Special George Rodrigue Exhibit Will Open in Lake Charles
Lake Charles, La (press release) – Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center in Lake Charles will open a special exhibition celebrating one of Louisiana’s most iconic artists, George Rodrigue.
The exhibit, “Rodrigue: A Louisiana Cowboy,” explores Rodrigue’s deep connection to the land, the open road and the legacy of the Cajun cowboy.
“Rodrigue: A Louisiana Cowboy” will feature over 40 paintings, the iconic cow sculpture and a selection of mixed-media works that reflect Rodrigue’s fascination with Western themes, Louisiana prairies and the spirit of the open landscape.
The exhibition is organized around Rodrigue’s own words.
“West of Lafayette, near Crowley and Jennings, the land is flat. This was the beginning of the prairies that slowly moved geographically towards Texas,” said Rodrigue. “It was the perfect land for raising cattle, and in the late 19th century, the Cajun cowboys drove their herds north through Shreveport and into Arkansas and Oklahoma to the railroad, to be sold and shipped up east.”
According to Rodrigue, these cattle drives became widely known as Cajun cowboys guided their herds through the heart of the country.
The expansion of the railroad eventually reached the cattle, bringing an end to the drives and closing a brief but significant chapter of Louisiana history.
“Rodrigue: A Louisiana Cowboy” Exhibit Details
In conjunction with the exhibition, Historic City Hall is offering limited educational tour opportunities from Jan. 27-30.
Hosted inside the gallery by Wendy Rodrigue, George Rodrigue’s widow and a leading advocate for his artistic legacy, the tours will provide unique insight into Rodrigue’s work, inspiration and the historical context behind the Cajun cowboy series.
Tour spaces are limited. Schools, organizations and small groups interested in reserving a tour may inquire via email at artsandculture@cityoflc.us.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, Jan. 23, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the third-floor gallery space. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.
The “Rodrigue: A Louisiana Cowboy” exhibit will be on view from Jan. 23 – April 4 on the third floor at the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center.
