The journey began for me when I met a NLAPW member at my neighborhood park one day and she excitedly talked about NLAPW Santa Clara County Branch.

     Her excitement and information about the Pen Women really piqued my interest.

Several years later and I have now moved from the area, but I am still a member of NLAPW Santa Clara County Branch.

     Belonging to a women’s organization that focuses on all the arts is important to me. I also appreciate how my art has been recognized at the national level of NLAPW.

My talent is textile arts or sometimes called fiber art. My textiles are about, “what I see and know”, interpreted as meaning I focus on the environment and family.

My textiles have traveled the globe and received a lot of recognition and have been placed in many private collections. Even though my work is centered on art I have also authored two books titled “Through the Eyes of a Child” and “Swimming Upstream a Memoir” both books are about my own personal journeys.

     A third book I authored “She Votes” is about the celebration of the 19th Amendment. In that book I feature sixty-four artists’ works on the subject.

With so many talented and wonderful women as members of SCNLAPW it is a pleasure to belong to this organization.

      My original textile "Before and After The Drought", 52h x 54w received Honorable Mention for the Vinnie Ream 2026 Award. I am over the moon. This is one of my most favorite textiles that I have ever created. I am so honored the textile was recognized. Lucky me, it is in a private collection.

Bonnie J. Smith,

www.bonniejofiberarts.com