Prakash Maggan and Rainmaker Hospitality
Support the James Baker Hall Foundation

When you have a program called Kentucky Writers on the Road (KYOTR), having a loyal supporter in the hospitality trade is a plus. Prakash Maggan is the Chief Financial Officer at Rainmaker Hospitality which is headquartered in Lexington.

Managing Director Larry Pemble crossed paths with Prakash when their children attended Providence Montessori in Lexington together. As Larry was building the foundation, he sought Rainmaker Hospitality’s support to defer some travel expenses by providing accommodations for travel around the Commonwealth.
With a degree in accounting from Transylvania and then graduating with a law degree from the University of Dayton, Prakash was establishing a successful career at Deloitte when a sudden change with a tragedy around his cousins left his father needing help with the family’s hospitality business. Maggan said he had grown up around the family business and never thought that one day he would make the change. This crisis/opportunity moment for him turned out to be a good decision.

Salt River Local Art Collaborative Looking For Artists!

If you’re a writer, visual artist, musician, or crafter who’s been wanting to deepen your craft, work alongside other committed creatives, and be part of something meaningful from the ground up, here’s an opportunity for you.

The Arts Leadership Program (ALP) at the Salt River Local Arts Collaborative is a hands-on, mentor-supported experience designed to help artists grow both creatively and as cultural leaders. The program is funded by a special grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women and centers artists who are using creative work as a tool for healing, connection, and recovery.

Participants in the ALP will help support and shape the launch of the Salt River Local Arts Collaborative’s literary publication coming this summer.

WHO CAN APPLY
We especially encourage applications from folks who are in recovery from addiction or trauma, living with or loving someone in addiction or recovery, or navigating grief, rupture, or long-term healing. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just a willingness to show up, make art, and grow in community.

One thing for certain about talking to people who were in James Baker Hall’s orbit is that he left a lasting impression. Former students have fond memories of class time and talk about his intensity and belief that art could heal.

But not everyone in that orbit was focused on creative writing. James Baker Hall was an accomplished and prolific photographer as well as poet, author and teacher. Sarah Miller (artistic name Bloodswan) met Jim in 2005 while modeling for another Lexington photographer, Liam (Billy) Wilson. At the time, she was a psychology student looking to pick up a few extra dollars modeling. Little did she know how this would change her path!!

Mark Your Calendars!

The spring is going to be a busy time for the Foundation with several events planned. Make sure you note these dates as we will be heading out in the Commonwealth!
Check us out at these events:

Saturday, March 14 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Readings by Marta Miranda-Straub

Music by Ben Sollee
Rebel Rebel Studio and Lounge
440 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY
Free Food Truck will be onsite