Branch News, Spring 2024
Diamond State Moves ‘From Inspiration to Expression’
By Mary Lou Griffin, Branch President
After a holiday break, the Diamond State Branch started our 2024 with a Feb. 10 meeting with artist David Nolan as guest speaker. He talked about his plein air painting adventures in India and Israel and brought some of his preliminary sketches produced on site and small paintings done in preparation for larger works when he returned home.
‘From Inspiration to Expression’ Traveling Show
Feb. 29 was the reception for the Kennett Library’s “From Inspiration to Expression” traveling exhibit featuring the inspirational writings from letters members and the resulting artwork from art members. Visitors to the library said they very much enjoyed reading the written piece and then looking at what the artist did with it. It was the largest attended art opening that the library has had. The exhibit is unique and is more than just art.
Because of the interest this exhibit has stirred with patrons, Mary Hutchins from Kennett Library would like to have the other half of the exhibit featuring the inspirational artwork and the resulting writings at the library sometime next fall.
The project continues its travels in the meantime. Chriztie Elliott from the Palette and the Page in Elkton, Maryland, has invited the Diamond State Branch to be the featured artists and writers for the month of May 2024. The exhibit will feature the inspirational artwork and their companion writings featured in the “From Inspiration to Expression” exhibit.
Given the great interest generated from this unique project, the branch members are considering another type of challenge project that will again link artists and writers and push creative limits. Another show is in the making!
Sarasota Receives a Special Treat: Ikebana Demonstration
By Wilma Davidson
At a recent meeting of the Sarasota Branch, member Polly Curran shared and demonstrated the 6th century cultural art of Japanese floral design, ikebana, originated by Buddhist priests to honor Buddha as Buddhism developed throughout Japan. This art has lasted over 1,500 years and is practiced by more than 7,000 members in 138 ikebana chapters worldwide.
Curran has practiced this art over 40 years, first while living in Japan and now in Sarasota, Florida. She is a certified teacher of the WAFU School of Ikebana, and we are fortunate to have her as an art and letters member of the Sarasota Branch.
Her demonstration took place outdoors at member Lynn Wilson’s beautiful Spanish mansion, owned at one time by an artist friend of John Ringling. A perfect background. Six arrangements were created using a variety of containers, some handmade.
Another member, Pamela Olin, created a metal sculpture in the shape of staghorn ferns that provided just the collaboration needed for a never-done-before arrangement.
“With just two days to come up with an arrangement, I asked Pamela which colors she preferred. As a result, I selected orange and bronze calla lilies, purple status, and variegated green branches of Song of India,” explained Curran.
The sun provided another perfect backdrop to the day and the photography while using white backboards. “Pamela and I have wanted to collaborate on an ikebana arrangement for some time, and that day, it finally happened,” Curran said.
For most of the branch, it was their first time to observe the art and hear the history of ikebana. Many expressed the desire to learn more. And we are hoping these photos will intrigue you to want to learn more as well!
Cape Canaveral Honors the Late JoAnna O’Keefe
Members of the Cape Canaveral Branch, Florida, true crime author Anna Flowers (left) and author/artist Luanne Faulkender (right) were among the many who gathered at the home of Christine Lance on Lansing Island in December to launch the book “Into the Wind” by inspirational poet and fellow Pen Woman JoAnna O’Keefe. She died while doggedly working on this remarkable project, but her daughter Patti and friend Christine (center) made sure it was published. This launch was a beautiful example of Pen Women’s loyal support of each other.
Long Island Members Show Work, Win Awards
Twelve members of the Long Island Branch showed their work at an exhibition that took place at The Old Bethpage Plainview Library in Plainview, New York, in November. It was judged by Marc Josloff, who gave awards to four of the members. Branch President Kay Ray won first place.
Santa Clara County Partners for Outreach
By Dorothy Atkins, Santa Clara County Branch Outreach Chair
Each member of the Santa Clara County Branch is unique in her own special creative way and is inspired to affect change within our community. Prior to the pandemic, the branch organized a sock drive for those in need. Warm, new socks for the sole and for souls. This year, as the colors changed and a chill was in the air, we partnered with Saratoga Senior Center, Louise Webb’s Memoirs Class, and the Santa Clara Arts and Historical Consortium to collect socks from early December until Jan. 6, for a total of over 375 pairs of new socks.
The socks are distributed through Front Door Communities. This organization is committed to feeding vulnerable, low-income, and atrisk men, women, and families regardless of their circumstances by supplying nutritious meals and basic essentials for survival.
The pandemic also affected the annual celebrity luncheon, and we are delighted to resume this fundraiser this year. A silent auction, costume jewelry sale, and a raffle help fund $1,500 Excellence in the Arts Awards, one in each field of our art, writing, and music, for female high school students graduating in 2024, undergraduate college students, or returning female college students of any age. The celebrities we honor are talented women in the arts from the community who are nominated by our members.