Artsy Digs in the Big Easy

The Sheraton New Orleans has unveiled its latest addition to the hotel's George Rodrigue Gallery, The Rodrigue Steinway "Blue Dog Piano."

Emphasizing its deepened commitment to educating travelers on New Orleans' cultural art scene, the addition of The Rodrigue Steinway "Blue Dog Piano" marks the newest chapter for the culturally infused hotel and the expansion of its collection of world-renowned artist George Rodrigue's pieces.

The creator of the world-famous Blue Dog series used a 100-year-old Steinway Model A grand piano as his canvas to create an impressive piece that will be displayed in the hotel's lobby for up to two years. The original 1913 Steinway was donated and fully restored to Steinway & Sons standards by the Hall Piano Company.

Other Notable Art Pieces

In addition to the Blue Dog Piano, the Sheraton New Orleans also features other notable art pieces such as:

The George Rodrigue Gallery
The hotel's George Rodrigue Gallery is home to other rare Blue Dog prints, an original Blue Dog painting on loan from the New Orleans Museum of Art and the only reproduction of Victory on Bayou St. John, originally created for the WWII Museum, all located in a private gallery space. Select pieces are also available for public viewing through window displays on Canal Street. The gallery space can also be reserved for private meetings and special events and is open for guests' viewing when unoccupied.

Jack Robinson Gallery
Offering a unique look at 1950s New Orleans, Sheraton New Orleans features an exclusive installment of famed Vogue photographer, Jack Robinson's work. Robinson's street portraits captured the essence of people living within the city. The hotel now prominently displays pieces of his portraits in the Canal Street windows and throughout the lobby. Most of the exhibit's historic photos were taken in the vicinity of the 500 block of Canal Street reflecting the grounds of the recently renovated hotel before the building ever existed.

3 Artsy Finds in The Big Easy

Looking for other artistic finds during your visit to New Orleans? Check out:

Sibley Gallery
Featuring 12 exhibitions each year, the gallery showcases contemporary artists who work in a variety of mediums. Recent exhibitions have included the works of Evie Clinton and Alexandra Gjurasic.

Contemporary Arts Center
Founded in 1976, CAC houses more than 10,000-square-feet of gallery space and has awarded more than $350,000 to artists affected by Hurricane Katrina. Don't miss "30 Americans," a provocative collection showcasing the work of 30 of the most influential African American artists of the last three decades (Feb. 8 - June 15, 2014).

Artist Market and Bead Shop
You never know what you might find at this French Quarter gem, which features works from more than 75 local and regional artists as well as a full collection of glass beads and semiprecious stones. Classes are also available for those who want to create their own jewelry or works of art.