Film on artist Richards airs tonight in Blue Hill

BLUE HILL – “All the arts we practice are apprenticeship,” said Mary Caroline Richards, an artist whose instruction and leadership were pivotal at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle. “The big art is our life.”

Sedgwick filmmakers Richard Kane and Melody Lewis-Kane have captured the story of Richards’ inspiring life in “M.C. Richards: The Fire Within,” a documentary that will premiere at 6:30 tonight at the Blue Hill Library.

An accomplished potter, poet, author and painter, Richards inspired people to live creatively. The film shows her contemplatively questioning the nature of art, imagination, wholeness, community and existence. The filmmakers interviewed many of her colleagues and contemporaries, including dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham, potter Karen Karnes and theater director Arthur Penn.

The Kanes will present the film and be on hand afterward to answer questions. For information, call 359-2320.