February 9, 2006

National League of American Pen Women honor nine local women

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

The Santa Clara County branch of the National League of American Pen Women recently honored nine women at their annual Celebrity Luncheon.

Presenting the Santa Clara County Branch of the National League of American Pen Women Achievers for 2006. Front row: Constance Guidotti, Marian Gault, Sheralee Hill Iglehart, Helene Wickett. Back row: Shari Kaplan, Phyllis Matson, Nancy Jo Lopp, Isabelle Chapuis-Starr, Shirley Powers.

“The purpose of the National League of American Pen Women is to honor and encourage women in the three arts [art, letters, and music]” said NLAPW president ShaRon Haugen. “And we are thrilled to celebrate the work of these exceptional women.”

The NLAPW was founded in 1897 and promotes development of the creative talents of professional women in the arts. The League consists of local branches, state associations and members-at-large and boasts a membership of over 4,000 women throughout the United States.

The Santa Clara County branch was founded in 1922 and celebrates the achievements of local women by their annual Celebrity Luncheon, which raises monetary awards to graduating high school students who excel in letters, music and the visual arts.

In the category of Art, Nancy Jo Lopp, Marian Gault and Constance Guidotti were honored. Lopp is a fine art photographer who focuses on creating unique and personal portraits of people and the world. Her work has been shown at the Triton Museum, Aeges Gallery, Elemental Arts and various art and wine festivals. She also teaches the Polaroid emulsion transfer process. Gault is known for her exquisite watercolors, pen and ink drawings and calligraphy. She has shown her work in Open Studios for the past nine years and also teaches art classes. Guidotti specializes in mixed media and has displayed her work in Open Studios among others. Her Behind the Veil series in response to 9/11 has received acclaim.

“I was surprised and delighted to have been chosen one of the honored achievers,” said Guidotti. “The luncheon and entertainment were excellent and so much talent. I enjoyed talking and meeting the other honorees and as well as so many interesting members of the Pen Women. I left feeling so inspired. Thank you for including me.”

Pen Woman Edie Matthews and Joni Rodgers performed a humorous medley of Rock and Roll Doo Wops. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Shirley Powers, Shari Kaplan, Phyllis Matson, and Sheralee Hill Iglehart were acknowledged in the Field of Letters. Powers is a true renaissance woman excelling in writing, art and teaching. She has received numerous awards and is known for always sharing her talent. Kaplan has received kudos for her work as writer, editor, and photographer with Times Community Newspapers (including the Almaden Times Weekly), Metro Newspapers and Silicon Valley Community Newspapers spanning 10 years. She is now a freelance writer with Industry Magazine, Silicon Valley Home and Boulevards New Media, in addition to picking up freelance editing work. She also finds the time for her own line of original nature photography note cards.

“One of the things I like best about my field is the people,” said Kaplan. “My work allows me to constantly learn new things, visit new places and try new experiences. I’m very humbled to be honored with the other women and thankful to be included with such great company.”

Iglehart has written children’s books: “A Very, Very Special Birthday” and “Three Cheers for Kangerooslow.” She also has written for the Palo Alto and Los Gatos Times when she isn’t teaching.

In the area of Music, Helene Wickett and Isabelle Chapuis-Starr were honored.

Wickett has performed as a soloist pianist with the San Francisco Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Pops and the Dallas Symphony. She also plays the violin, viola, harpsichord, studied voice in Vienna and speaks six languages. Chapuis-Starr is a flutist who has won distinguished musical honors: Premier prix de flute at the Conservatoire and the Premier prix de musique de chamber. She is senior lecturer in flute at San Jose State University School of Music and Dance and maintains an active career as a flute soloist on both sides of the Atlantic. She also delighted the Pen Woman with a performance accompanied by pianist Jean Nakamoto.