The memory of iconic Louisiana artist George Rodrigue resonated through the Blue Dog Room at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Wednesday night when more than 100 collectors and fans gathered for a fundraising dinner for local schools and arts organizations that promote art education in the classroom.
Several members of the late Rodrigue's family headlined the dinner that featured an auction of several limited edition pieces from the artist's estate. Leading the charge was the artist's son, Jacques Rodrigue, who continues his father's legacy of supporting arts education through the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.
The dinner was a prelude to "Rodrigue: Houston," a three-month exhibition of 100 original works set to go on display in the spring, location yet to be determined. For the exhibition, the foundation will partner with schools by providing free field trips, community art-making events and art supplies kits.
Between the hefty dinner tariff ($1,000 per couple) and the live and silent art auctions, the evening brought in $50,000 for the cause.
Helping raise the ante were Mallory Page Rodrigue, Rodrigue collector and friend Don Sanders, Claudia and Doug Foster, Chree Boydstun, Shelly and Dean Jobko, Laura Moore, and New Orleans transplants Susan Krohn, Darlene and Cappy Bisso and Judith Oudt.
Jacques Rodrigue, from left, Susan Khron, Don Sanders and Laura Moore.
