The LSU Museum of Art has received valuable community assistance in expanding one of its most popular exhibitions. Animal enthusiasts gathered outside the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to create their own interpretations of George Rodrigue's iconic "Blue Dog" paintings, contributing original artwork to the museum's collection.

The community art project took place on the grounds of the veterinary school, where participants painted their personal versions of Rodrigue's famous blue canine character. George Rodrigue, a Louisiana-born artist who passed away in 2013, became internationally renowned for his Blue Dog series, which featured a ghostly blue dog inspired by Cajun folklore and his own pet terrier named Tiffany.

These newly created paintings will be incorporated into the museum's "Bayou State of Mind Exhibit," which celebrates Louisiana's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The exhibition showcases various aspects of the state's unique identity, from its music and cuisine to its distinctive art forms and cultural expressions.

The collaboration between the community and the LSU Museum of Art demonstrates the enduring appeal of Rodrigue's Blue Dog imagery and its significance in Louisiana's cultural landscape. By inviting animal lovers to participate in this creative endeavor, the museum has successfully engaged local residents while adding fresh perspectives to their existing collection of Blue Dog-inspired artwork.