SITUATION

George Rodrigue (1944-2013) was an American surrealist artist raised in Louisiana. Inspired as a young man by Louisiana culture and what he feared was his dying heritage―including the southwest Louisiana landscape, the Acadians and their traditions and mythology, Rodrigue portrayed the rich culture around him on canvas. One such story from his childhood, the loup-garou, spawned his famous “Blue Dog” series,  a nationally recognized work of art.  

After his cancer diagnosis in 2012 and subsequent death in 2013, Rodrigue’s wife, Wendy, dedicated herself to preserving his legacy. Wendy’s goal was to educate a new generation of people about Rodrigue’s work, Louisiana history and rich Cajun culture. To do this, she launched the Life and Legacy Tour in partnership with Louisiana A+ Schools.  

Traveling with rarely or never before seen pieces from her private collection, Wendy led presentations that included a display of original works and stories of her husband’s life and career in the arts. Underlining the importance of arts education in Louisiana schools, the Life and Legacy Tour has reached tens of thousands of students.  

CAMPAIGN

Wendy Rodrigue sought Gambel Communications’ expertise to promote the Life and Legacy tour. Leading up to the tour, Gambel Communications handled media relations and earned extensive press coverage in print, online media, television and radio. Gambel also helped arrange for the tour to extend beyond schools to regional museums. In addition to speaking opportunities and TV interviews, Gambel Communications secured a multiple-page feature in the international Art + Design that included a full-length interview with Wendy, as well as in-depth interviews with the Lafayette NPR affiliate in KRVS and Mississippi Public Broadcasting. Wendy was selected among New Orleans Magazine People to Watch and as a Louisiana Life Magazine Louisianan of the Year. 

RESULT

The Life and Legacy tour has been a success with Wendy speaking at more than 30 schools and a myriad of museums. Thanks to Gambel’s efforts, the tour has gained media attention in Louisiana, Alabama, Texas and Florida. The limited release exhibition at the Ohr O’Keefe Museum in Biloxi was extended for an additional three months due to its popularity and included outreach to Biloxi area schools. The works of George Rodrigue are now circulating through a younger generation, inspiring children and young artists to preserve the culture of Louisiana.