MORGAN CITY, La. -- Students will have the opportunity Sunday to create artwork inspired by George Rodrigue’s famous Blue Dog while experimenting with different types of art materials through the SmART Reach program at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Formerly known as ArtSmart, the art program will feature Marney Robinson, director of education for the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts.

Lisa Parsiola, speaking the for program said artists who work directly with Rodrigue will be in town to work with children ages 5 to 13. Rodrigue himself may or may not be in town because of a long-term illness, she said.

The event will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Fleury Hall and Community Center of Trinity Episcopal Church, 302 Greenwood St., Morgan City. The program is free and open to children in first through sixth grades in the Tri-City area. Parents are welcome to stay for the program.

Registration is required by noon Friday. Call the church at 985-384-7629 to reserve space.

The program is an opportunity to work with others, learn about famous artists and do an art project together.

The program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administrated by the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

In 2009, Rodrigue formed the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts as a non-profit organization. In addition to providing financial assistance in the arts and other areas, the foundation plans, develops and implements unique educational art programs that are specially designed to enhance and expand art curriculums, despite continuing state and federal cutbacks.

The foundation advocates the importance of the visual arts in the development of youth and encourages the use of art within all curriculums.

For more information about the foundation, visit www.rodriguefoundation.org.