Former governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, left, and Governor John Bel Edwards. Lee Ball Photography

Honoring the past to inspire the future is something of a mantra for Acadiana. On February 7, New Iberia celebrated the legacies of two of the most renowned natives, the late artist George Rodrigue and former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. In attendance were 150 community enthusiasts, local leaders and politicians, Governor John Bel Edwards, the Rodrigue family, former Gov. Blanco and her husband. They all came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the George Rodrigue Park, located at the corner of East Main Street and Serret Alley, and the dedication of the Gov. Kathleen Blanco Exhibit Hall, which will be housed in the Doc Voorhies Wing of the Bayou Teche Museum.

Here is what you can expect from both of these upcoming attractions!

George Rodrigue Park

Already in place is the three sided, eight-foot tall Blue Dog sculpture inspired by Rodrigue’s most iconic work. It will be poised on a large round base with beautiful lighting.

There will be a 20-30 feet tall Live Oak Tree, a type specific for urban areas.

In addition to the natural green space, there will be artistically inspired landscaping.

Because the park is meant to inspire everyone, but especially the next generation, there will be a children’s art display and activity area.

Guests will be able to peruse a timeline of Rodrigue’s life and artistic contributions.

“I hope the Park and Rodrigue’s story inspires creativity and sense of joy and wonder in people,” states park organizer Paul Schexnayder. “I also hope that it sparks something in everyone to follow their passion and do what they love.”

Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Exhibit Hall

Upon entering the exhibit, there will be a kiosk that will show archival and new videos on loop.

In honor of her birthday, they have the flags that flew on December 15, 2018 over the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. flag and Sate of Louisiana flag from the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge.

After much searching, the museum has acquired the Blanco’s original desk and chair used by the former Governor during her time at the Capitol.

The organization responsible for the exhibit along with the Bayou Teche Museum is currently working with the state to complete a State Historical Marker, which will be installed downtown.

The Blanco family is busy procuring other artifacts to include. The timeline for completion of the park and the exhibit is one year.