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For Immediate Release

November 8, 2013



CWPPRA Art Event: LSU Listens to Local Residents Tell of Louisiana's Wetland



On Thursday, November 14, 2013, the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) Task Force will help to host an art event called 'Things We Are Thankful For' featuring the art exhibit: "I Remember..." The event is open to the public. The event will be held in partnership with the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum at 7910 Park Avenue in Houma, LA from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.



The art exhibit features environmental portraits and landscape photographs by Lane Lefort and oil paintings by Marian Brister Martinez. Both artists are Louisiana natives and have used their artistic talents to capture the culture and heritage of the communities in coastal Louisiana. Both artists will be on hand to answer questions and provide personal reflection on their work.



In addition to featuring the exquisite works of art, the event will also provide an opportunity for attendees to tell their own story. Families and retirees are encouraged to provide personal accounts of their lives growing up in the coastal zone. The stories will be captured on audio tape and will be included in future art shows as well as the LSU Oral History Center collection. RSVPs are encouraged for this portion of the event so that everyone has an opportunity to tell their story.



"Everyone's story is important, and every perspective is relevant" says Jennifer Abraham Cramer, Director of the T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History at LSU. "People living in the last century in coastal Louisiana have witnessed ecology and culture on the fault lines of change and by telling their stories; they have much to offer in the way of valuable historical and cultural information that's not found in textbooks." Cramer states that "As older generations pass on, these stories become even more crucial."



As Thanksgiving approaches and in the spirit of gratitude, The Story Tent is not only a chance to honor the elders and story-tellers in our communities, but it's also an opportunity for people to come out on "Oral History Day" and share their memories about living in a changing coastal Louisiana. Short recordings will be facilitated by CWPPRA staff and LSU Williams Center for Oral History staff members and saved in the LSU library system. According to Parish President Michel Claudet, "Coastal restoration efforts in our community are fundamental to the livelihoods and lifestyles of our citizens. We are happy that our population has a chance to have its voice heard and we are honored that LSU and CWPPRA understand the significance of our personal wetland stories."



According to Jonathan Foret, Executive Director of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discover Center,"We have a responsibility to communicate the challenges we face as a coastal community in as many ways as possible. Partnering with the CWPPRA Task Force to co-host this art show at the Waterlife Museum helps us to fulfill that responsibility."



The event is sure to be a fun, engaging, and eye-opening experience for everyone. Bring your smart phone and hear the historians over your phone. The event is open to the public. The show will remain open for public viewing through January 4, 2014.



For more information contact Susan Testroet-Bergeron, CWPPRA Public Outreach Coordinator, at (337) 266-8623 or bergerons@usgs.gov.

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