2018 Biennial Highlights

The 49th Biennial
of the
National League of American Pen Women

Hoyt Sherman Scholarship Winners Concert with Des Moines Women’s Club. Photo by Laura Walth

Pen Women attend the Des Moines Women’s Club Scholarship Winners Concert. Over $33,000.00 in scholarships was granted among the 22 winners.

Each of the 22 winners performed in the various categories of Music, Art and Writing in very impressive performances. After the concert the NLAPW Board of Directors held its meeting in the Presidents Dining Room at Hoyt Sherman. 

Opening Ceremonies:

Eleanor Roosevelt Makes a Surprise Appearance

Jane Cox, Program Director Iowa State University Theatre, portrays Eleanor Roosevelt who shared her life experience with the Pen Women at the Opening Ceremony. Roosevelt was an NLAPW letters member.

Jane Cox as Eleanor Roosevelt. Photo by Anne Baehr
Jane Cox as Eleanor Roosevelt. Photo by Laura Walth

 

 

 

 

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie

Des Moines Mayer
Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie. Photo by Laura Walth

 

 

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie gave welcoming remarks to the members at the opening. Mayor Cownie explained how much Des Moines has changed over the years and inspired us with all that Des Moines has to offer in the Arts.

 

 

 

Workshops

Swimming Upstream: How the Arts Can Promote Mental Health, a forum moderated by Brig. Gen. Clara Adams Ender with a panel composed of Bonnie Jo Smith, Gail Speckmann, Nancy Bloomer Deussen, Jeannie Hope Gibson, and Kelly Ann Compton.

Swimming Upstream forum, Brig. Gen Clara Adams, Moderator. Panel: Bonnie Jo Smith, Gail Speckmann, Nancy Bloomer Deussen, Jeannie Hope Gibson, and Kelly Ann Compton. Photo by Laura Walth

 

Photo by Laura Walth

 

Performances

Actress Amy Swanson performs a dramatic Reading of “Letters from Vinnie.” Photo by Laura Walth
Actress Amy Swanson.
Photo by Laura Walth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

audience view
The audience at the music program at Hoyt Sherman Place. Elaine Erickson helped coordinate the concert as one of the music chairs. Photo by Laura Walth

New NLAPW Administration

NLAPW President 2016-2018 Virginia Franklin Campbell welcomes Evelyn B. Wofford, NLAPW President 2018-2020. At the podium: past President Candace Long. Photo by Anne Baehr
NLAPW President 2016-2018 Virginia Franklin Campbell with husband and NLAPW benefactor, Verne Campbell. Photo by Anne Baehr

 

Scenes from the Event

Click here to view more photos in the Biennial Gallery

 

AWARDS

Pensacola (FL) Branch won the award for the highest percentage of members to join their branch in the past two years. Their branch is the first to be engraved on a plaque that will hang in the Pen Arts Building and Art Museum.

Pensacola Branch, winner of the “Most New Members” plaque. Left to right: Karen Morris, Nancy Nesvik, Ann Davis, Diana Obe, Mara Viksnins, Virginia F. Campbell (national president), and Anne Baehr. 

Competition Winners

(Click link for each category)

Vinnie Ream Medal

Arts Competition

Letters Competition

Music Competition