January 23, 2009

A celebration of women in the arts

On Feb. 7, The National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) Santa Clara Branch presents their annual Celebrity Luncheon honoring local women achievers in art, letters and music.

The honorees are:

- Art: Riky R. Nelson, Los Gatos
Julie Mitrovich, Los Gatos

- Letters: Esther Dickler, Saratoga
Lorraine Gabbert, San Jose

- Music: Mona Lynn Reese, San Jose

With a theme of the Roaring Twenties, the program features a Twenties Follies, with fashion show, music, comedy and more. A buffet luncheon by Elegant Events Catering is included as well as a silent auction and raffle that funds Arts Scholarships for local high school senior girls. Twenties costumes are encouraged to win a prize for best costume.

The NLAPW is made up of women who have demonstrated creative talents in art, letters and music composition. There are over 250 branches of Pen Women throughout the United States. In some states, there are state associations of affiliated branches. The purpose of the League is to encourage the production of creative work of professional standard in art, letters and music and to provide, through outreach, activities, and educational, creative and professional support to nonmembers in those fields. The League is a nonprofit organization. The Santa Clara Branch started in 1922.

The annual Cele-brity Luncheon event will be held at the First Congregational Church, 1980 Hamilton Ave. (corner of Leigh Ave.) on Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. (doors open) to 4 p.m. Tickets are $32 and must be purchased by Jan. 30. Contact ShaRon Haugen for more information at (408) 238-2340 or haugends@sbcglobal.net.