National League of American Pen
Fort Lauderdale Branch Members 2015-2016
Margaret Ahnert
Born in New York City, she has a
Master of Fine Arts and Literature from Goucher College, Baltimore
and a BA from Goddard College, Vermont and is a graduate of the
Barnes Foundation of Fine Arts, Merion, Pennsylvania. She has
lectured as a docent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, and taught art appreciation through the
Art Goes to School program in elementary schools.
www.margaretahnert.com
Awards for her first book " Knock at the Door"
USA BOOK NEWS "BEST BOOK OF 2007"
NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVAL "BEST HISTORICAL MEMOIR
2008"
Brenda Bean
Karen F. Braverman
Karen began her career as an artist in September of 2004
when she enrolled in a watercolor class at Flamingo Gardens
in South Florida. Since then she has studied with many
renowned instructors and won numerous awards. Karen
works primarily in traditional watercolor and acrylic. She has
had success with both representational and abstract works.
Her painting “Papaya” has been included in the watercolor
book “Splash 14 – Color and Light”. She is a signature
member of Florida Watercolor Society. Gold Coast Watercolor
Society and Miami Watercolor Society. She is a member and
a volunteer of numerous national and local organizations.
(NAWA,ISEA,NLAPW,NWS,SWS,FWS, GCWS,MWS AND PAG)
www.kfbraverman.artspan.com
Tricia Ann Buttle
Susan Szumiel Buzzi
Author Susan Buzzi marks five years of profiling the breast
cancer journey with the release of her book I Am A Strong
Woman. The poignant collection of photographs along with
personal stories features breast cancer survivors, their families
and health care professionals and celebrates extraordinary
courage, inspiration and hope. “I am so very fortunate and
grateful to have been entrusted with the distinct honor to witness
vigilance. Perhaps most importantly, this journey has resulted in
a stunning tribute to the human spirit for us all to embrace,” said
Buzzi.
Past President 2005-2007
Es Campbell
Parliamentarian
Susanna Clemm
Artist Susanna Clemm has won several awards for her
watercolors at the prestigious Art Students League in New York
City, where she is a Life Member. In addition, her works have
been exhibited at the South Street Seaport and Credit Suisse
First Boston, amongst others. She was recently published in
“Palette”, a National watercolor art magazine, was the April
2012 Cover Artist for Connections Magazine and has had 25 of
her paintings used for a line of greeting cards by Berkeley Street
Design. In 2014 she was juried into the Cooperstown Art
Association’s 79th Annual National Exhibition. Her paintings
have also won awards in nationally juried shows at the Coral
Springs Museum of Art, the Schacknow Art Museum and the
VAC in Florida, where she was asked to participate in a special
exhibition held for the Organization Of American States.
She is a member of the Gold Coast Watercolor Society, the
Florida Watercolor Society, the Hollywood Art Guild, the
Cooperstown Art Association and is an Associate Member of the
American Watercolor Society. She has had several successful
solo shows in the Callahan Gallery at St. Francis College in
Brooklyn Heights, New York City. Her paintings can be found in
both corporate and private collections and during summer of
2014 at the EBDRPAP Plein Air Exhibition in Margaretville, NY,
“For Arts Sake” at the Roxbury Arts Group in Roxbury, NY as
well as on permanent display and sale at The East Branch Cafe
and Gallery in Roxbury and at the Cooperstown Art Association
Gallery in Cooperstown, NY.
www.susannaclemm.com
Sandra Coleman
Mary Belle Cordell
Mary Belle Cordell is
a certified porcelain artist teacher with the World Organization
of China Painters. She has studied at the prestigious Penland
School of crafts in North Carolina and at the Virginia Douglas
School of Porcelain Art in North Carolina and with many
internationally known porcelain art teachers.
Her work has been published in House and Garden, The World
Organization of China Painting and The International Porcelain
Art magazines. She has exhibited her work at the Fort
Lauderdale museum of Art, the Coral Springs Museum of Art,
the Boca Museum of Art and many other galleries. Her award
winning porcelain was exhibited at Neiman Marcus Fort
lauderdale as one of the "Best of the Best." She was selected
by ArtServe Fort Lauderdale as one of the Best of ArtBravo
and was selected to show thirty of her porcelains in that show.
Her work was recently shown as one of the Best of ArtServe at
the Tamarac City Hall. She will also be the guest artist at the
Hollywood, Fl, City Hall for three months.
She is a past president of the Fort Lauderdale Branch and
former National Art Chairman of the National League of
American Pen Women and is a professional artist and writer in
that organization. One of her paintings was presented at the
Pen Women Biennial Convention in Washington, D.C. to
mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark. She has been a member
and officer of several porcelain artists group and is a member
of the Women in the Visual Arts and is a signature member in
the Boca Raton Museum of Art- The Artist Guild.
Mary Belle is also on the staff of the Boca Raton Museum the
Art School. She teaches porcelain art and weekend
workshops at the school.
www.porcelainpaintings.com
Past President 1996-1998
Woman of the Year 1999-2001
JoAnn Culligan
JoAnn Culligan spent most of her
career in information technologies and computer programming.
She grew up in a creative atmosphere with parents and other
family members who were artists. JoAnn always had a creative
need, but never found her passion. During the last several years
she did find it – watercolor painting.
JoAnn is a Florida artist who gets her inspiration mostly from her
local surroundings. Schooled locally in watercolor painting, she
has also studied with national known artists. “I love to paint, and
when someone likes my work, it’s special to me because I know
my art speaks to them.”
JoAnn is a member of Gold Coast Watercolor Society, Broward
Art Guild, ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale and the National League of
American Pen Women. She has served as newsletter editor,
membership chair and board member for both Gold Coast
Watercolor Society and the National League of American Pen
Women. Her works are shown in several local galleries and hang
in numerous collections throughout the country.
JoAnn works from her Pompano Beach, FL, studio. She offers
original paintings along with giclees and note cards.
www.artbyjacs.com
Beverly Dameron
Beverly Dameron is a dynamic, creative, independent and fun-loving
individual who throws her time, passion and intellect into everything
she does. She sees the world as her canvas and uses this unique
perspective to create beautiful, vivacious paintings for clients,
friends and family alike.
Growing up in Burlington, NC amongst artistic and eccentric family
members, Beverly was able to cultivate her ability. Upon graduating
with a BS from East Carolina University, Beverly took to the skies
with Delta Airlines, traveling the world and experiencing the nature
and diversity of culture in more countries than most people would
even dream of seeing. Life experiences become an inspiration in an
artist’s work, and Beverly truly believes this is the case. In addition
to her European and Asian travels heavily influencing her style, the
gentle, Southern way of life in which she grew up is woven through
many of her paintings. Much of the defining bold colors in her work
come from the vivid South Florida landscape she has called home for
over twenty years.
Through dynamic use of color and light, Beverly enjoys painting
elements of nature in acrylic and oil. Stories are woven through each
painting, and each reveals a unique side of the artist, while also
stirring deep-seated emotions within those viewing the work.
Beverly displays her art in several top galleries and private
collections throughout the South. She is always brimming with ideas
for paintings and warmly extends an open invitation to browse and
enjoy her work.
Bennie Edwards
Geni Ferro
http://www.geniferro.com/
Sondra George
Dr. Mary H. Harding
President 2002-2005
Woman of the Year 2005-2007
Giselle Haselbarth
Gisele Haselbarth, a
native of Austria, has lived and worked as an artist, during
30 years, in New York City, San Francisco Bay Area and
now in South Florida. In New York, she studied painting and
drawing with noted artists at the Art Student League in New
York City, the Pratt Institute and the Asia House. During her
artistic career, a very personal, contemporary style of
painting has evolved which reflects Life experiences and
travels in Europe, the U.S., Mexico, Russia and the Middle
East. Her technique combines acrylic, oil, pastel and
positive/negative collage techniques. Artworks are usually
produced in series, a few paintings or more created over a
year's time, as in the sailboat shape series. Gisele's artwork
has been exhibited nationally and internationally for more
than 30 years. www.gisellehaselbarth.com
Marcia Hirschy
Her consuming passion for
watercolor has led her down many paths – community
involvement, competitions, plein air painting and portraits – both
people and animals. Placing a wet, color saturated brush on a
blank sheet of paper is one of the most exhilarating feelings an
artist can have! The explosion of color as it sweeps across the
wet surface offers constant challenges and rewards. Landscapes,
seascapes, still-life and portraiture inspire her. Presentations
range from photo-realism to impressionism.
http://marciahirschy.fineartstudioonline.com/
Sandra Hynds
Elaine Kahn
After multiple careers as a nurse
practitioner, a mother of two and working in a myriad of art
forms, Elaine's style has emerged in abstract expressions.
www.elainekahn.com
Arden Kahlo
KOSH
Valerie Lecklikner
As an artist, Valerie can find
beauty within the most diverse subjects. With the use of her
lens, she is able to bring that beauty forward in what otherwise
might be viewed as common and mundane. The natural beauty
of the everglades, flora, wildlife, the ocean, urban life, and
cultural diversity of Florida represent an unending source of
inspiration for this artist. Self-taught, Valerie is passionate about
her art. Through observation, self-study, and field work, she has
become an accomplished photographer. This has become her
love and she is happy to share this talent.
www. ValerieLecklikner.com
Joyce Lihan
Joan McIver
As a freelance writer and former
Broward-based reporter for The Miami Herald, Joan’s numerous
stories have appeared in local, state and national publications. A
native of Baltimore and a graduate of the University of Notre
Dame of Maryland, Joan moved to Florida in 1962 with her late
husband and their family of five. It was love at the first sight of
the golden beaches and turquoise sea.
About 10 years ago, a birthday gift of art lessons turned Joan onto
the beauty and challenge of watercolor painting. She’s been
struggling ever since to solve the mystery of color and form. Joan
is a member of the Gold Coast Watercolor Society and has
exhibited her work at several venues.
“Writing will always be my first love, but art is
running a close second. Mixing color, brushing it onto paper and
watching it work its mysterious magic is exciting.”
Terry Arroyo Mulrooney
Terry is an
accomplished, award-winning watercolorist from Miami, Florida.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Terry has called South Florida home
since early childhood.
Terry finds satisfaction and inspiration in variety, and her work
encompasses a range of themes and subjects. She creates floral
still life, landscapes and portraits with equal passion, but she has
a special affinity for capturing timeless moments and personal
expressions in portrait form.
Terry’s strengths as an artist are her sense of realism, which she
achieves with an impeccable attention to color and line detail,
and her intimate understanding of the complex interplay between
light and shadow. Her focus is on using contrast and light to
create pieces that capture the natural beauty of her subjects.
www.terrymulrooneystudios.com
Lois Perdue
Lois has added fulltime painting
to her resume after several other creative careers including
journalism, public relations and the raising of two children. She
holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International
University. Lois was raised in Miami, Florida and moved to
Broward County in 1963. Earlier she briefly studied sculpting,
oil painting and weaving. Currently Lois uses acrylic medium to
produce her abstract paintings.
Lois has been recognized in a number of juried art exhibitions.
She is a member of the Weston, Plantation and Broward Art
Guilds. In addition, Lois is a member of the Florida and Gold
Coast Watercolor Societies and Women in the Visual Arts.
“Many of my paintings begin with an intricate under painting to
evoke personal memories in the finished piece. I use vibrant
paint colors as well as acrylic inks to build layers, and then use
the markings of brush strokes and calligraphy to further convey
emotion and movement.”
http://loisperdue.fineartstudioonline.com/
Phoenix
"As a nature and wildlife photographer, the importance of
protecting the environment means more than creating air,
clean water and producing food. It is a necessity for the
human spirit. Each image I give you is a reflection of how
my heart was deeply touched by nature's beauty. It is my
desire that my art touches your heart and inspires you to
love and protect nature for generations to come." -Phoenix
A native Miamian, Fort Lauderdale, Florida photographer
Phoenix has enjoyed a varied career that ranges from
journalism, media relations, business coach and filmmaking educator to acclaimed author, radio show host and
professional speaker. All disciplines have converged to
form who she is today: a celebrated nature photographer.
Phoenix' primary photography studio and sanctuary is
south Florida's wetlands and the Everglades in particular.
Her works are in private collections, been honored in
numerous juried exhibitions and showcased in eight solo
exhibitions, including the Everglades National Park
Gallery. Phoenix' Touching Hearts GreetingsTM are carried
in stores throughout south Florida. An extensive list of
photography awards include Best in Landscape at the
2013 International Photography Juried Competition.
Her published works include: Messages From God® book
and CD with bestselling composer Gerald Jay Markoe, The
Gift of Change, Meditation for the Economy 8-CD Set, and
Strategies for Your Personal Success.
A graduate of the University of Miami and Nova
Southeastern University, Phoenix is an active member of
ArtServe, Broward Art Guild, Bonnet House Fine Artists,
National League of American Pen Women, Light Chasers of
South Florida, South Florida Camera Club and serves as
Vice President and Professional Development Chair for the
Broward Art Guild.
www.photographsbyphoenix.com
Lillian Harman Ragland
President 2009-2011
Women of the Year 2001-2003
Risa Roberts
This long time Broward County resident was raised in new Jersey
and educated at Rutgers University. After graduation, she traveled
the world, working and exhibiting in Japan and Israel. Her artistic
and writing career blossomed here in South Florida. Risa is best
known for her high-contrast line drawings and poems. Her poems
and her art are a reflection of her life: simple.
Donna Sallee
Art lovers who know Donna Sallee view
her as Florida’s most versatile painter. Her commissions sprinkled
through America, across the seas, and on the seas (many of her
more recent paintings have been for super yachts), include work in
oils, watercolors, acrylics, and pastels.
Originally from New England, Donna’s studio today is in Lauderdale
by the Sea, Florida.Donna’s unique skills and creativity have made
her patrons come back again and again for over 40 years. The little
girl who had her first one-person show at age 12, refined her
talents at Paier College of Art in Connecticut, where she graduated
with honors in 1976.
Every work is infused with her own vivacity: Color and nature are
her passions. Her comfort with mediums covers the entire
spectrum: Canvas, paper, fiberboard , plaster, glass, wood, tile,
brick, and resin. There is no limit to her creations be they murals of
every size and scene, the softness of a child done in pastels, the
vigor of a Tuscan entourage, the whimsy of a simple bench
transformed into a Spring garden that blooms eternal, the sense of
the tropics in every room of the house – and the image of Dan
Marino throwing a pass across his bunk bed to the happiest boy in
the neighborhood.
http://artbydonnasallee.com
Fran Scheffler
The adventure of travel… with
its constantly new and changing horizons … is reflected in
the varied style and technique of Fran Scheffler. Although
her childhood was spent in Louisiana, Fran’s life has been
centered in the East Coast of Florida since her teen age
years.
With this area as a base of operations, she has traveled
much of our world as an avid and interested tourist. Her
decision to explore the world of the artist came about at the
suggestion and encouragement of her husband, John, who
realized the potential of his wife’s inquiring mind and
directed her talents into visual art expression.
As a disciplined student and an ardent practitioner, she has
developed a rich background in many mediums and
techniques.
Ever seeking new challenges within her chosen profession,
her work ranges from acrylic, watercolor or resin abstracts
to carefully execute representational scenic and seascapes
in oil.
There’s whimsy or sober reflection … a joy in pure design or
a study in precise drafting … all the products of this
energetic and talented woman.
Her work is owned by many private collectors and has
received numerous exhibition honors.
Woman of the Year 2003-2005
www.artbyfranscheffler.com
Eileen Senft
Tammy Seymour
After working in
corporate sales for 30 years, Tammy began her new
vocation in art, with a passion for watercolors. Initially a
self taught artist she follows in her father’s footsteps, an
accomplished acrylic painter in her home state of New
York. A resident of Fort Lauderdale, Tammy’s art
reflects her environment with its incredible range of rich
and sun drenched colors.
Tammy’s watercolor paintings are also inspired by
nature and her travels to the U.S. National Parks and
abroad. She often paints using photos from her travels
and will have a camera close by to capture her next
subject.
Color intrigues her, and creating interesting
combinations of color on YUPO, a synthetic plastic
paper, is a challenge and a delight. There is an
excitement each time she starts a new painting or
learns a new technique on this wonderful watermedia
journey.
Tammy is an active member of the Gold Coast
Watercolor Society, Florida Watercolor Society,
ArtServe, Broward Art Guild, Bonnet House Fine Artists,
Miami Watercolor, Palm Beach Watercolor Society and
The National League of American Pen Women, her
works are frequently exhibited locally.
President 2012-2015
Women of the Year 2012-2013
www.tamaraseymour.com
Gail Ester Smith
Gail Smith is absolutely
"The First Lady of Piano". A diversity of styles and variety of
sounds are her trademark in concerts. She is one of foremost
composer/arrangers in the field of sacred piano music, and a
highly respected music educator. Gail received her Bachelor of
Fine Arts Degree from Florida Atlantic University.
Gail is a member of the MTNA, National Guild of Piano Teachers
and Federation of Music Clubs. She has taught piano students
from the age of 3 to age 99! Her blind student, Ivan, was seen
on national television on That's incredible several years ago.
She has given concerts in churches and workshops on
improvisation throughout the USA, Germany, Sweden and
Japan.
Gail is a member of ASCAP and is the author of dozens of books
including the piano method, "Celebrate the Piano" published by
Mel Bay Publications, Inc. Her landmark book "The Complete
Book of Improvisation, Chord Progressions & Fills" is used in
many colleges. Gail has done extensive research on many
women composers and is author of "Four Centuries of Women
Composers" and "The Life and Music of Fanny Mendelssohn".
As an arranger, Gail was the front runner with her books of
hymns combined with classical piano repertoire by Lillenas. She
has hundreds of published piano arrangements as well as
original compositions and a hymn in the Trinity Hymnal. Gail has
composed two Cantatas, a piano trio, and La Fourest (for 8hands, two pianos). Her unique book of Palindromes has
numerous piano solos that sound the same played backwards or
forwards. She has written numerous articles that have appeared
in Clavier magazine and other publications. Gail writes a feature
article every month for the Piano Webzine She loves researching the history of music and her enthusiasm
is contagious. Her home is a museum, full a vast collection of
pianos and rare books. It is no wonder that she is called "THE
PIANO LADY".www.creativekeyboard.com.
Joan Steinmeyer
Joan works in watercolor,
oil and pastel. Her favorite subjects are landscape, flowers,
animals, people, and seascapes. Her major awards include a
Massachusetts Arts Lottery Grant for Botanical Watercolors,
Academic Artists Association First Prize Graphics, and the
United States Coast Guard George Gray Excellence Award.
"Art for me is very much tied to close observation of the
things in nature. Seeing color, form and the effects of light in
the physical world, as well as the essence of my subject, is
what I strive to express."
www.blackdoggallery.com/steinmeyer
Patricia L. Sullivan
Norma Sumner
Studied at Bristol Community
College, UMASS of Dartmouth, Hartford Claims School, Hartford, CT
Painting Studies: Primarily self-taught with local teachers
American and National Watercolor members
Graduate Classes at UMASS of Dartmouth
http://normasumner.fineartstudioonline.com
Lee V. Tatem
Artist, Jewelry Maker
President 1998-2000
Woman of The Year 2009-2011
Carol Thaw
No matter what the challenges are in
my life "ART IS FOOD FOR THE SOUL" Thru the use of color and
design my paintings reflect my interest in life and my personality.
Positive and Bright, Emotion full of Joy. Hopefully the viewer
experiences these emotions. A sketch book is always with me as I
prefer working directly with live people, real landscapes, and
interesting objects.
http://www.carolannart.net
Barbara Walker
Barbara has called Ft.
Lauderdale her home-town since 1944 and has based her
interior design company – Walker Designs – here for many
years.
Barbara is certified by the Florida Board of Architecture and
Interior Design. Throughout her career, she has completed
projects of varied scope and scale throughout the United
States, the Caribbean, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Barbara has lived and worked in Southeast Asia during the
past 25 years. During these travels she developed products for
the Guggenheim Museum Store and wrote several books on
the culture, architecture and arts of Bali, Laos, Cambodia and
Vietnam. She often gives lectures on these subjects and
continues her travels to this unique part of the world. She is
currently designing and developing a fabric line of hand
painted silk panels from Southeast Asia. Barbara has said that
"the artistic nature of the people and the beauty of the
landscapes there are forever with me".
Located in Ft Lauderdale, Walker-Michele Design Studio
specializes in interior design services, fine art and unique
textiles and fabrics.
www.walker-michele.com
Janis Gill Ward
JANIS GILL WARD moved
from New Jersey to Little Rock as a child and has lived in
Pine Bluff, AR most of her life. After receiving a BA from
the U. of A, she now splits her time between Fayetteville,
AR and Pompano Beach, FL.
She has attended over 55 art workshops from CA to MA,
France to Mexico, studying under many well-known artists
such as Milford Zornes, Carol Barnes, Gerald Brommer,
Maxine Masterfield and most extensively with M. Douglas
Walton, Ruston LA.
" Watercolor is my favorite medium because of the
unexpected happenings that add mystery and delight to a
painting. Sometimes I paint semi realistic, sometimes
abstract, or plein air, as being out-of-doors is a joy to me.
Biblical thoughts and environmental concerns are often
expressed through my art.
One of my main themes is the loss of habitat by the world
creatures we push out by building more and more housing
developments and malls. So I try to show the amazing
beauty of our insects, animals and birds and the
exquisiteness of our natural places before they disappear.
Perhaps my art will encourage those who see it to get out
and explore the woods and streams and enjoy nature
enough to want to help preserve it. For I believe, that man
is connected to even the very fragile of our earth's life
forms, and that only through conservation can these be
saved to prevent humanity's complete extinction."
www.janisward.fineaw.com