The Tampa Branch meets each month from September  through May with at least two programs for each discipline.   One of our most outstanding programs this year featured one of our prolific Pen Woman  composer from the past, Carrie Bond.

We have monetary supported the Women’s prison Art program conducted by one of our members.  She had an exhibition of about 300 of their works.

We have three shut-in members.  A list with the dates typed in from one meeting to the next for each with spaces for members to sign up to send them a card.  This way each one will receive a card each week letting them know we are thinking of them.

We have thought provoking topics to be discussed during lunch.  It’s a way to exchange ideas on solving professional problems we all face no matter what the discipline.  Topics so far have been:

          How and where do you get ideas to create your project, story,  paintings.

          What kind of promotions do you do for your work.

          How do you jump start your creativity when you are having a dry spell.

          How do you stay focused on your work when “things” get in the way.

          How can we recharge our creative spirit.

          What actions do you take to keep your creativity from getting derailed.

We had an outreach travel writing seminar held at one of the local libraries with Clearwater's Sandy Huff, a world traveler, as the speaker. 

We have workshops with members sharing some of their expertise with our fellow members – no charge.

So far this year we have had the following workshops:

          Calligraphy  

          Planning your circle of projected projects

          Digital camera

          Colored pencil

          Making small books

          Writing press releases and writing our own bio

We will start our workshops again after the holidays.

Meletha Everett, President