National League of American
Pen Women
Santa Clara County Branch
Est. 1922
Members' Spotlight
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Be inspired by the talents of the unique and talented women of the NLAPW
Teresa Beyer
Finding My Way
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It's been a slow couple of years as far as my painting. It slowed almost to a stop.
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Until recently, I started on this Magnolia flower. But, much like any and many of my muscles, my eye and hand coordination are off. Still, I'm loving painting her. She is on the easel patiently waiting. Only I am stuck on so many levels. I need to get out. Get out and about. I'm dipping my toe into what feels like cold water.
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The Angel Weeps was not accepted to the Society of West coast Artist juried exhibit. I can respect that. What I found attractive about the piece is the energy, the brush strokes. However, I understand they perhaps want a more finished piece.
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This week I received a notification from the Los Gatos Art Association that Carmel Mission and Otter Refuge, Big Sur were each accepted to the Annual Members Juried Show. Yay!!!
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Carmel Mission
Magnolia
The Angel Weeps
Otter Refuge Big Sur
Ursula Meier, author of six books
Ursula Meier has been a member of the Pen Women in Letters since 1995, and she has written six books. Ursula is a mentor and friend to many. If it wasn't for Ursula, I would not be a Pen Woman today. Thank you, Ursula.
Luanna Leisure
NLAPW Branch President
Click on the pdf link to read more about Ursula.
Bonnie Jo Smith is a writer and textile artist
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,