Branch News, Spring 2024
Diamond State Moves ‘From Inspiration to Expression’
By Mary Lou Griffin, Branch President
After a holiday break, the Diamond State Branch started our 2024 with a Feb. 10 meeting with artist David Nolan as guest speaker. He talked about his plein air painting adventures in India and Israel and brought some of his preliminary sketches produced on site and small paintings done in preparation for larger works when he returned home.
‘From Inspiration to Expression’ Traveling Show
Feb. 29 was the reception for the Kennett Library’s “From Inspiration to Expression” traveling exhibit featuring the inspirational writings from letters members and the resulting artwork from art members. Visitors to the library said they very much enjoyed reading the written piece and then looking at what the artist did with it. It was the largest attended art opening that the library has had. The exhibit is unique and is more than just art.
Because of the interest this exhibit has stirred with patrons, Mary Hutchins from Kennett Library would like to have the other half of the exhibit featuring the inspirational artwork and the resulting writings at the library sometime next fall.
The project continues its travels in the meantime. Chriztie Elliott from the Palette and the Page in Elkton, Maryland, has invited the Diamond State Branch to be the featured artists and writers for the month of May 2024. The exhibit will feature the inspirational artwork and their companion writings featured in the “From Inspiration to Expression” exhibit.
Given the great interest generated from this unique project, the branch members are considering another type of challenge project that will again link artists and writers and push creative limits. Another show is in the making!
Sarasota Receives a Special Treat: Ikebana Demonstration
By Wilma Davidson
At a recent meeting of the Sarasota Branch, member Polly Curran shared and demonstrated the 6th century cultural art of Japanese floral design, ikebana, originated by Buddhist priests to honor Buddha as Buddhism developed throughout Japan. This art has lasted over 1,500 years and is practiced by more than 7,000 members in 138 ikebana chapters worldwide.
Curran has practiced this art over 40 years, first while living in Japan and now in Sarasota, Florida. She is a certified teacher of the WAFU School of Ikebana, and we are fortunate to have her as an art and letters member of the Sarasota Branch.
Her demonstration took place outdoors at member Lynn Wilson’s beautiful Spanish mansion, owned at one time by an artist friend of John Ringling. A perfect background. Six arrangements were created using a variety of containers, some handmade.
Another member, Pamela Olin, created a metal sculpture in the shape of staghorn ferns that provided just the collaboration needed for a never-done-before arrangement.
“With just two days to come up with an arrangement, I asked Pamela which colors she preferred. As a result, I selected orange and bronze calla lilies, purple status, and variegated green branches of Song of India,” explained Curran.
The sun provided another perfect backdrop to the day and the photography while using white backboards. “Pamela and I have wanted to collaborate on an ikebana arrangement for some time, and that day, it finally happened,” Curran said.
For most of the branch, it was their first time to observe the art and hear the history of ikebana. Many expressed the desire to learn more. And we are hoping these photos will intrigue you to want to learn more as well!
Cape Canaveral Honors the Late JoAnna O’Keefe
Members of the Cape Canaveral Branch, Florida, true crime author Anna Flowers (left) and author/artist Luanne Faulkender (right) were among the many who gathered at the home of Christine Lance on Lansing Island in December to launch the book “Into the Wind” by inspirational poet and fellow Pen Woman JoAnna O’Keefe. She died while doggedly working on this remarkable project, but her daughter Patti and friend Christine (center) made sure it was published. This launch was a beautiful example of Pen Women’s loyal support of each other.
Long Island Members Show Work, Win Awards
Twelve members of the Long Island Branch showed their work at an exhibition that took place at The Old Bethpage Plainview Library in Plainview, New York, in November. It was judged by Marc Josloff, who gave awards to four of the members. Branch President Kay Ray won first place.
Santa Clara County Partners for Outreach
By Dorothy Atkins, Santa Clara County Branch Outreach Chair
Each member of the Santa Clara County Branch is unique in her own special creative way and is inspired to affect change within our community. Prior to the pandemic, the branch organized a sock drive for those in need. Warm, new socks for the sole and for souls. This year, as the colors changed and a chill was in the air, we partnered with Saratoga Senior Center, Louise Webb’s Memoirs Class, and the Santa Clara Arts and Historical Consortium to collect socks from early December until Jan. 6, for a total of over 375 pairs of new socks.
The socks are distributed through Front Door Communities. This organization is committed to feeding vulnerable, low-income, and atrisk men, women, and families regardless of their circumstances by supplying nutritious meals and basic essentials for survival.
The pandemic also affected the annual celebrity luncheon, and we are delighted to resume this fundraiser this year. A silent auction, costume jewelry sale, and a raffle help fund $1,500 Excellence in the Arts Awards, one in each field of our art, writing, and music, for female high school students graduating in 2024, undergraduate college students, or returning female college students of any age. The celebrities we honor are talented women in the arts from the community who are nominated by our members.
Branch News, Winter 2024
Columbus (GA) Teams Up with Gallery for Ekphrastic Show
By Linda Farmer Ames, Columbus Branch Treasurer
During a spring meeting of the Columbus Branch (Georgia), members challenged themselves to write ekphrastic poems* after studying a picture postcard of art. After completing the task, they each read aloud their poems.
They enjoyed this activity so much that the branch agreed to couple with the Gallery on 10th, a local member-run art venue. From a choice of displayed artwork, participants wrote ekphrastic poems. Members of both the gallery and our branch were delighted with the outcome and agreed to repeat the activity next spring.
*“Description” in Greek: An ekphrastic poem is a vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art. Through the imaginative act of narrating and reflecting on the “action” of a painting or sculpture, the poet may amplify and expand its meaning.
Greenwich Shares ‘Points of View’
By Leigh Grant, Greenwich Branch President
Photography by Doris Mady
A marvelously quirky, small sculpture by Karen Heffner titled “Biker Babe” greeted one at Les Beaux Arts gallery at the Round Hill Community Church. Made of found objects, Biker Babe’s head is a bicycle seat. This was one of several works that were exhibited at “Greenwich Pen Women: Points of View,” showcasing an array of artworks by Greenwich Pen Women — each an accomplished artist and all passionate about their individual points of view and their approach to painting, photography, and sculpture. The exhibit was their first since the pandemic.
Participating Pen Women were Sally Fine, Lynn Garelick, Doris Mady, Lee Paine, Heather Sandifer, Kathryn Shorts, Connie Stancell, Dana Goodfellow, Margaret Esme Simon, Kathy di Giovanna, Katherine Stahl, Karen Popp, Ilse Gordon, Maria Friscia, and Hazel Jarvis. Mediums included photography, oil on canvas, oil on aluminum, acrylic on canvas, collage on hand-painted papers, mixed media, acrylic and white tissue paper mounted on board, and gouache on paper. Something for everyone! The show ran Sept. 10 through Nov. 2.
Diamond State Hosts Exhibits, Plans Another
By Mary Lou Griffin, Diamond State Branch President
We kicked off November with the opening of our branch biennial art show, Everything Delaware, at the Station Gallery in Greenville. The artwork from our art members showed our diversity in medium and styles and was impressive. Margaret Winslow, chief curator of the Delaware Art Museum, was the judge for the awards. She wrote a brief comment on her choice for each ribbon. Congratulations to our winners: Karen Hearn, first place; Nita Balderstron, second place; Michele Foster, third place; and Maria Keane, honorable mention.
Four paintings were sold on opening night, along with six copies of “Chasing the Wind,” a new novel by Sandra Seaton Michel. Hopefully more sales will follow during the course of the month
From Inspiration to Expression – Branch Traveling Exhibit
It has been a year since we started our challenge project. The premise and structure from this challenge has generated enthusiasm and public interest in the work produced and the League in general. Becky Stanko from Penn State Great Valley noted that this was, by far, the most interesting and fun exhibit she’s worked on to date at the Henry Gallery.
Chriztie Elliott, new owner of The Palette and the Page in Elkton, Maryland, is excited to host the Pen Women exhibit in February. This exhibit will bring additional attention to our branch and NLAPW in yet another area outside of Wilmington. Our branch will be working together with The Palette and the Page to determine how many pairs of writing and artwork will fit into the gallery space exhibit.
Vero Beach Visits Art Show
By Mary Ingui, Vero Beach Branch President
In August, several branch members visited the Vero Beach Museum of Art to see the inaugural juried Fine Art Exhibition of recent works of art by living local artists. “Japan Cherry Blossom Time” by former branch President Jane Howard was featured as part of the exhibition. The award-winning photograph was also featured on the cover of the The Pen Woman in spring 2021.
Out of 350 applicants and over 800 artworks to consider, 137 works were selected for the show. The juror was Ellen E. Roberts, the Harold and Anne Berlley Smith senior curator of American Art at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida.
This event was followed by a branch meeting in September at Howard’s home, where new members were invited to learn more about the NLAPW while enjoying snacks, desserts, and conversation.
Diablo/Alameda Enjoys Getting Together
By Winnie Thompson, Diablo/Alameda Branch President
The Diablo/Alameda Branch in the East Bay of San Francisco is happy to return to having potluck lunch meetings in members’ homes. In September, our speaker was Sue Bogue of the Eden Garden Club of Castro Valley. Her presentation was very interesting and informative. For the past 75 years, the Eden Garden Club has greatly benefited local students and the environment. In October, we hosted a “Shout Out for Pen Women” reception at the CV Center for the Arts in Castro Valley. Watch the reception video here.
State Conference Wows Florida Members
By Wilma Davidson, Sarasota Branch
The Shores Hotel and Spa in Daytona Beach, Florida, greeted us with sunshine and waves during our Oct. 26- 28 state conference, our first in-person conference since the pandemic. And the conference’s theme, “Our Creative World,” didn’t disappoint. Quite the opposite!
Talented members attended and several presented workshops. Everything from making mailbox art to building an author’s platform, from sharing a musical legacy to creating a self-portrait without pain, from turning tragedy into profit to reaping powerful rewards through collaboration among the varied arts.
The Shores Hotel and Spa in Daytona Beach, Florida, greeted us with sunshine and waves during our Oct. 26- 28 state conference, our first in-person conference since the pandemic. And the conference’s theme, “Our Creative World,” didn’t disappoint. Quite the opposite!
Talented members attended and several presented workshops. Everything from making mailbox art to building an author’s platform, from sharing a musical legacy to creating a self-portrait without pain, from turning tragedy into profit to reaping powerful rewards through collaboration among the varied arts.
We immersed ourselves in business, shared a moving memorial ceremony for those departed, and shopped at the Florida Pen Women Boutique for our members’ books, art, jewelry, cards, and CDs. We clapped for the winners in the art contest and exhibit; we smiled at the letters readings and winners — and we were sorry to leave it all at the end.
Our centerpieces were also creative: baskets filled with items donated from our branches. After every meal, attendees selected something from the basket at their table to keep. (The baskets were refilled every meal, thanks to the generosity of the Florida branches.) What lasting mementos.
We renewed old friendships and welcomed new ones. We learned from others. We acknowledged the achievements of others. In two special awards, Nancy Nesvik was named Pen Woman of the Year and Pat Black-Gould received the Individual Achievement Award.
One highlight was a Zoom speech from our national president, Sheila Byrnes; and another memorable evening was our keynote speaker Erin Smith, CEO of Ocean Sole Africa.
Her nonprofit organization turns ocean trash into art. She shared with us how much litter, mainly flip-flops, washes up on Kenya’s shores. Through giving the local women jobs and hiring local woodcarvers, the organization cleans and upcycles the flip-flops, turning them into art. Thus, her nonprofit provides jobs, creates pride, saves the sea, and cleans the environment — one sole at a time. Ocean Sole Africa and our entire conference were utterly inspiring!
We immersed ourselves in business, shared a moving memorial ceremony for those departed, and shopped at the Florida Pen Women Boutique for our members’ books, art, jewelry, cards, and CDs. We clapped for the winners in the art contest and exhibit; we smiled at the letters readings and winners — and we were sorry to leave it all at the end.
Our centerpieces were also creative: baskets filled with items donated from our branches. After every meal, attendees selected something from the basket at their table to keep. (The baskets were refilled every meal, thanks to the generosity of the Florida branches.) What lasting mementos.
We renewed old friendships and welcomed new ones. We learned from others. We acknowledged the achievements of others. In two special awards, Nancy Nesvik was named Pen Woman of the Year and Pat Black-Gould received the Individual Achievement Award.
One highlight was a Zoom speech from our national president, Sheila Byrnes; and another memorable evening was our keynote speaker Erin Smith, CEO of Ocean Sole Africa.
Her nonprofit organization turns ocean trash into art. She shared with us how much litter, mainly flip-flops, washes up on Kenya’s shores. Through giving the local women jobs and hiring local woodcarvers, the organization cleans and upcycles the flip-flops, turning them into art. Thus, her nonprofit provides jobs, creates pride, saves the sea, and cleans the environment — one sole at a time. Ocean Sole Africa and our entire conference were utterly inspiring!
Tampa Looks Ahead, Remembers the Past
By Barbara Routen
The Tampa Branch received its charter — the League’s 83rd — in 1938, 85 years ago. We celebrated this milestone last May, with the theme “Let us guard our future by preserving the past.”
Carolyn “Cat” Gardiner Trabulsi organized our celebration. Virginia Rhan Halloway embodied the theme by playing 20th century music on digital piano. On display were historical documents — including newspaper articles, letters, and copies of The Pen Woman from the 1930s and ’40s — as well as artwork, music, books, and magazine articles created by current and late branch members.
As an author of World War II historical novels and a 1940s living historian, Gardiner Trabulsi wore one of her vintage frocks to present “Preserving the Past.” She traced our branch history from 1936 (two years before our charter), when Maude Martin DuLaney (radio impersonator, author, and art teacher) founded Tampa Branch with six other women.
“What I find most appealing about being a Pen Woman is the inspiring history of our birth in the middle of our fight for women’s rights and the pride I derive from being part of professional creative women — including some sisters, mothers, daughters, granddaughters — who passed a legacy of talent down over four generations,” she said. “I’m part of something profound.” She herself is the daughter of Claire Gardiner (art) of the Tampa Branch (formerly of the Long Island Branch).
Branch President Meletha Everett presented “Honoring Our Present,” describing prominent members’ individual accomplishments through the decades, such as late art member Dorothy “Dot” Byrd Setlow’s creation of embroidered patches for NASA’s Apollo astronauts.
“Tampa Pen Women are constantly innovating to better ourselves and our community,” she said.
Kat Heckenbach, mother of Tampa’s student member Anna Heckenbach, talked about “Guarding Our Future.”
“Creatives tend to work in solitude and crave fellowship, which Pen Women provide through meetings,” she said. “The next generation, though, tends to be activity focused. Rather than luncheons and workshops, the focus may turn to festivals and field trips. For them, fellowship is time spent doing. Also, their definition of creativity is expanding, stretching the limits. Generation Z is increasingly interested in animation, film production, make-up artistry, tattoo art, LEGO sculpture, fashion display, and cosplay, which require true artistic talent. Pen Women will need to expand their boundaries. … We meet with living, breathing people, so music, art, and writing generated by artificial intelligence won’t make the cut. Creativity is an expression of emotion and experience and can only be held by human beings — people who need community. We can be that community well into the future.”
The celebration ended with branch recording secretary Debra O’Reilly (letters) presenting a recognition plaque and a dozen yellow roses to President Everett, lifetime NLAPW member, for 30-plus years of service to the League at the branch, state, and national levels.