Poet Laureate Kay Ryan and Taylor Collins at Pen Arts Reception                      

       Welcome to the home of American Pen Women, the oldest arts organization for women in the United States with 135 branches throughout the country. We are a community of professional artists, writers, poets, composers, and arrangers who believe in the power of words, art, and music to illuminate the human experience, fire the imagination, and nourish the soul.

      When our founders established the organization in 1897, they wanted to bring together women of the arts “for mutual benefits and the strength that comes of union.” Today we are a 501(c)(3) corporation.  Our mission is to encourage, recognize and promote the production of creative work of professional standard in Art, Letters, and Music. As Pen Women, we are also dedicated to sharing our talents and time with non-members through outreach programs to foster the arts.

      Our archives chronicle the legacy of illustrious members, such as Vinnie Ream, Eudora Welty, Pearl Buck, Eleanor Roosevelt, Amy Beach, and Carrie Jacobs Bond. And there are thousands more. (To learn more about our past, please visit our History tab)

       Like the grand old house that serves as our headquarters in Washington, DC, and graces our history page, we have offered a place for women in the arts to gather for generations. We honor the traditions that have sustained us for over 112 years and embrace the unbounded opportunities for creative expression as we progress through the 21st century.

       Please explore our site and if you have interest in becoming a member, you will find the information under the “Membership” tab. Thank you for visiting American Pen Women.