Schedler says he is proud to partner with the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) in using an original image by artist George Rodrigue entitled Stand Up Straight and Tall (2001). Rodrigue’s family generously granted the Secretary of State permission to use the painting, which is part of the permanent collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art, for the “I VOTED” stickers.
“We were looking for a way to make this Presidential Election unique and exciting for Louisiana voters,” said Secretary Schedler. “We traditionally have robust turnout when we elect the President, but I’m hoping this sticker will put us over the top in terms of turnout. I have a feeling everyone is going to want to show their patriotism and pride by proudly wearing this nationally-famous Louisiana artist’s ‘I VOTED’ sticker.”
“I VOTED” stickers will be available to participating voters at each polling location on Election Day and at every early voting site in Louisiana. Early voting begins in Louisiana on Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 1. Election Day across the country is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The unveiling of the “I VOTED” sticker coincides with a timely exhibit at Rodrigue Studio New Orleans which opened Oct. 6 and marks the 20th anniversary of Rodrigues’s landmark “Blue Dog for President” exhibition held at Union Station in Washington D.C. during the 1996 Presidential Election. The Rodrigue family has recreated that exhibit sharing patriotic works spanning 40 years, including Rodrigue’s strong red, white and blue designs from his Blue Dog Series his original paintings following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina and his iconic portraits of Louisiana Governors Huey Long and Earl Long, as well as portraits of U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Also on view is his famous Washington Blue Dog, featuring the U.S. Capitol and the White House.
Artist George Rodrigue established the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) in 2009 to advocate the importance of the arts in the development of our youth. GRFA encourages the use of art within all curriculums and supports a variety of arts educational program, providing educators with the tools needed to incorporate the arts into their classrooms. GRFA programs are open to all accredited schools in Louisiana, and online resources benefit schools worldwide.