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Cross-Genre Competition

Submission deadline: May 2, 2025

NLAPW has launched a new, cross-genre competition designed to encourage collaboration among Pen Women. Competition teams may be made up of Pen Women within one branch, multiple branches, or members-at-large. Each team must be made up of at least two and up to four Pen Women.

Learn about guidelines and submission instructions


2024 Biennial Competitions (now closed)

The submission period has ended.

Learn about previous Biennial Competition winners:


The Vinnie Ream Award, 2024-25

Submissions open between September 30, 2024 and March 30, 2025

The awards honor the legacy of Lavinia Ellen “Vinnie” Ream, a Pen Woman who was a Civil War era artist. Ream was a student of the harp throughout her life and often incorporated an image of a harp in her work as a sculptor. Harp pendants in sterling silver and gemstones will be awarded at each Biennial to first-place winners in the art, letters, and music categories.

Learn about this year’s submissions guidelines

See the previous medal winners