Why Attend the 2026 Biennial in Washington, D.C.?

By Nancy Dafoe, Biennial Committee Co-Chair

This already promises to be a long winter, but with the spring, some remarkable events are in the works. You don’t want to miss the NLAPW 2026 Biennial in Washington, D.C., on April 24-26.

Two things we all need as artists in every medium are inspiration and rejuvenation. You will find both at our Biennial celebration this coming April.

Here is a list of a few favorites:
• Meeting Pen Women from different parts of the country and beginning lasting, rewarding friendships.
• Getting creative inspiration from the prize-winning art you see, the writing you read, the music you hear, the amazing speakers’ words, the conversations you have with other Pen Women and artists in every genre around D.C.
• Getting introductions to Pen Women who lead to incredible collaborations.
• Discovering or learning something new: a technique you have not used before, a breakdown of how to incorporate something unusual into your art (in any medium).
• Learning ways to subvert blocks to creativity.
• Participating in an evening bus tour of the spectacular sights around our nation’s capital.
• Staying up later than usual to talk to friends in intimate conversations about the subjects you love.
• Sharing and selling your creative work at the boutique set up at The Darcy for just that purpose.
• Refueling your creative energy after a long winter (even in Florida).
• Making memories that stay with you for the rest of your life.