Montessori School – March 2024
If you ever have an opportunity to see Wendy with her Life & Legacy Foundation and Art Tour…DO NOT MISS! Wendy brings art to life with such knowledge and passion!The Bayou Teche museum (in George Rodrigue’s home town of New Iberia) will continue with this fabulous show for awhile…but Wendy’s tour just brings the appreciation of the exhibit to another level. We thoroughly enjoyed it!
Kathy H. – March 2024
We enjoyed hearing your inspiring and heartfelt presentation on the life of George! Thank you for taking time to do this for our students. It truly meant the world to them and they learned so much.
Charissa O. – March 2024
Thank you for the tour and insight into your lives and his last years. It was a great experience and I’ll never forget it. You were great. I was speechless for hours after I left.
Oh and thanks for making me cry haha
Kristy V. – March 2024
So many students shared what an impact this experience meant to them. They said , they cried during the stories and that it was a once in a lifetime experience! They went home and shared with their parents. It was the best day ever for so many of us
Esther H. – March 2024. We adored Wendy and Sir Douglas. We felt such a connection to you both as well as George. We will hold these lessons of hope and light in our hearts as we continue to make art matter!
We’ve been nonstop talking about how incredible those 2 days were. You and Douglas are the perfect duo for carrying on George’s life & legacy— I only wish we had more time with you both!
Muah! Hope to see you both again for another adventure!
Morgan K. – March 2024
This was such an amazing experience and I loved that I was able to share it with my daughter. Thank you for coming to our school…you touched many hearts and minds!
Jolie S. – March 2024
Baldwin County Public Schools were honored to be the first leg of your 5 weeks on the road. It was an amazing week! Thank you for sharing your heart!!
February 2024
My 2nd grader saw your presentation at Delta. You made quite an impression an him because he came home so excited to share with us!
Taarin M. – February 2024
Wonderful time Wendy. Thank you for coming back and sharing your passion with us. Decatur is blessed to have you and the Art in our city.
Rick T. – February 2024
One of the best days! Thanks so much for coming and spending the afternoon with us and sharing George and your amazing story.
Sarah T. – November 2023
What an extraordinary presentation! We loved every moment.
Donna B. L. – November 2023
Thank you Wendy for an amazing visit to Kenner Discovery High School. Our students continue to be inspired by your life stories!
Peter B. – November 2023
Thank you for presenting what many have come up to us to say that was the best lecture they have ever attended at the museum and elsewhere!
WBRM – October 2023
This afternoon was nothing short of amazing. We were honored to have Wendy Rodrigue Magnus visit us to talk about George Rodrigue’s art work. She brought some of his art and told us his stories. Our little town is doing big things in the Arts world. We had most of our art students in attendance, as well as local art teachers from different schools and members of the Arts Council of Pointe Coupee.
Centre for the Arts (New Roads, LA) – October 2023
Thank you so much for inviting us to your fabulous opening reception last night. The party was wonderful, and the show is simply a world class WOW!
I have been telling all of our friends today about it, and emphasizing that it is absolutely a must see!
As someone who curated many art gallery exhibitions in NYC, I know the time, effort and dedication that it takes to make something at this level happen, and boy, did you make it happen!!
Janet L. – September 2023
Thank you for including us in the exhibition last evening at MONA. It was very enjoyable and the show was great.
We especially loved Wendy’s presentation. It touched me deeply and we were so appreciative to have been there to experience that with her leading us. It brought an amazing perspective to the artwork, and the artist.
Kathy K. – September 2023
There is a very cool, approachable, and enjoyable exhibit of George Rodrigue’s work at MONA, the Museum of New Art, in Portsmouth, NH. Wendy Rodrigue spoke of her late husband’s iconic work at my school last week and spoke about the creation of art, community, and resilience. The opening of the exhibit was tonight and I was proud to attend. Fun and moving = art.
Brian B. – September 2023
I wanted to extend a BIG thank you to the Life & Legacy Foundation. Wendy’s presentations brought art to life for our schools. Both the students and the staff were thrilled.
Stephen A. – September 2023
Life & Legacy Foundation and Art Tour is truly an enlightening experience, especially as summer break comes to an end, and we embark on another school year. Thank you Wendy for sharing the inspirational life of George Rodrigue with us.
Regina R. – July 2023
Stacey Rozen’s gorgeous gift of the Blue Dog calendar was the inspiration for our study of George Rodrigue’s life and work. As I put a slideshow together for my artists I came across Wendy Rodrigue’s wonderful writing and was able to include so many delightful details (that children relish and remember) as I talked them through the pictures. They loved learning about George and experimenting with acrylic paints to create their own dogs in his style.
Gill H., Founder of Imaginate – July 2023
Thank you Wendy for taking the time to educate our kids!!! My girls LOVED hearing the stories you told! Being from New Iberia, George’s art has always been my favorite. I loved getting to walk through the exhibit at the WBR museum! Thanks again!
Leslie N. – June 2023
It was such a privilege and honor last night to attend a preview of The River is the Road exhibit featuring the art of George Rodrigue. Wendy Rodrigue Magnus gave an emotional and heartfelt introduction to the exhibit that really brought to life George’s amazing legacy.
Jim Dotson, WLAE-TV – June 2023
I just finished reading “The Other Side of the Painting”. What a gift.
Cynthia G. – April 2023
Thank you for a magnificent journey with George’s work and the message behind it. The gift continues giving.
Jan S. – April 2023
Wonderful “Student Spotlight” mention by the Life & Legacy Foundation & Art Tour with Wendy Rodrigue Magnus. Beautiful work created by Rhiannon C. (11th).
So many of our students are inspired by the Life & Legacy Foundation and Art Tour. Looking forward to another visit soon. Thank you Wendy!
Peter B. – March 2023
Hi Wendy. I was a second grade teacher at Kenner Discovery when you came to give your presentation about George’s life, and the history of the blue dog. I can’t tell you enough how much your presentation touched my heart.
Shanna B. – March 2023
You will never understand how grateful I am for today- for the message, for the bravery it takes to be so candid, for you sharing your love story! It was brilliant and beautiful and watching someone living life right where they are supposed to be is fun to witness. Keep changing the world!
Your childlike love for what you do is extraordinary! I will be living off your joy for years to come!
Lauren W. – February 2023
Amazing presentation by Wendy Rodrigue Magnus about her late husband, artist George Rodrigue & his Blue Dog. If you ever get a chance to hear her speak, I highly recommend it!
Stacey M. – February 2023
Todays visit with Wendy was an absolute gift!!!!!! As usual Wendy’s gift of storytelling was amazing and George’s masterpieces were simply stunning! Thank you for helping to make this day so special for over 200 kindergarteners in Midland Texas!
Michelle W. – February 2023
Your presentation is lovely. You touch everyone’s heart with your love for George, Douglas and art
Gina I. – February 2023
Wendy, the children, staff and parents really enjoyed your visit! You and Doug are an inspiration and the children LOVED George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog displays and your book-reading. We hope to see you again very soon.
Youth Village – February 2023
We loved every minute!
LaDonna C. – February 2023
Wendy thank you so much for sharing your story and journey with us. It really added another depth of my love for George’s work. Your passion comes through and Decatur was so lucky for you to come here and share that with us.
Thank you again
Rick T. – February 2023
You have captured and sparked the imagination of countless generations of children, traveling and telling the story of George’s artistic creations, this uniquely Louisiana phenomenon that you helped to inspire through George’s work. it is no easy thing traveling, setting up and getting out there on the front lines with all the schools that you’ve visited promoting not just George’s creations but the Louisiana culture he loved and portrayed in his art. By inspiring these young children to think independently as they create their own masterpieces, Some of which have already gone on to college to Major in art, graphic design and who knows what else, because you lit the flame and seeded their brains with imagination. We here in Tangipahoa Parrish were fortunate enough to have you do one such presentation in Loranger when I asked you. I remember I was quite surprised that you said yes, as busy as things were. I applaud, your tenacity, selfless dedication, and commitment to your unwavering contributions that. You have done day in and day out with very little attention to yourself. Your excitement and enthusiasm is the real legacy, and that is where it begins, in each child’s mind. thank you for all the many ways that you’ve given back my treasured friend.
David Scott Lake – January 2023
You are a brilliant storyteller buoyed by love of the artists that surround you. Both in life and the hereafter.
Fly, Wendy Magnus, and inspire others by who you are!
Suzanne C. – January 2023
So wonderful to see all these young people soak up the magic of George’s art through your lively story sharing!
Jennifer F. – November 2022
Thank you so much for including MS Children’s Museum-Meridian on your tour of Mississippi! Your presentation on the life and art of George Rodrigue was fascinating to both the children and adults that attended. The art was absolutely amazing and your storytelling kept us all intrigued.
Claire H. – November 2022
Wendy Rodrigue Magnus it was the culmination of one of my dreams! To connect students to George’s works over the years through creative projects and then to the real thing… his actual art and real first hand stories of how he created them and the whys. There were students among the group whose lifelong trajectory has been positively affected by the experience.
Jennifer F. – August 2022
What a wonderful way to keep George’s spirit alive! Great work Wendy!!
Kathy P. – August 2022
… the shared LOVE that you all continue to gift to all of us, what Artists and Art Lovers bring to the society, the Community and to the legacies in time, is precious and i am continued to be inspired by this gentle venue, thank you Wendy, you are the prow of a beautiful ship …
Karyna S. – April 2022
Wendy Rodrigue (The wife of the late George Rodrigue) graced our halls today and boy was it an adventure, in a good way!! My students were Enchanted with her stories of her late husband. They learned the fascinating history of how he began as an artist to the humble ending of his life. Thank you Wendy Rodrigue for inspiring my students.
Linda H. – February 2022