Event Overview

Join the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in celebrating Louisiana’s Bicentennial with this extraordinary exhibit from the iconic ‘Blue Dog’ painter, George Rodrigue.

This extensive exhibit will showcase Rodrigue’s famous prints, paintings and 3-D sculpture of significant Louisiana figures and locales representing over 200 years of both history and folklore. Included in the exhibit are many iconic Cajun scenes,  portraits of Louisiana legends, governors, musicians, Acadians, the Saints’ Drew Brees, and the original ‘loup garou’ Blue Dog, Jolie Blonde and much more.

“200 Years” will also feature never-before-seen paintings and sculpture on loan from a Lake Area Rodrigue collector. Do not miss this opportunity to see these rare commissioned masterpieces.

The museum library will feature the winning pieces from the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts 2012 Scholarship Art Contest. The winners were chosen by the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission from 500 entries representing over 120 cities across Louisiana. High school juniors and seniors were asked to create a unique piece of work based on “Louisiana’s Bicentennial.” The winning entry by Lafayette junior Katie Atkins is the official Bicentennial poster.

By special arrangement, the museum has obtained a limited number of “The Cajuns of George Rodrigue,” which was published in 1976. This fantastic book contains reproductions of some of Rodrigue’s most famous Cajun images. “The Cajuns of George Rodrigue” is out of print, quantities are limited, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. The museum will also be selling a limited number of signed Rodrigue children’s books.

The museum will host free school tours for Calcasieu Parish students beginning September 25 at 9:30am or 12:30pm. Please contact the museum to schedule a tour.

There will be a Public Opening Reception on Friday, September 14, 6PM – 8PM, (free to the general public.)

Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by The Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA.