“I paint as a way of looking for myself in the world.”  — Amy Sherald

Well, we certainly just survived a blizzard! But even with the snow piled up, have you noticed the winter sky lately and those beautiful sunsets? This is such a wonderful time of year—watching the mornings get lighter and seeing the daylight stay a little longer each day. Before you know it, Spring will be blowing in. It’s a recurring joke, but somehow every season ends up being the ‘favorite’ one!

That sense of renewal is reaching our creative lives, too. Whether it’s traveling to a new city to soak up a museum or attending a local show, there are so many ways to keep our inspiration full. Speaking of inspiration, the “bug” is definitely going around! Getting out there and letting our work “go before us” is such a vital part of cultivating our craft.

Our connection to one another has been especially vibrant lately. It was such a reward to attend the Open Mic led by Andrea Pettite and hear Marla Chisholm share her story. These moments of bravery and storytelling are what knit our community together. The next one is March 19 if anyone wants to join us.

We also celebrated a major milestone with our first Online Art Share. Participating alongside our fellow members was so well received—it truly provided a window into the talent within our branch. As our member Rosemarie Anne so perfectly put it, seeing the work of our artists was nothing short of “uplifting.” Thanks again to Maria Friscia, Dana Goodfellow, Arabela Gandy, Karen Heffner, Carol Japha, Doris Mady, Heidi Matonis, Heather Sandifer, Catherine Stahl and Connie Stancell. 

If you missed the Art Share, come join us for our GPW Art Exhibit and Reception at Round Hill Community Church in Greenwich Sunday, March 8  from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.  Bring your family and friends!!  Let’s show support for our Artists.

We are excited to partner with the Greenwich Library on Tuesday, March 10, from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Several of our Pen Women will be reading their poetry, and it is always so meaningful to have our sisters in the front row for support! 

Did you know that Pen Women Press offers publishing services exclusively for NLAPW members? Congratulations to Cathy Horn, whose poetry book will be published through them! We look forward to its release. 

I also was pleased to stumble upon this must read by our member.  Check out Susan Barash’s fascinating interview with Maggie O’Farrell regarding the film Hamnet. Bravo Susan!!

With everything going on with Greenwich Pen Women, it’s no wonder our membership is increasing! Join me in welcoming our newest Letters member, Jisha Jacobs. It’s been great having her jump right into our critiques, and we are so glad she’s joined us.

A reminder it’s not too late to register for the Biennial NLAPW Conference.  Marla Chisholm and I will be attending. Visit nlapw.org for more info.

Onward and upward,