By Zandra Wolfgram
It’s the kids who bridge the art. To be studied by a child is the best way to connect with the future and is more important than hanging on the walls with great masters. This experience gave both me and Wendy a completely different view and impact, and maybe even a new beginning. –George Rodrigue, 2013
George and Wendy Rodrigue were married from 1997 until his death in 2013. For nearly 30 years, Wendy’s life’s work has been to share Rodrigue’s Life and Art in as broad and quality a manner as possible. Together, the couple partnered on the development of all aspects of Rodrigue’s career and life, including his galleries, museum exhibitions, a dozen books published both nationally and internationally on his art, and extensive outreach.
Wendy Rodrigue Inspires Children
Raised in Fort Walton Beach, Wendy Wolfe Rodrigue is the daughter of an artist and grew up surrounded by the magical world of the arts. Never a painter herself, Wendy immersed herself in the study of Art History, and graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She began graduate studies in Art History at Tulane University in 1989, and spent a year studying Austrian Art and Architecture at the American University in Vienna, Austria.
“Before I loved George, I loved his art. And before George’s art, I loved Picasso…and Klimt and Pollock and Rodin….” she says.
Established in 2017, The Life & Legacy Foundation with Wendy Rodrigue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that inspires children of all ages and diverse backgrounds with a unique programming centered on the life and art of American artist George Rodrigue.
Using original paintings and personal narrative, Wendy expands her late husband’s vision by showing how one person can overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams, while also making a positive difference in the world. Projects include education initiatives, museum exhibitions, an ongoing public lecture series, and written and online publications.
Now in its sixth year, this hands-on programming includes personal visits to more than 100 schools, reaching more than 45,000 students in eight states.
An award-winning public speaker, Wendy was honored in 2019 as a New Orleans Business Woman of the Year and a New Orleans Person to Watch for her tireless commitment to her Life & Legacy Foundation. In November 2021, Wendy visited George Rodrigue’s alma mater, Catholic High in New Iberia, Louisiana, her 100th school.
Partners Driven by Passion
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) began partnering with the Rodrigues in 2011. With shared missions for art advocacy and community outreach — this partnership is based on shared passions. This year, Wendy returns to as a special guest taking her Art Tour to seven local Florida schools February 14-18 and … as special guest for a first-ever benefit event — Blue Dog + Bourbon @ Bijoux.
Save the Date for Blue Dog + Bourbon @ Bijoux
This special event will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17 at Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits in Destin. Art lovers can meet Wendy and see George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog paintings in an exclusive petite exhibition of rarely seen original artworks from the artist’s private collection.
This exciting evening includes a palette of bourbon tastings and the culinary masterpieces of Chef Jack McGuckin of Bijoux.
“MKAF ArtsReach is thrilled to continue our exciting art education journey with the Life & Legacy Art Tour,” says MKAF education director Melanie Moore. “Wendy has a remarkable gift for bringing the story of George Rodrigue to life. Students are mesmerized by her and connect with his original artworks in a tangible way. “
Tickets are $175 for MKAF members and $195 for Not Yet members. Proceeds benefit MKAF and its community engagement and ArtsReach initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.
Purchase tickets online here.
