This month, we are proud to spotlight Becky Catelinet, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance (PRAA), and the incredible work her organization does to bring arts and culture to rural Pennsylvania. A native of Johnstown, Becky has devoted her career to strengthening both the arts and her community. She earned her degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Education from Carnegie Mellon University, and for 45 years she performed with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra while also teaching clarinet privately. Before leading PRAA, Becky held roles with several local nonprofits, including the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Laurel Arts, the Arcadia Theater, the Red Cross, and the Johnstown Free Medical Clinic, demonstrating her longstanding commitment to making a positive impact in the region.

Becky says, “On the days when the world feels overwhelming, I’m reminded of the remarkable work our grant funding helps bring to life. This year’s review panel was one of the strongest we’ve ever had—deeply engaged, thoughtful, and committed to understanding each proposal. Their insightful questions and meaningful discussion ensured a fair and thorough process, and I’m grateful for the care they brought to their work."

She continues, "We are especially proud to celebrate the organizations selected for funding this cycle. Each one presented a project that is not only deserving of support, but inspiring in its vision and impact. Their dedication to strengthening the wellness in our community through the arts is exactly the kind of work that 1889 Foundation and PRAA are honored to support.”

Under Becky’s leadership, PRAA has become a vital partner to the 1889 Foundation, providing technical assistance, workshops, conferences, and grant programs that help small arts organizations and individual artists thrive in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. One of their flagship initiatives, the Creative Health Impact Grant (CHIG), supports arts programs that improve health and wellness in Cambria and Somerset Counties. Through this partnership, PRAA helps bring creative expression and holistic well-being together, enriching lives and strengthening communities. Becky’s dedication and vision continue to inspire, showing how the arts can be a powerful force for connection, healing, and community growth.