Museum presents Blue Dog exhibition

Longview—The Longview Museum of Fine Arts (LMFA) is opening a new exhibition of original and rarely seen artworks by acclaimed American artist George Rodrigue (1944-2013), titled "George Rodrigue: Painting for Myself." This showcase, organized in collaboration with the Life & Legacy Foundation and Wendy Rodrigue, will run from Nov. 3 through May 3. 

Curated by Dana Holland-Beickert, 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. The show is the first in the former Longview National Bank building, now under renovation and operated by LMFA. Located at the corner of Fredonia and Methvin streets, the new space will be the largest fine arts museum in East Texas once completed. 

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. Rodrigue’s masterpieces, often large in scale and occasionally uniquely shaped, were intentionally designed to harmonize with specific spaces and evoke distinct emotions within their private environments.

The exhibition also extends beyond the intimacy of the Rodrigue household, highlighting the artist’s philanthropy and commitment to community with pieces created for nonprofit organizations. Among these notable works is a striking seven-foot painting on metal, reminiscent of the installations he placed in children's hospitals across Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee. Also featured is the iconic print and statement he produced in response to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. This piece quickly sold out, raising $500,000 for the American Red Cross and illuminating the important role played by visual art in the arenas of community health and social change. This pivotal experience laid the foundation for Rodrigue's subsequent philanthropic efforts, including raising millions for humanitarian causes in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

A deeply moving focal point of the exhibition is Rodrigue's final self-portrait, an introspective and surreal image that encapsulates his connection to the Blue Dog persona. Crafted on his computer during a period of declining physical strength, this poignant artistic statement will be presented on a large-scale metal dibond in accordance with his own instructions. Displayed alongside will be a portrait of his beloved wife, Wendy, realized using the same innovative technique. 

Wendy Rodrigue, the widow of the esteemed artist, will be in attendance for the opening events at LMFA. She will deliver a public lecture and lead exhibition tours for local schools, providing invaluable insights into the profound legacy of George Rodrigue. 

LMFA’s Tyler Street location will be open concurrently showcasing its own schedule of exhibitions. When the ‘Blue Dog’ exhibition ends, the new building will close to begin the second phase of renovations, while exhibitions and activities continue in LMFA’s main location on Tyler Street. LMFA Board of Directors hope to move into the Fredonia location fully in 2026. 

SOURCE Longview Museum of Fine Arts