January 2025
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” ~ Martha Graham, modern dancer and choreographer
Greenwich Pen Women, a branch of the National League of American Pen Women is a non-profit organization of women artists, writers, and musicians. We offer mutual support and exchange of ideas to encourage and inspire excellence in original creative work.
Happy 2025!!
As we waltz into this New Year, I hope 2025 is full of good health, surprises of joy and excitement, some ingredients that keeps us creating. I’m still remembering the time we had at our Holiday Luncheon. Seeing all your smiling faces, hearing the singing and laughter while a few of us danced in the aisle, what a joyful time. Thanks to all who were able to attend. Your presence made it special. The participation in the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest was hilarious. Congratulations to Doris Mady, our 1st Place winner! Special thanks to Karen Heffner who worked so tirelessly putting extra touches adding to the beauty of the day. Also thank you to all who sent in pictures for our GPW Artshare slideshow. Seeing the creative works being produced in our studios was exciting. Also, the candid shots of GPW attending our events throughout the year was a reminder of how busy we are. Each discipline was represented that day including our poetry group with our GPW Poet Laureate Barbara Ehrentreu reading her poem. Hopefully you see why I say that Greenwich Pen Women is on the move!!
I also appreciate those of you who took steps in investing in us by giving money. We will be able to do more and make more of an impact in expanding our gifts! Greenwich Pen Women is going to do all we can to attract more women to join us as we become more visible. In the meantime, let’s look for opportunities to collaborate, create and work with one another. For instance, be sure to check out the bottom of the Expressions page and take a look at a new feature we are testing under Pen Women Postings. Talk about working together!!!
I’ve invited a friend Dina Schlesinger to do a presentation for us called “Why Did Everyone Start Drawing Better In 1420?” It’s about exploring the thought-provoking statement by renowned artist David Hockney: “In 1420 everyone started to draw better.” “Why? How?”
Dina delves deep into the controversy surrounding the use of optics, the camera obscura, and other technologies that artists have employed since prehistoric times to enhance their art. She takes us through history, examining how these tools have influenced the evolution of artistic techniques and creativity. The presentation culminates with a modern twist, posing the intriguing question: “Is AI-generated art real art? Is it worth anything?” This discussion promises to challenge our perceptions of art in the age of artificial intelligence. Join us January 28 @ 7:00 pm on Zoom!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86191696544?pwd=aoXAWWZmQSnwcAUKhnBGndIPxEwPij.1
Meeting ID: 861 9169 6544
Passcode: GPW12824
Also, don’t forget that the Vinnie Ream Art, Letters, and Music competition is open for submission and closes March 30, 2025. Complete guidelines can be found at this link https://www.nlapw.org/2024-25-vinnie-ream-competition-call-for-submissions/
Onward and upward,
Adrienne
Adrienne Reedy President, Greenwich Pen Women
