EJGH Unveiled Blue Dog Painting

Original Artwork Donated by Mr. Peter Vicari

Through the generosity of Mr. Peter Vicari, owner of Pete Vicari General Contractors, East Jefferson General Hospital unveiled its newest Blue Dog Painting at a ceremony in the hospital atrium. This original artwork was painted by the world-renown artist, Mr. George Rodrigue.

“We at East Jefferson are extremely grateful to Pete Vicari for this incredibly generous donation,” says Dr. Mark Peters, EJGH President, and CEO. “This artwork will always be available for the entire community to enjoy. The Blue Dog paintings have become part of the identity of our region, as Mr. Rodrigue’s works are known worldwide. We are proud to make this artwork a focal point in our hospital.”

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As one of our area’s most successful businessmen and philanthropists, Vicari followed in his father’s footsteps and over the years has become a leading contractor and real estate developer in our region. He has completed over $300 million in construction projects, has been awarded many historical renovation projects, and has been one of the primary figures in rebuilding the community after Hurricane Katrina. He told those in attendance the reason he donated the artwork is that he believes art should take a prominent role in our community’s development.

“I wanted to make this available to our community, and I am thrilled we could put it in a place where so many can appreciate it,” says Vicari. “I travel around and see that a big part of public beautification involves art and that it pays off for the entire community.”

Rodrigue’s artwork has been a true inspiration for an entire generation of art lovers. Born in New Iberia, Rodrigue has created one of the nation’s most interesting and identifiable images of the art world. His spiritual and cultural ideas of Louisiana, the South, and America inspire much of his work. The Blue Dog series began in 1984 in a book of Cajun ghost stories. Over the years, the Blue Dog installations have become prominent pieces of art throughout the country.

This particular series of Blue Dogs was developed with the idea of hosting them in hospitals, especially children’s hospitals. He says of the donated piece, “Blue Dog is a happy person. I painted it will bright and exciting colors in a very child-like way. I wanted something children could relate to and a say ‘I could do that.'”