NLAPW National News

NLAPW 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.

NLAPW members and nonmembers interested in finding out more about NLAPW are welcome to join monthly virtual meetings. Hosted by Des Moines Branch President Laura Walth, it’s an opportunity to connect and network with other creative women.

Modesto Branch member Nancy Haskett recently took the helm of the poetry section, which features members’ poems in The Pen Woman in the NLAPW blog. A member since 2012, Haskett is an accomplished poet with many accolades.

The Santa Clara County Branch is once again sponsoring a limerick contest for Pen Women. Monetary prizes will be awarded for first through third places. The submission deadline is March 17.

Competition judges commented on the overall high quality of all the entries and the very tough decisions they had to make. Judges also remarked on the difficulty of weighing large projects with long works beside very concise projects, noting the remarkable quality ran through every entry.

Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss the next Biennial, scheduled for April 24-26, 2026, in our nation’s capital. The host, Central New York Branch, is planning not only informative sessions, luncheons, award ceremonies, and performances, but also special features such as guided walking tours.

Three Pen Women were recently honored with the Vinnie Ream medal for their outstanding works: Mary Ann Miller, art (“Joie des Pommes,” watercolor and mixed media); Pat Underwood, letters “Trimming Poison Ivy,” poetry); and Mary Fineman, music (“Suite from the Faraway Pavilion,” scored for flute, B flat clarinet, violin, cello, piano).

Fort Lauderdale Branch President Phoenix Marks explains how all branch members work strategically to recruit and nurture Pen Women.

National Art Chair Joan Applebaum shares how Pen Women make a lasting impact through their grants and other outreach.