May 2026, President’s Letter
If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I’m shortchanging myself.”
~~ Zanele Muholi
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.
The blossoms are in full swing, and the vibrant energy of May is officially here! If April was about “spring cleaning” our creative spaces, May is about seeing those seeds we planted finally break through the soil. There is a sense of fulfillment in the air this month—a time to pause and appreciate the beauty of our collective labor before our summer begins.
We have just come off a whirlwind of inspiration, and I am still buzzing from the “Impressions in Ink & Ivory” collaboration at the Wilton Library. We connected with several new participants who have shown a wonderful interest in our organization. Seeing poetry and music weave together so seamlessly was a powerful reminder of why our multi-disciplinary branch is so vital. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us; your presence truly fueled the performance.
We also hosted an evening of poetry with Linda Ohlson Graham, an NLAPW member and President of the Cape Cod Branch. It was an illuminating evening listening to Linda share her poems and photographs. Towards the end, we all were given the opportunity to write our own haikus and share them with the group.
Marla Chisholm, Maria Friscia, and I have recently returned from the NLAPW Biennial in Washington, D.C. It was an honor to represent the Greenwich branch on the national stage. We are returning with fresh perspectives, new friendships from across the country, and a renewed pride in the caliber of work being produced right here in our own backyard. Stay tuned for a more detailed “dispatch from the capital” in the coming weeks!
A final reminder to join us for the Greenwich Pen Women Annual Meeting this Sunday, May 3. This is our time to gather in friendship, celebrate a year of incredible growth, and announce our upcoming Owl award.
A special thank you to Barbara O’Shea for opening her beautiful home to us once again. Please check the website for final details. If you have a friend who is curious about the “Pen Women magic,” this is the perfect event to bring them along as a guest!
Our presence in the community remains strong. The Art Exhibit at Round Hill Community Church has been a stunning success; if you haven’t had a chance to walk through, the show remains on display until May 5.
As we transition into the warmer months, I challenge you to keep that spirit of “deliberate over-stimulation” alive. Take your sketchbook to the park, write a poem by the water, or find a new rhythm in the May breeze. Your work matters, and your voice is needed.
Onward and upward,
Adrienne Reedy
President, Greenwich Pen Women
****************************
While it’s always lovely to meet a new Pen Woman, you don’t have to be a new member to be in the Spotlight. If you attend our events and people are hard-pressed to recognize you, perhaps it’s time to appear in the Spotlight! As we all grow and it could be fun to hear what new paths you are pursuing.
****************************
PLEASE VISIT US ON:
