By Katy Bennet, Student Activities Board
Kentucky-bred writers Hope Johnson and Bianca Spriggs will share their stories of the transition from student to writer and establishing their names and work within the community at the James Baker Hall Writers Series at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, in Student Center's Center Theater. This event is free and is sponsored by the Student Activities Board.
The evening will begin with an open mic opportunity for creative writers, students, faculty and community members to share their work followed by a reading and talk by each author.
Johnson finds influence for her work by growing up in Lexington. Johnson received a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Kentucky and is currently a post-baccalaureate student. Johnson’s work has been published in many publications in Kentucky including the "Journal of Affrilachian Arts and Culture" and the "Journal of Southern Appalachian Literature."
Spriggs is an Affrilachian poet and writer who lives in Lexington, where she is pursuing a doctoral degree from UK. Spriggs holds degrees from Transylvania University and the University of Wisconsin. Spriggs has been named one of the Top 30 Performance Poets by TheRoots.com and a recipient of multiple Artist Enrichment Grants and an Arts Meets Activism Grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Spriggs’ most notable books are "Kaffir Lily" and "How Swallowtails Become Dragons."
"We’ve had such great feedback from the series in the fall, and I’m excited to continue bringing successful Kentucky writers to campus and also incorporate more student participation," said Shannon Ruhl, director of SAB Cultural Arts committee.
James Baker Hall was a renowned Kentucky writer and UK faculty member. This series, named in his memory, is dedicated to writers who have been raised or influenced by living in Kentucky.
The Student Activities Board brings more than 100 entertaining, educational and enriching programs that are reflective of contemporary issues and trends to the University of Kentucky annually. These programs are designed to enhance the college experience for students, faculty, staff and the greater Lexington community.
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