Interview with Anne Hoiberg, President, La Jolla Pen Women, National League of American Pen Women

MEETINGS: Third Monday of the month, 1:00 P.M., at the La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Avenue, La Jolla, CA. Contact Anne Hoiberg at 858.245.1677 or ahoiberg@aol.com La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center

By way of introduction: I gave a workshop using 7 Memories: Write Your Memoir in 28 Days to the La Jolla Pen Women” in October and am in the process of joining NLAPW and the La Jolla branch. Click here to read Anne’s description of the workshop.

Patricia: What is the National League of American Pen Women? (NLAPW) and the La Jolla branch? Purpose? History? Unique to SD?

Anne: Founded in 1897 in Washington, D.C., the NLAPW, an organization of professional women artists, composers, and writers, is dedicated to its mission as a 501(c)(3) organization of serving communities through the arts. The Mission of the National League of American Pen Women is to support and promote creative excellence and professional standards among women in the arts.

In 1897, a group of women journalists were denied admittance to a meeting of the Washington,D.C. Press Club: women were not allowed. These amazing women founded the NLAPW with branches established throughout the country, La Jolla Pen Women in 1956.

Patricia: How does a woman join the NLAPW and the La Jolla branch?

Anne: Application to become a member of the NLAPW is processed through the three membership chairs: Art (Linda Spencer at lindaspencerjewelry@gmail.com); Letters (Kelly Ann Compton at kkddt@comcast.net) and Music (Marcia Foster Dunscomb at mdunscomb@aol.com). Membership dues are $60 per year. For those artists, composers, and writers who have not received remuneration for their creativity, an associate membership is available at the local branch level.

Patricia: What does a typical La Jolla meeting of NLAPW involve?

Anne: Each month, a speaker is invited to present her creativity. The presenters include artists and writers, with a rare appearance from a composer. Fortunately, a musical composer member has provided the branch and community with several artistic videos of artist members’ work accompanied by her piano artistry performing her musical compositions. Workshops also are scheduled, such as a program on how to paint on silk or to write a memoir through the 7 Memories. Time during the meeting is dedicated to an “open mic,” when members can share their creativity.

Patricia: Tell a bit about your background that brings you to the role of President of the La Jolla branch? How long have you been the branch president?

Anne: As a retired Research Psychologist with more than 100 scientific publications in my C.V., I wanted to expand my creativity to include poetry and articles in local publications. I became a member after publishing several articles and developing a television program that I hosted. I have served as branch president twice for a total of more than ten years.

Patricia: What do you hope participants get from attending NLAPW meetings?

Anne: My hope is for participants to be inspired to be more creative—and to have a superb time at our meetings! I hope they will be encouraged by others when they present their creative efforts.

Patricia: What is the most surprising thing you’ve experienced as branch president?

Anne: As branch president, the most surprising experience has been the gratitude expressed by members for the programs presented. They all are so appreciative for having attended our meetings.

Patricia: What do you see/hope in the future for the La Jolla NLAPW branch? What do you need to fulfill that dream?

Anne: My hope for the future of La Jolla Pen Women is to increase its membership and to continue to schedule exciting programs. More publicity would help achieve my goals.

Patricia: What else should readers know about La Jolla NLAPW branch?

Anne: Our meetings include a terrific program, refreshments, and congeniality—all free and open to the public. Field trips also are planned, such as a visit to the La Jolla Historical Society and a tour of the Stewart Exhibit on the campus of UC San Diego.

Patricia: Where/when are La Jolla NLAPW branch meetings held? Web site for info?

Anne: Meetings of La Jolla Pen Women are the third Monday of every month, 1:00 P.M., at the La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Avenue, La Jolla, CA. Contact Anne Hoiberg at 858.245.1677 or ahoiberg@aol.com for further information. www.nlapw.org is the national Web site.