2026 Biennial Art Competition Winners
The 2026 Biennial Art Competition entries were exhibited at the Pen Arts Gallery in Washington, D.C., March 27-May 29. The competition juror was award-winning fine artist Susan O'Neil.
First place: “Morning” by Geri Huxoll | color stone lithograph (7 x 10)
Second place: “Under Water” by Darlene Yeager-Torre | photograph (22 x 18)
Third place: “Mother Earth Is Cracking Up” by Bev Goldie | encaustic (14 x 11)
Honorable mention: “Alaska’s Inside Passage” by Joan Judge | watercolor (16 x 20)
Honorable mention: “Remembered Rhythms” by Melissa Woodburn | pine needles, waxed thread, porcelain (5 x 12 x 13)
Honorable mention: “Little Maeve” by Susan Murphy | watercolor and gouache (20 x 16)
Honorable mention: “Water Break” by Debra Patrick | pastel (19 x 13)
Honorable mention: “Purple Town” by Keiko Hidaka | oil (20 x 16)
-What’s New-
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Awardees Selected for the Shirley Holden Helberg Grants for Mature Women
Learn moreNLAPW recently awarded $1,000 grants each to three outstanding women pursuing careers in art, letters, and music. Cogratulations to Paula Fontana (art), Nina C. Peláez (letters), and Nancy Jo Hinsen (music) for their awards.
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The 2026-2027 Cross-Genre Competition for Members Now Open
Learn moreThe second annual NLAPW Cross-Genre Competition is designed to encourage Pen Women across genres and branches to collaborate creatively with each other. The League hopes to inspire new creative and collaborative projects showcasing members’ talents.
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Letters Members Invited to Fall Writers' Retreat
Learn moreNLAPW will once again host a Pen Women exclusive writers’ retreat at Pen Arts in the fall. The retreat includes free room and board at Pen Arts, instruction with professional editing, group tutorials, evening readings, walking tours, and more.
Why Become a Pen Woman?
Cape Canaveral Branch member 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. “The National League of American Pen Women, Inc. is a foundation, a bridge, providing building blocks to achieve success in your field. … Sharing our ideas and creative talents, there is no limit to what we can do,” she says.
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Featured Member: Mary Lou Griffin, Diamond State Branch
Read moreMary Lou Griffin ignited a new creative spark by stepping out of her comfort zone and trying a new medium — pen and ink instead of pastel — to work in plein air. The result was a new direction in her art.