Branch News, Spring 2026
Santa Clara County Joins Other Organizations in Outreach
By Marcia Sivek and Luanna K. Leisure, Branch President
Santa Clara County Branch had a busy winter season, participating in two outreach events together with other local organizations.
Baking for a Cause
The branch joined forces in December with the Aegis Gallery of Fine Art in Saratoga to host a bake sale fundraiser with a heartfelt mission: fighting hunger in our community.
NLAPW brings together accomplished women in the creative arts who are committed not only to their craft but also to making a positive impact in their communities. Our Santa Clara Branch, celebrating 104 years of service, continues this tradition by supporting local artists and writers while giving back through meaningful community service projects like this fundraiser. The event brought together neighbors, art lovers, and community members who gathered to support a worthy cause while enjoying delicious homemade treats.
Thanks to the generosity of our bakers, volunteers, and attendees, we raised $1,200 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley. Second Harvest Food Bank plays a vital role in our community, providing nutritious food to families and individuals facing food insecurity throughout Silicon Valley. Every dollar raised will go directly toward their mission of ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Aegis Gallery of Fine Art for providing the perfect venue and sponsoring this event, to all our talented bakers who donated their time and treats, and to everyone who stopped by to support this important cause.
Annual Sock Drive
Also in December, branch members Dorothy Atkins and Luanna Leisure delivered over 300 pairs of socks to Front Door Communities as part of the organization’s annual sock drive. Front Door Communities is committed to feeding vulnerable, low-income, homeless, and at-risk men, women, and families in downtown San Jose, regardless of their circumstances, by providing nutritious meals and basic essentials for survival. The organization is dedicated to restoring dignity to the people they serve while improving the health and wellbeing of our community.
Sponsors of the sock drive were NLAPW, Saratoga Senior Center, Memoirs Class, Santa Clara Arts and Historical Consortium, and South Bay Writers. Thank you to all for participating in and promoting this worthy cause. Their participation made this event a success and will help make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.
Modesto Artists Participate in Community Events
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Left to right, Sandy Veneman, Chella Gonsalves, and Rita Barbano; as well as Henrietta Sparkman (below) at the various art events.
Stanislaus Artist Open Studios
In October, Modesto Branch artists participated in the countywide Stanislaus Open Studio Tour, a popular event touring artist studios. Pen Women Sandy Veneman, Rita Barbano, and Henrietta Sparkman opened the doors to their studios for the community to tour, ask questions, watch artists at work, and purchase art. The tour visitors enjoyed a variety of mediums and styles, as well as learning more about the artwork and the artists’ inspiration and influence.
Art of Hope
Sparkman, along with Chella Gonsalves, continued their support of The Art of Hope, a fundraiser for the Art Restores Kids. This program is for children of domestic violence and trauma, providing restorative art classes and summer camps to help them with the healing process.
Artists chose a child’s work and did their own artistic interpretation of the child’s art and writing response. The artwork was donated to sell at a fundraiser in a beautiful setting that included food and music.
Art Market
Gonsalves, Sparkman, and Veneman, along with Virginia White, participated in an art market on the Virginia Corridor by Roseburg Square. More than 20 artists displayed and sold a variety of work at this popular event on the walking and biking trail in the Modesto college area. With beautiful fall weather and many residents out and about walking, biking, and shopping, the market was a success for the four Pen Women.
Diablo-Alameda Hosts Castro Valley Historical Society
By Winifred Thompson, Branch President and National Art Credential Officer
Sue Holm, Lucille Lorge, and Randy Vanderbilt discussed the Castro Valley Historical Society’s progress during a presentation to the Diablo-Alameda Branch in March. Husbands and friends were invited to enjoy a delicious potluck lunch, along with the presentation. A quick and lively “white elephant” sale raised $60.
The two groups are interested in collaborating with other civic organizations like A.R.T., Inc., Rotary, H.A.R.D., and the chamber of commerce. Working together can accomplish a lot.