NLAPW: A Place for Women in the Arts

by Christina Laurie

Creative women of Cape Cod periodically gather to learn more about their art and share their expertise through the Cape Cod Branch of the National League of American Pen Women.

Founded in 1897, in the spirit of "bringing together women journalists, authors, and illustrators for mutual benefits and the strength that comes of union," the League is the oldest professional women's organization in the world.

In 1978, following its 80th birthday, the League was presented with the Literary Hall of Fame Award in recognition of its contribution to the cultural life of the United States. Today, professional women in art, writing and music make up a national organization of over 4,200 professionals who are organized into over 150 Branches across the states. In Massachusetts, there are branches on Cape Cod, Boston, Wellesley and Merrimack Valley.

Meeting and networking with members of all three categories of art, writing and music gives us a greater understanding and knowledge of the creative arts in our community.

Although the Cape Cod Branch of the Pen Women meet only four times a year, we stay connected through phone, email and newsletters. As we are all working women, our meetings are held in different locations on the Cape, at times designed to accommodate all members.

Our national headquarters is a museum-type Tudor house in the Dupont Circle district of Washington, DC, just a short walk from the White House. One of the perks of being a Pen Woman is that we can stay at the historic Pen Arts Building for just $50 a night.

The Cape Cod Branch extends an invitation to all women who work in the creative fields to attend our next meeting - a garden tea- on Sunday, June 28, at the home of a Sandwich member.

For an invitation and more information on becoming a Pen Woman, please call Christina Laurie, vice president and membership chair at 508-540-0762 (home) or 508-274-8090 (cell) or email her at cglaurie@Juno.com. Membership confirmation includes proof of work completed in the last five years.

Return to the Summer '09 Literary Women page

Christina Gummere Laurie joined the Pen Women in Worcester in 1967 and presently serves on the national board. She is a past president of both Wellesley and Cape Cod branches and also serves as state president. A former newspaper writer, she is the author of six books, including one of Haiku. A retired ordained United Methodist minister, she is a free lance writer who has lived on the Cape for over a decade and was formerly a summer resident all her life.