July 29, 2009 > Art show with a difference Art show with a difference By Meenu Gupta Photos By Courtesy of Philip Lewenthal Hayward Arts Council presents "Pen Women Show", an art show with a difference. Paintings, hand-made ceramics, hand-made jewelry by members of the Pen Women will be on display. Some of the items will also be available for sale and those interested may inquire about the price from the gallery," said Guadalupe Agbabiaka, business manager of the Hayward Arts Council. Born on the wings of creative camaraderie, National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) began in 1897 in Washington D.C. when three well-known professionals in the fields of writing and art were denied access to the Press Club because they were women. Marian Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's niece, was determined to establish an organization that would include women of the press. Margaret Sullivan Burke, who was the first woman admitted to the Press Gallery and a regularly accredited telegraph correspondent, joined her. Anna Sanborn Hamilton, social editor of the Washington Post and a special proofreader for the United States Government, also was part of the group. The three discussed plans for bringing together the talents of creative professional women artists, composers, and writers. They gathered 17 women into a group called The League of Pen Women. In July of 1897, the group, now including 50 women, filed for incorporation. By 1921 when the word "National" was added to the title, they were over 1000 strong, eventually counting among their members creative professional women such as composer Carrie Nation, writer Eudora Welty, and artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Pen Women represented by Natica Angilly, Kazumi Cranney, Evelyn Glaubman, Elizabeth Hack, Leona Nichandros, Dori Pendergrass, Charlotte Severin, Pallavi Sharma, Barbara Spanskie, Tomye, and Susan Wight will have their creations on display at John O'Lague Galleria in Hayward City hall from July 31 to September 30. "Pallavi Sharma and Kazumi Cranney will read from their work. Kay Stewart will perform on the harp," said Genie Lester, Vice-President of the group. Publisher of the literary and art magazine, Infinity Limited, Lester joined the group in 1991. She has been president of the group twice. "Today, about 5000 members across the nation still meet for mutual support and inspiration," said Lester. "The Diablo/Alameda Branch of NLAPW has presented an art show every year since 1999. There is no charge," she said. The public is welcome to attend the reception on Friday, August 7 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the John O'Lague Galleria. At the reception, to celebrate the show, artist members will talk briefly about their art. Refreshments will be served. Pen Women Show July 31 - September 30 Reception for the artists on Friday August 7 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Public is welcome John O'Lague Galleria Hayward City Hall 777 B St. Hayward Open weekdays 9 a.m. - 5.p.m. www.haywardarts.org 510-538-ARTS (2787)