Branch News, Summer 2026
Southwest Florida Members Selected for Juried Show
By Cornelia DeDona, Branch Secretary
Three Southwest Florida Branch artists and one letters member were selected for the 15th Biennial juried show at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda from 491 entries. Works by Christina Wyatt (“Mermaid”), Cheryl Fausel (“Broken”), and Susan Lindsey (“Disco”) were accepted, with Fausel’s featured on the gallery’s website. Of the 26 poems submitted by 17 poets, one of this author’s ekphrastic poems —“Broken Glass,” inspired by Robin Lee Makowski’s “Two Too Many” — was also accepted, included in the program, and read at “An Evening of Poetry & Art — Where Art … Inspires Art,” in March.
Scottsdale Hosts Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
By Jan Thompson, Branch President
A festive group of 40 Scottsdale Branch members and their guests gathered in April to enjoy a tasty brunch, a presentation by prolific Phoenix public muralist Kyllan Maney, and an array of donated works for a raffle and silent auction.
Members and this year’s past guest presenters donated their books, art works, CDs, and complimentary music lessons in support of a $500 scholarship given each year by our branch to a Scottsdale Community College student artist, creative writer, or musician. This year’s Vortex Award was presented to talented student composer Issac Facio, who attended our May meeting to speak about his composition, “Soar! A Child’s Imagination Knows No Limits,” and perform it for our members.
Thanks to the generosity of all who participated, over $1,500 was raised at this event. Perhaps enough to take on another worthy project next year!
Central New York Attends Member’s Exhibition
Central New York (CNY) Branch Pen Women shared in the immersive experience of Pen Woman Vanessa Johnson’s mixed media fiber art exhibition staged at the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center in Fayetteville, New York, in April.
Johnson’s show, “Lifting As We Climb,” is an expansive tribute to the hard-fought battles and sacrifices of women of color who contributed to women’s access to voting, combined with the attention they brought to gender and racial barriers in all areas of American life. The art and language experience brought together griot Johnson’s quilting, fiber art, and research to enlighten the Gage Center’s visitors. Johnson honored the stories of “often forgotten Black, Latina, Indigenous, and Asian women of the past and present who have played a pivotal role in lifting up all women in America.” There are 50 women of color featured in this remarkable exhibition. In addition to her work as an artist, Johnson is celebrated for her work as a writer, playwright, actor, fiber artist, teaching artist, and museum consultant.
“Still learning and discovered so much today through Vanessa’s incredible art,” said Nancy Dafoe, one of the group of CNY Pen Women to tour the exhibition.
Just as relevant today, the fiber art exhibition highlighted and drew attention to today’s political efforts to gerrymander, restricting the right to vote through the S.A.F.E. Act, limit polling booths and polling hours in marginalized neighborhoods, as well as highlight the growing movement to repeal the 19th Amendment.
The Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, which oversees the Gage Center, is dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Gage, whose social justice contributions have been systematically erased, and uplifting marginalized voices throughout history. Johnson has received an artist in residence grant from the foundation.
Golden Gate-Marin Celebrates ‘Women’s Voices’
By Lorraine Walker Williams
A May reception at Villa Marin celebrated the most recent art exhibit by members of the Golden Gate-Marin Branch in San Rafael, California. Nine artists and one poet displayed their work in the show, which ran through June.
Branch President Lucy Arnold welcomed the audience and gave a brief history of NLAPW, citing many famous women who have been members, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Georgia O’Keefe, and Maya Angelou. She also noted that the Golden Gate-Marin Branch was founded in 1972 and is 54 years old. This exhibit is part of our community outreach program, which includes two to three exhibits per year and a student awards program.
After the talk, members were invited to introduce themselves and answer questions from the audience. A lively discussion followed and the reception was enjoyed by all.
Santa Clara County Honors Excellence
By Luanna Leisure, Branch President
The Santa Clara County’s March fundraiser luncheon, themed “Mardi Gras,” had nearly 100 people in attendance at Shoreline Golf Links Restaurant. The event included costume jewelry sales, a beautiful basket raffle, and an amazing silent auction. All proceeds went to the branch’s Excellence in the Arts awards, $1,500 each in music, art, and letters. Another $1,500 award, Audry Lynch Excellence in Writing, was sponsored by daughters Roberta and Stephanie Lynch and several Pen Women. The awards support talented young women who are continuing their education in the arts.
Dorothy Atkins and Sheralee Iglehart received 21- year membership certificates. Also honored for their achievements were Gale West, Tonya McQuade, Lisa Scott Ponce, and Jennifer Stonerock in letters, and Judy Ferrari Miller and Gerri Ferrari in music.
Reaping the rewards of the fundraiser, the Excellence in the Arts awards were presented to students at a lovely tea party at the home of Edie Matthews in May. Award winners were Elaine Choi for music, Serena Luo for art, Carissa Lai for letters, and Caroline Klets for the Audry Lynch Excellence in Writing. The students were excited to be offered free Pen Women memberships.
Other events at this celebration were the induction of branch officers and certificates presentation to new members Jennifer Filzen, Gale West, and Jennifer Stonerock.
On the way home from the tea party, one of the student award-winners called to relate how inspired she was from the day’s celebrations. It truly was an amazing day filled with much joy.
Pensacola Celebrates National Poetry Month
In April, a panel discussion and a poetry sharing were the highlights of Pensacola’s celebration of National Poetry Month. Panelists were Carolyn Tokson (on translating poetry), Karen Morris (on ekphrastic poetry), and Lora Bunch Carr (on the “new faces” of poetry). The program was the concept of Claire Massey and Vice President Terry Henry, who gave a history of National Poetry Month and served as panel moderator. There were numerous questions and comments from the enthusiastic audience.
Tokson, who enjoys translating German and French poetry, explained that the goal is to put aside one’s own personality to “translate the words and phrases as if the original author were doing it.” She works mostly with the poetry of Jacques Prévert because his work is “accessible and compatible” with her skill level in reading French.
Carr, a new letters member, eagerly joined the panel and pointed out the many ways that poetry can be enjoyed, such as rap, performance poetry, and open mics. She read her favorite poem, “Still I Rise,” by Maya Angelou.
Following the panel presentation, all branch poets were invited to read one of their favorite poems and one of their own. Participating poets included Massey, Jane Lies, Autry Dye, Heather Mitchell, Debra Stogner, and Dolly Berthelot.
Berthelot read “Rodin’s Thinker,” a poem inspired by a gift she was “still enjoying after a half century of life changes,” and then a favorite, “Gate A-4” by Naomi Shibab Nye. She expressed her enjoyment of the event by saying, “The creativity evident in this wonderfully diverse, shared poetry program was enriching and inspiring.
Boca Raton Reflects on the 2025 – 2026 Season
By Elaine Bossik
The Boca Raton Pen Women organized many events this past season that brought cultural enrichment, education, and enjoyment to members, guests, and the local community.
A bagel brunch in October, hosted by President Brenda Dressler, was a tasty and fun opening event. From November to April, members gathered monthly at Mariposa restaurant for a delicious lunch, lively discussions, and educational programs.
In December, Evan Bennett, PhD, presented a fascinating program about Black women artists Mary Ann Carroll and Zora Neal Hurston, who influenced life in Florida. In January, Terryl Lawrence, Palm Beach State College professor, educated us about the colorful life and work of art deco artist Tamara de Lempica.
The local police department volunteer team joined us in February to provide valuable tips on avoiding scams and staying safe. In March, Dr. Ellen Kamhi, a holistic health nurse, educator, and author presented a program about foods and natural botanicals that promote health. Our closing luncheon in April featured Jennifer Wilson, Palm Beach Opera education manager and studio director, who shared clips from famous operas where card games played a dramatic role. Following her program, the Boca Pen Women presented Mallory Goddard, a student at the Palm Beach Opera Studio Program, with a Music Achievement Award for her outstanding accomplishments, to assist her in continuing her music studies. The student achievement awards are funded by monthly luncheon raffles, with members bidding on donated one-of-a-kind items. The awards support exceptional students pursuing careers in art, music, and letters.
In April, branch artists showcased their work at the Delray Beach Public Library art gallery. The show’s theme, “Reflections,” was discussed at an opening art reception, where authors read poetry and prose and artists discussed how their work reflected their interpretations of the world.
Free community enrichment programs included a flash fiction writing workshop and a publishing workshop at the Delray Beach Public Library in collaboration with the South Florida Women’s National Book Association. We were also pleased to offer monetary donations to the Delray Beach Public Library’s cultural programs and the Boca Raton Helping Hand Foodbank.
Sarasota Launches New Leaders in the Arts
By Dina K. Altshul
This April, the Sarasota Pen Women have continued to inspire youth in the arts through a program called Launching Leaders in the Arts. In a competition for high school seniors, students were acknowledged for their contributions to the arts. Five artists, five writers, and one musician were recognized for their original creations. They shared their art at a performance luncheon and received cash prizes from our generous sponsors.
The room was intense as writers read their stories aloud. The emotional significance of their pieces could be heard through their voice cracks, their confidence seen in their posture and the gratefulness in their smiles as they were handed their awards. Thanks to the Pen Women, these youth have gained the courage and strength to reach for the stars.
Award-winning writer Nathan De Souza from Pine View School states, “[Winning the award] felt amazing because up until that point I hadn’t been recognized for my work in writing. Getting that recognition at the award ceremony really inspired me to write more in the future, so much so that I know for certain that I want to create short stories in college.” By celebrating the talent of these winners, the Pen Women have paved the way for young artists to pursue their dreams with confidence.
Jacksonville Celebrates 100 Years of Creative Expression
By Peggy Harrell Jennings
The Jacksonville Branch, Florida, celebrated 100 years of promoting professional standards in art, letters, and music with respect, knowledge, creation, and a focus on preservation of the arts. A sunset dinner hosted by member Susan D. Brandenburg on the beautiful St. Johns River kicked off the celebration, with guest violinist Leila Warren setting the mood for the weekend’s festivities.
A catered luncheon followed the next day at the beautiful Ortega River Club, where members enjoyed delightful music provided by member Jeanne Majors with guests Olivia Wright, Patricia Coleman, Anne Nasrallah, and Ginger Dodd, as well as displays of members’ art and publications, a virtual meeting with National President Sheila Byrnes, a silent auction, and a video presentation showcasing each member. Pen Women in period attire contributed to the cheerful fellowship and camaraderie.
The uplifting, entertaining, and educational highlight of the gathering was reenactor Harolyn Sharpe’s exciting portrayal of Vinnie Ream, the first female commissioned to create a work of art for the U.S. government. Created in 1866 when Ream was only 18 years old, the sculpture of President Abraham Lincoln is in the Capitol Rotunda. Reams personified the struggle for acceptance that women artists faced in the 1800s and the continual struggle for equality today. Sharpe’s portrayal brought the esteemed figure to life.
Kate Hallock of the Jacksonville History Center was in attendance, and Melissa Ross, host of Jacksonville WJCT’s First Coast Connect, read a proclamation from Mayor Donna Deegan recognizing the organization’s 100th anniversary and contributions to the community. Branch President Alice McCoy recognized the past presidents and the many individual accomplishments of this energetic group of talented women, many of whom have recently published award-winning books and participated and won awards in numerous visual art exhibits, both locally and nationally. The award winners include Mary Ann Miller, Vinnie Ream medalist for 2025. Jacksonville Pen Women continue to engage, educate, and enrich their community with creative endeavors in musical performances and educational outreach.
Founded in 1926 by Margarita Gardner Fetter, Eliza L. Souville, Vira K.B. Humphreys, and Juanita L, Burbridge, Jacksonville is NLAPW’s 31st branch. The 32 branch members and two dedicated patrons meet monthly for inspiring presentations from Pen Women or celebrated artists, authors, and musicians from the community.
Jacksonville Pen Women embrace the legacy of the 1897 founders with sisterhood and a passion to uplift and support the accomplishments of women’s creative expression in the arts. Happy 100th anniversary, Jacksonville Pen Women!