Our core values are respect, knowledge, creation and preservation of the arts.
Lori Howell Thompson
Click on Lori's book to purchase at LuLu.com. Also available on Amazon.com. Click on website button to f out more about Lori.
Lori Howell Thompson
Featured Poem: The Journey of Poetry
By Lori Howell Thompson
Poetry are words dancing in your mind
Becoming a fairytale of your voice
A world created by imagination, experience, and dreams
An orchestra of musical notes beating in your ears
A puzzle in a writer’s mind
A story that hypnotizes your eyes and
then the birth of poetry,
a sojourner Begins.
Phyllis with Judge of awards - Michele Bryn and Event Chair, Jane Frederick
Dorothy Atkins
Dorothy article/memoir, Heroes in My Own Garden, was featured in two local publications, The Saratoga Spotlight on page 14 and the Los Gatos Living on page 12.
Dorothy qualified for membership in Pen Women in the field of Art, but she is also a member of the Saratoga Memoirs Class and is a prolific memoir writer and storyteller. Click on the link to read her memoir.
Tonya McQuade
Letters Honorable Mention, Davies Roller Nonfiction Award at the 2026 Biennial for "A State Divided, The Civil War Letters of James Calaway Hale and Benjamin Petree of Andres County, Missouri 1862-1865.
(This goes in the section below)
Lolly Owens
Art Winner at the 2026 Biennial for "Andy's Flowers." Click link for Lolly's website.
Bonnie Jo Smith
Art winner at the 2026 Biennial for "Channel Islands." My original textile "Before and After The Drought", 52h x 54w received Honorable Mention for the Vinnie Ream 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.
Liyuza Eisbach
Art winner at the Biennial for "Flaming Sunset."
Liyuza, a retired classical archaeologist and professor of art history received an Artist of the Year 2025 third-place ribbon for her painting, "Winter," from the Campbell Artist Guild. She also received two Blue Ribbon awards from the guild, for "Sunset" in October and "Lake Tipsoo" in September
Phyllis Gunderson
Phyllis is a member of our branch who moved to New Mexico several years ago. She always provides us with her art and cards for our silent auction.
Phyllis delivered this beauty to its new family today!
Nancy Jo Hinsen
Winner of the 2025 Shirley Holden Helberg Grant in Music
Nancy is a vocal recording artist, composer and ASCAP publisher. She has produced several original works, including her 2011 album, "All That You Allow," and her 2013 Christmas release featuring her original song, "Do You Know Why There is Joy at Christmas."
Dorothy Atkins
By Dorothy Atkins
How novel that the color of skin is not interchangeable.
I pivoted in today’s world because it comes unapologetically.
I find harmony among humanity, draped in many hues.
Today Is my day I want to bask in being a woman of color. No second guesses, no hesitations. Just comfortable in my own skin.
These are my happiest moments. Love the skin I am in. Love the woman I have become. Love the journeys I have yet to take.
Color is not a disadvantage but a strength and a gift to the world.
Find the rainbow!
Honors & Awards Presented at the 2026 Celebrity Luncheon
Lisa Scott-Ponce
Lisa Receives her certificate in honor of her achievements in Letters. Lisa is a poet and won second place in the Santa Clara Branch non-member poetry contest. Lisa is now a member of pen women.
Tonya McQuade
Tonya McQuade
Tonya receives her certificate and honors in Letters. Tonya has written three books, Frank & Nora's Historic Honeymoon Adventure: A travelogue through the West with a "Time Travel" Twist, A State Divided and Time Capsule: My Teenage Self. All available on Amazon.com.
Gale West
Judy Ferrari Miller
Jennifer Stonerock
Gale is a professional artist and author. She received her certificate in Letters but can do the same in Art. She has an International, multicultural, and creative background with an emphasis on personal growth and development. Specializing in transformational money and business coaching for creatives and entrepreneurs. Author of international bestseller, Money Come Dance With Me.
Jennifer Stonerock
Judy Ferrari Miller
Jennifer Stonerock
Jennifer is an author and artist. She received her certificate for Letters. She has written several books all available on Amazon. Titles of her books are:
Gerri Ferrari
Judy Ferrari Miller
Judy Ferrari Miller
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Judy Ferrari Miller
Judy Ferrari Miller
Judy Ferrari Miller
Dorothy Atkins
Lorraine Gabbert
20-Year Certificate
Dorothy received her 20-year certificate from branch president, Luanna Leisure. Dorothy is famous for her "One Love" series of paintings. She is also the author of "A Heady Scent of Lilac, A collection of romantic poetry and art, featuring Dorothy's art, available on Amazon and LuLu.com.
Lorraine Gabbert
Lorraine Gabbert
20-Year Certificate
Lorraine received her 20-year certificate from branch president, Luanna Leisure. Lorraine is a member in Art and Letters. She is also a part of our "Excellence in the Art's" team and co-chair of the Celebrity Luncheon Silent Auction. She is a freelance reporter and photographer.
Sheralee Iglehart
20-Year Certificate
Sheralee received her 20-Year Membership Certificate from branch president, Luanna Leisure. Sheralee has authored two books, "Cough in our Shirt, Bert!" and "A Very, Very Special Birthday". She is in the process of writing another book, "Ten Diamond Rings".
Tola Minkoff
Happy 100th Birthday
Congratulations to Tola who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Tola is a member in Art. She is a painter and sculpturer.
Pat Suggs Receives Certificate for 38-Year Membership
Pat Suggs in her San Jose, California Art Studio
Presenting Pat's certificate, Luanna Leisure, Branch President and Alice Ann Glenn
Pat Suggs with Alice Ann Glenn
After the presentation and tour of Pat's art gallery we enjoyed lunch at the Red Lobster
Carol Greene, Claudia Gray and Dorothy Atkins
Carol Greene receives certificate in Art from Membership Chair, Susan Zerweck. Carol now has her credentials in Art, Music and Letters.
Claudia Gray receives her certificate in Letters. She now has her credentials in Letters and Art.
Dorothy Atkins
Congratulations to Dorothy Atkins, for receiving "The Society, Inc., Silicon Valley Chapter" award in Art.
October 26, 2025