Longview Museum of Fine Arts (LMFA) is opening a new exhibition this fall, George Rodrigue: Painting for Myself. The show is the first in the former Longview National Bank building, now under renovations and operated by LMFA. Located at the corner of Fredonia and Methvin streets, the new space will be the largest fine arts museum in East Texas once completed.
The exhibition runs from November 2, 2024, through May 3, 2025. It features the private collection of Wendy and George Rodrigue. George, who passed away in December 2013, originally became famous for his paintings of Cajun people but reached worldwide fame for his portrayal of the “Blue Dog.” Wendy will make appearances in Longview for special talks and tours to the public.
After ending the Blue Dog show, the new building will close down to complete renovations that could take a year or so.
Exhibitions and activities continue in LMFA’s main location on Tyler Street, including My Peoples & My Partners, and Give & Take Collaborations, both running until September 14. Cultural Connections is on exhibition through December.
Longview Museum of Fine Arts was established in 1958. It has been in several locations, arriving at the Tyler Street site in 1998. There, they have a permanent collection of more than 1,200 pieces and feature traveling exhibitions in adjoining galleries. The new building increases LMFA’s space from 16,500 square feet to 50,000 square feet, giving them plenty of room to grow into an even stronger cultural hub for East Texas.
Learn more about each of the exhibitions and other activities on lmfa.org or call (903) 753-8103.