From Inspiration to Expression
A New, Different Challenge for Arts and Letters Members
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2023
By Mary Lou Griffin
The Diamond State Branch arts and letters members decided to create a new and challenging project to stimulate members and push creativity for those willing to step out of their comfort zone.
Party with a Purpose
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2023
By Pam Webb
Pam Webb and Pam Farley share a lot in common besides their first name — including their passion for art and using it to help others through special house parties.
A Message of Love
From The Pen Woman, Winter 2023
By Dorothy Atkins, Santa Clara County Branch
Dorothy Atkins used art as her refuge during the pandemic and social unrest. Her images, which resulted in a new series titled “One Love,” made their way around the world.
A Birthday Challenge
From The Pen Woman, Winter 2023
By Adrienne Reedy, Greenwich Branch
When she turned 62 in August 2022, Adrienne Reedy decided to challenge herself to create 62 watercolor paintings by October — and succeeded!
Atlanta Pen Women’s Garden a Local Treasure
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2022
By Melissa Gordon Rhine and Judy Cutchins
The Pen Women Garden at Stone Mountain in Georgia is a place of solace for Pen Women and the community alike.
A Different Kind of Outreach
From The Pen Woman, Spring 2022
By Barbara Dunham, Pensacola Branch President Emerita
An informal collage group grows into an outreach effort for the Pensacola Pen Women.
Pamela Olin Has Gone to the Dogs
(Metaphorically speaking, of course.)
From The Pen Woman, Spring 2021
By Wilma Davidson, Sarasota Branch
For the last few years, Pamela Olin has been one of several artists honored to have volunteered hundreds of hours to create the superhero dog and puppy statues around the Sarasota area.
Thriving as a Composer and Musician in the COVID Age
From The Pen Woman, Spring 2021
By Kathy Pate, Music Editor
As we enter our second year of the COVID-19 era, we are having to reinvent ourselves in almost every arena of life. Performing our compositions is morphing into a more online venture. Music members are finding new ways to connect with like-minded composers who face similar issues.
Entrepreneurial Artist Makes the Most of the Pandemic
From The Pen Woman, Winter 2021
By Lois Perdue, Fort Lauderdale Branch
When Christine Landis’ art classes were canceled at the beginning of the pandemic in March, she had to find new ways to jumpstart her teaching career. Although learning about virtual technology was new to her, she got up to speed — and her online teaching took off.
Women’s Lib (or the 19th Amendment Celebration)
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2020
By Nancy B. Burke
Last winter, a committee of 12 Greenwich Pen Women met to discuss submissions for the 100th anniversary celebration of the 19th Amendment — following an inspiring talk by Greenwich resident Coline Jenkins, the great-great granddaughter of suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Greenwich Branch member Nancy B. Burke shared this essay for the group.
I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2020
By Dorothy Atkins, Santa Clara County Branch
As a person of color, Dorothy Atkins “had to navigate prejudice and racism” because of the color of her skin — not because of her character, her values, or her patriotism. She shares some of her memories in this profound essay.
How to Look Like a Pro in a Videoconferencing Meeting
From The Pen Woman, Summer 2020
By Rodika Tollefson, The Pen Woman Editor, Member-at-Large
Videoconferencing has become wildly popular in times of social distancing. Everything from elected officials’ meetings to yoga is going to Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, WebEx, etc. Rodika Tollefson provides tips on how to be your (digital) best in a video meeting.
Why Become a Pen Woman?
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2019
By Donna Puglisi, Cape Canaveral Branch
Donna Puglisi shares brief insights into how the prestigious NLAPW helps professional women in all aspects of the arts to network with fellow artists and expand their horizons. “Sharing our ideas and creative talents, there is no limit to what we can do,” she writes.
Raison D’être
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2018
By Nancy Dafoe, Central New York Branch, National Letters Chair
Nancy Dafoe’s essay — which was a finalist in the international William Faulkner/Wisdom Creative Writing competition in 2018 — explores the purpose of art and the making of art.
Creative Soulmates
From The Pen Woman, Summer 2019
Pen Women Bonita Tabakin and Sheila Firestone live in different states, but a friendship that started during a Biennial conference bloomed despite the distance. One of the results was a creative collaboration for Firestone’s stage musical — with Tabakin providing original art for backdrops.
Secrets to Growing Branch Membership
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2018
By Cathy Shouse, Muncie Branch
When the Pensacola Branch of Florida earned the “Highest Membership Growth” award, many branches asked: What are Penscala’s secrets? Cathy Shouse decided to find out — and share with all Pen Women.
Pen Women as ‘Wonder Women’
From The Pen Woman, Spring 2018
By Dorothy Kamm, Member-at-Large (Port St. Lucie, Florida)
As dynamic, creative women, we want to retain a fresh perspective and remain challenged — we want to continue growing personally as well as professionally, and perform at our personal best. Dorothy Kamm shares tips for how you, too, can be a Wonder Woman.
New Generation Revives an Old Pen Women Project
From The Pen Woman, Winter 2018
By Mollee Kruger, Bethesda Branch, Maryland
A new generation of musicians revives a 1995 collaborative project created by two Bethesda Branch members. Based on a book, the 45-minute “Ladies First” show had been performed for numerous civic organizations, women’s groups, and retirement communities.
We Must Share the Legacy with New Generations
From The Pen Woman, Spring 2017
By Nellie Conboy, Allied Professional Member at Large, Art
After a short stay at Pen Arts, new member Nellie Conboy shares her personal experience about the bonds that unite Pen Women — and why she believes the future is brights for NLAPW.
Tapestry for Peace Goes Global
From The Pen Woman, Fall 2016
By C. Ruthy Wexler
The Denver Branch shares an amazing outreach project that fulfilled a member’s longtime dream. The result, the Tapestry for Peace, was displayed in the Rotunda of the Colorado State Capitol building — and soon grew into ideas coming in from all over the world.