Library presents ‘In The Mind of the Maker’

The Franklin Library will host renowned screenwriter, producer, and author Charles E. Richard for a special presentation of his film about memory, imagination, and boatbuilding.
“In the Mind of the Maker,” a short film that explores the fascinating art and science of creativity, transports us inside the imagination of local traditional Cajun boat builder Edward Couvillier.
Producer and writer C.E. Richard will present his 18-minute documentary on March 31 at 6 p.m. at the Alex P. Allan Memorial Library in Franklin. Richard, who has written and produced films for PBS for more than 20 years, is a University of Louisiana at Lafayette Endowed Professor and a Research Fellow at the Center for Louisiana Studies at UL Lafayette.
His book Louisiana: An Illustrated History is a companion to the documentary film series he wrote for LPB, which gained national attention and earned an Emmy award. Coastal Sketches: Field Notes and Photos from The End of the World, his newest book, chronicles the loss of Louisiana’s rapidly eroding coastlands.
Couvillier’s boat building family and their traditional way of life on the water in St. Mary Parish are profiled in C.E. Richard’s newest documentary as a way of exploring the unique ability of some builders to construct a precision boat strictly using their memory, creativity and imagination without the benefit of blueprints, sketches or any other written specifications.
The finished vessel, a modern-day work of art, represents Couvillier’s innate talent in visualizing and piecing together three-dimensional forms along with an age-old generationally shared knowledge of boat-building.
Richard will deliver a presentation and lead a group discussion immediately following the screening of the film. This program is free of charge and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Please call the library at 337-828-5364 for more information.