“Outsiders often have negative stereotypes about education and literacy in Kentucky. So many people are surprised to learn that the state has a rich tradition in the literary arts”, says Tom Eblen, Literary Arts Liaison, at The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.

As we enter into year two of the foundation, we are looking at ways to collaborate with partners, specifically in Northern and Western Kentucky, to introduce the foundation and mission. We know the history of the great literary tradition in Kentucky and understand it is not limited to the Bluegrass region.

The James Baker Hall Foundation is looking for friends to help us spread the word about the foundation. We have held two parties in Louisville and both were a big success. These events are about 2 hours in duration and give the foundation the opportunity to introduce people to our mission.

What a year we’ve had! When we sat down as a staff and looked at what we accomplished, we thought it was important to share. Lots of hard work, but none was possible without the support we received from our friends along the way. Here are the highlights of what the James Baker Hall Foundation (JBHF) accomplished in year one:

Ironwood Writer’s Studio students gave a reading performance and art display recently in Harlan, Kentucky. Keeping kids engaged in Appalachia is difficult because of the issues around transportation. The Hindman Settlement School’s Literary Department led by Melissa Helton works to provide year round opportunities for their writing students.

_{PHOTO CREDIT: Tyler Barrett}

During the Kentucky Book Festival in November in Lexington, Jonathan Hall, Director of Youth Programs & Volunteers at The Carnegie Center, co-led a workshop in the room sponsored by the foundation and Spalding University’s Creative Writing Program and it peaked our interest in what they were doing with programming for young writers.