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I grew up in New Jersey, and although I cannot say I was an artistic prodigy, I found sketching and doodling to be a fascination and safe haven early on. My initial artistic education was in the field of architecture, in which I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
I have had a long-standing fascination with the medium of glass, and during my graduate work in architecture this interest developed into the opportunity for a three-year stained glass apprenticeship in the studio of master glass craftsman Patricia Vloeberghs in Atlanta, Georgia.
Since then I have been creating residential, commercial and ecclesiastical glass installations and artworks. The combination of my architectural and stained glass backgrounds helps my larger installations complement and accentuate their settings, creating the most artistic empathy and impact.
In the past five years I have been learning additional techniques such as fusing and cold-working which have pushed my work in new directions. I take traditional stained glass techniques and materials and use them in new ways to create sculptural forms.
For the past ten years I have lived in Texas. I am currently a member artist of Archway Gallery in Houston where my work is available, and I welcome custom commissions in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. I am honored to serve as Artist in Residence at Harmony Stained Glass in Pasadena, and most recently also for my home parish of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay.
I believe glass is an alchemical medium. It holds an interesting and not easily specified space on the creative spectrum. It is simultaneously craft, architecture and fine art. It has a constructivist component that is challenging and architectural and craft-like. Yet its symbolic and historically narrative role brings it into a realm of artistic conversation. I find it to be the perfect medium in which to explore art, craft and architecture, all of which have bemused me my entire life.
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Who will WiVLA highlight next?
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Each month, a WiVLA member is highlighted in the Newsletter. This is a fun way for us to get to know each other.
Contact the Literary Art Chair or the Visual Art Chair, if you would like your time in the spotlight.
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Laura had three poems published in Friendswood Public Library's Ekphrastic Anthology on October 4th.
She also translated into Spanish a poem for Margo Stutts Toombs for How to Tend a Wall for a collaboration between Margo Stutts Toombs' writing and Donna Perkins's painting.
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Mildred was featured on two-time Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Rushion McDonald’s radio show, Money Making Conversations Master Class!
Listen to their discussion here.
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On October 18th, Writespace hosted Meet the Authors at Sabine Street Studios, drawing a full house for an afternoon of readings, book signings, and a lively panel discussion with authors Kathi Crawford, Randall James Tyrone, Chris Flakus, and Tayyba Maya Kanwal. Attendees engaged with the writers’ personal publication journeys and explored the building’s open art studios. Donna Carnahan’s Mocha Memories at Backstreet was featured behind Kathi’s author signing table, which inspired her poem New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
Kathi also announced that her second chapbook has been accepted! Kathi Crawford’s second chapbook, running with the beasts, is officially forthcoming from Finishing Line Press in 2026. Following the success of consider the light, Kathi is thrilled to partner again with FLP to bring this new hybrid collection to life.
The manuscript explores women’s labor—both visible and invisible—across generations and landscapes. Editor Holly Lyn Walrath describes it as “flagrantly feminist and full of flawed heroines,” offering readers “a welcome reprieve” through its lyrical storytelling and emotional depth.
Cover art is in development by Brooke Summers-Perry, whose visual sensibility will complement the spirit of the collection.
Stay tuned for updates, sneak peeks, and opportunities to support the book’s journey to publication.
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Sandi received fantastic news from the Red River Review: "We are thrilled to welcome you to the Red River Review family of authors! Your pieces, I am unfit to be a wife again and Lament of a Failed Villanelle, spoke to us with clarity, resonance, and a voice that energized us."
And Sandi's dear friend and teacher extraordinaire, David Meischen, paid tribute to one of her poems in a thoughtful and touching post in his Substack series, Narrative Surprise.
She's honored that "Through the Keyhole" inspired him to write this: Poem as Chalice, as Receptacle.
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Melody was was interviewed by Diana Clark Art, for her Small Art Talk with Diana Clark series. Melody shared how WiVLA played a big part in her artistic journey and inspired her to rent her first studio.
Melody's show, LUMENessence, is still on view at the Cloister Gallery through November 18th.
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Denise attended the book launch party for the collaboration between Houston Writers Guild and WiVLA for the Journey into Hope short story anthology.
She joined the other anthology authors in reading a selection from her story.
It was great fun to meet the other authors and get their autographs in her copy of the book!
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Check out Denise's books on Amazon.
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Synkroniciti is Open
for Written and Visual Art Submissions
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Synkroniciti is a quarterly online arts journal. They accept work in a variety of media across the visual, literary and performing arts spectrum.
Audacity may be interpreted as insolence, imprudence or unconventionality, even rudeness. While it implies a degree of cheekiness, it also connotes fearlessness and intrepid daring. The act of expressing oneself with authenticity is audacious, especially when it reveals uniqueness and nonconformity.
For good or ill, audacity requires courage and willingness to take chances. We are seeking work that illustrates challenges to conventional thinking and resistance to hostile circumstances, exploring the connections between risk-taking and autonomy.
What does it mean to be fearless, to subvert expectations, or simply take up space?
Submissions for their Audacity issue are now open. Contests will be held in poetry ($75), flash fiction ($75) and for the cover ($100).
Theme: Audacity
Deadline: 1/15/2026
Fee: $3 per submission
Submissions should be emailed to magazine@synkroniciti.com
Want to know now what they look for in a submission? Check out this interview with editor Katherine McDaniel by Jim Harrington over at Six Questions For Katherine McDaniel, Founder/Editor, Synkroniciti Magazine
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LSAG Art League Fall Judged Shows!
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Houston Art Society (HAS) – LSAG Fall Show
- Early bird Registration Ends: November 3, 2025
- Registration Closes: November 8, 2025
- Awards Announced: November 8, 2025 at the show
- Eligibility: This show is available for all Texas Residents.
- Judge: Susan Sheets
- Show Location: Christian Life Center-Enter, Fairhaven Methodist Church, 1330 Gessner, Houston, TX
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Webster Presbyterian Church
Sanctuary for the Arts
Webster, Texas
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 Every artist carries a voice—expressed not only in subject matter but in the marks, materials, and choices that shape their work.
This exhibition seeks submissions that explore the idea of artistic voice as an essential form of creative expression. What does your creative voice sound like? Is it bold or gentle, playful or serious, loud or quiet?
Our upcoming exhibit, The Artist’s Voice, is all about celebrating the unique ways artists express themselves.
- Submission Deadline: 11/30/2025
- Notification of Acceptance: 12/8/2025
- Delivery of Accepted Works: 1/4/2026, 12-2 pm
- Exhibit Dates: 1/11 - 3/22/2026
- Opening Reception & Art Talk: 2/6/2026, 6-8 pm
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The Hardy & Nance Studios Call for Entry:
SOUND + VISION: An Exhibition of Art Inspired by Sound
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Hardy & Nance Studios is pleased to announce our Call for Entries for the SOUND + VISION: An Exhibition of Art Inspired by Sound that coincides with our Third Saturday Open Studios on November 15, 2025 from 5-10pm. This call for entries is open to all artists in Houston and surrounding areas working in 2D & 3D media.
THEME: Artwork that is inspired by all things sound, audio, music, vibration et al. As always original work is expected. Collaborations and conceptual submissions are fine to submit. If you possess artwork by another person that you think would look great in the show- reach out and let’s discuss!
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Artists can submit images and information for up to four (4) pieces per artist, no later than November 3rd, 2025 at 11:59pm.
Notification of acceptance will be sent via email no later than EOD on November 6th, 2025. (If you do not receive an acceptance/rejection email, please respond to your entry confirmation email.
To submit your work, please visit the link in our bio or visit https://form.jotform.com/HardyandNanceStudios/SoundVision
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Material Matters is a Juried art show to be held at Ardest Gallery in The Woodlands, Texas, just North of Houston.
"Material Matters" strives to explore the dynamic nature of mixed media, bringing together artists from across mediums and disciplines to weave together a cohesive show celebrating materials. This group show will serve as a tribute to innovative methods that push boundaries of what art can be, and the stories that can be found within the materials themselves.
The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, FEBRUARY 7TH from 6-8 p.m. with a presentation by the Juror at 7 p.m.
GUEST JUROR - Robert Benjamin Stiles (Benji)
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Williams Nonfiction Prize
By HerStry
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HerStry has long been a place for women identifying and nonbinary folks to tell their stories. Now, we’d like to amplify your stories even more with our contest and prize.
There is no theme to adhere to for this contest, simply nonfiction written by you, about you. Give us your best work, the stuff of your heart. Our stories are what make us, tell yours.
HerStry centers the experiences of women identifying persons. We’re looking for work from bigender/polygender persons, cisgender women, intergender persons/intersex persons, non-binary persons/gender non-conforming persons, transgender women/transfeminine persons, two-spirit.
The Important Stuff:
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All essays must be true, about you, and previously unpublished.
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Essays must stay under 5,000 words.
Submissions Open October 6, 2025 - January 1, 2026
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Leonard Cohen Poetry Prize
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Theme: Love, Faith, & Sex
Dates: September 21 - November 7
What to Send: Send us up to 3 pages of poetry Each poem starts on a new page.
Submission Fee: $15
Prize: Awards of a total of $3500 will be given, with the winning poem receiving $1000 and 10 finalists receiving $250 each.
In the spirit of Leonard Cohen, we ask that your poems deal in some way with the intersections of Love, Faith, & Sex.
We only accept previously uncurated work.
We love cover letters and would prefer knowing whose work we are reading. You are welcome to share your love for Leonard Cohen, your publication history, if any, though that would not influence our decision. Please make sure that the document of your poems is stripped of any biographical information—use the cover letter field on Submittable for this.
Please withdraw your poems if they get accepted elsewhere.
We will respond to everyone by the end of this year. Winners will be announced and published in January.
Your submission comes with an exclusive 33% discount off any of the annual ONLY POEMS membership tiers ($33-$82 value).
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WOW! FALL 2025 FLASH FICTION CONTEST
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Theme: Open
Length: 250 - 750 words
Deadline: November 30th
Entry Fee: $10/submission
Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Runners Up, and Honorable Mention
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The Fall Black River Chapbook Competition
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Theme: Poetry Chapbook - unpublished chapbook of poems or prose
Length: 16-36 pages in length
Deadline: November 1st
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: The winner will receive book publication, a $500 cash award, and ten copies of the book. Prizes are awarded on publication.
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Lone Star Literary Life is your digital hub for all things Texas books. We celebrate local authors, indie bookstores, and literary events—connecting the community with compassion and a commitment to uncensored reading.
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Writing Contests, Grants & Awards
The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.
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Literary Magazines
Find a home for your poems, stories, essays, and reviews by researching the publications vetted by our editorial staff and listed in the Literary Magazines database. Here you’ll find editorial policies, submission guidelines, and contact information—everything you need to determine which publications match your vision for your writing and your writing life.
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According to their website, "Duotrope is an established, award-winning resource for writers and artists. We help you save time finding publishers or literary agents, so you can focus on creating. Our publication and agent listings are up to date and full of information you won't find elsewhere. We also offer submission trackers, custom searches, deadline calendars, statistical reports, and extensive interviews."
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According to their website, "For writers, getting your work published and recognized is a step toward realizing your goals as an author. However, finding the right contests or publications can be a challenging and time consuming. Authors now have the opportunity to find and submit their writing to magazines, publishers, and contests through a website called Submittable."
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According to their website, "CaFÉ strives to make art opportunities available to all by offering arts organizations an affordable submission platform and artists an easy way to apply. CaFÉ has an open call for everyone, from competitions to public art calls, to art contests and more. Artists can create an artist portfolio for free and apply to various call listings. CaFÉ also hosts its own call for entry."
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According to their website, "Since established in 2003, Smarter Entry has evolved to become one of the most comprehensive competition and call for entry management systems. Used by art groups and organizations of all sizes, this intuitive, affordable web-based software makes it easy for organizations to run regional to worldwide events. Smarter Entry is a perfect choice for sculpture and other 3D media, as well as photography and painting competitions."
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According to their website, "For the Artist, Maker and (Forever) Inspired. Artists Network is with you every step of your art journey. Artists Network produces anywhere from three to five major events for visual art enthusiasts each year. We plan and produce different art-making getaways and retreats, art competitions, pop-up learn-ins, Paint Alongs, art talks and tours, and more in locations worldwide."
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Check out these classes and more at ALH!
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WHEN: Monday, Nov 17th, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Fairhaven Methodist's Trinity Center, 1330 Gessner Road, Houston, TX 77055
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WAS-H Live - Demo by Lisa Tennant
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Check out these classes and more at WAS-H!
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Location: WAS-H at 1601 West Alabama at Mandell, Houston, TX 77006.
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Three-Day Watercolor Workshop
with Richie Vios
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Richie Vios, an award-winning Plein Air Watercolor artist, will host a three-day workshop for intermediate to advanced-level artists who want to learn the art of watercolor painting.
The workshop will showcase how the four pillars of great painting—Shapes, Values, Edges, and Color—can be used as a device to achieve impressive watercolor results.
Additionally, it will demonstrate how to simplify the watercolor process into its essential elements, guiding each artist toward a better understanding of the importance of learning watercolor consistency and mastering ultimate timing to reach their desired level of watercolor painting.
Artist Statement:
I believe that the mark of a good artist is to be able to capture the different facets of life in his painting, the mood, ambiance, etc. In a sense, not just illustrating or recording what he sees but expressing what he feels.
The subject in front of me is my inspiration, complemented with my imagination, charged with my passion, and a personal artistic impression embodied in my watercolor works.
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WHEN: Thursday, January 15th through Saturday January 17th from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM each day
WHERE: TWAL Studio, 701 Sawdust Rd., The Woodlands, TX 77380.
COST: Non-Members – $350, TWAL Members – $300
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Constructing the Human Head
Using the Loomis Method
with Ken Roy
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The workshop is about constructing the head, not drawing a portrait, although a portrait may be drawn using this method. It is also an effective method to draw a believable head from imagination.
Beginning with the ball as the basic shape of the human head, we will follow a process using the Loomis method (Andrew Loomis*) to construct a human head with a simple line drawing. The method focuses on shape, proportion, and structure of the head.
Instruction will not address detailed rendering, edge control, value (other than a simple separation between areas of light and dark), or color. There'll be opportunity to draw the head in profile, full frontal, and 3/4 view.
You'll draw -- not from a photo -- but from one of the busts (fondly referred to as the deadheads) in the classroom.
WHEN: November 9th, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
WHERE: Conroe Art League Studio. 127 Simonton St., Conroe, TX 77301.
COST: $40 for CAL Members, $80 for non-members.
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Weave Some Magic with Cynthia Reid
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Learn the art of paper weaving by working with different types of papers (commercial and handmade), using strips, warp and weft, and cutting windows. Options are unlimited for combining papers to achieve colorful and textural creations. Most supplies are provided, including a curated packet of varied and beautiful papers.
WHEN: January 17th - 18th, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
WHERE: Conroe Art League Studio. 127 Simonton St., Conroe, TX 77301.
COST: $175 for CAL Members, $215 for non-members.
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WHEN: Classes start throughout November
WHERE: Houston Center for Photography 1441 West Alabama, Houston, Texas 77006.
COST: Varies per class
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Monthly Open Mic Poetry Reading
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Inprint First Fridays Reading Series & Open Mic
First Fridays will present a monthly featured presenter, a poet of distinction and accomplishment, followed by one of Houston's premier and most attentive open mic forums.
First Fridays take place every first Friday of the month, 12 times a year, at Inprint House, 1520 West Main Street, 77006. We throw the doors open at 7:30 PM; the featured readers share wisdom and words with us at 8:00 PM, and then the open mic gets rolling at 8:30 PM, whether you're ready or not.
(Sign up to read when you arrive.)
Writespace Last Friday Readings and Socials
Featured readers, member readers, and an open mic for YOU to participate! Join us in the South gallery of Sabine Street Studios with local literary and craft vendors, 7 PM til we run out of words (Sign up to read when you arrive.)
Brazos Bookstore Friday Night Poetry Open Mic Night
Sign-ups for readers will be taken at the door starting at 6 PM and drawn from a hat starting at 6:15 PM. The rules are simple: 5 minutes or three pieces, whichever comes first! If there is spare time, we happily invite poets with more material to try out to come back and share it with us!
The reading is free and open to all: young, old, first timers, veterans, and you!
Public Poetry Second Saturday Reading Series with the Houston Public Library. Poetry comes alive the first Saturday of each month at 2 PM with readings performed by a creative mix of artists. Participants are invited to read a piece for Open Mic during featured poets intermission. Poetry readings alternate between Zoom and in-person events at various Houston libraries.
FRIENDSWOOD POETS First Saturday Readings at the Friendswood Library 11 AM. Community Room Friendswood Library 416 S Friendswood Dr, Friendswood TX.
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Houston Independent Authors
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WRITESPACE is Houston's writing center. Founded in April of 2014, we are a grassroots literary arts organization founded by writers, for writers. At WRITESPACE, we support writers of all genres, including writers of literary fiction, poetry, science-fiction, fantasy, mystery, young adult, and other genres.
We offer weekly writing workshops, manuscript consultations, write-ins, open mics, socials, and more. In the spring of each year, we host a national literary festival, Writefest.
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- Happy Hour: Making Yourself and Your Creative Practice a Priority (Zoom)
- Amherst Way with Jessica Cole (Zoom)
- Find Your Aesthetic as a Writer (Zoom)
- How to Self-Publish & Market Your First Book
- Holiday Sights, Sounds, and Scents: Writing from the Power of the Senses
- Writespace Lecture: How to Write Cozy Mysteries (Zoom
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The Houston Writers Guild is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization working to create a community of writers of all skill levels. Together we strive to improve our writing craft and help each other build successful careers through education, collaborative marketing efforts, and camaraderie.
The Guild offers a myriad of programs for both published and unpublished writers. It creates opportunities to build careers through networking, as well as, opportunities for author book sales throughout the Greater Houston area and neighboring communities. The Guild is also a place for hobbyist authors to enjoy writing in a relaxed and fun environment.
Critique Group
Writer's Room - several offerings
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Inprint envisions Houston, Texas as a city where the literary arts are a defining resource. Thousands of Houstonians, recognizing the value and impact of the written word, join in Inprint programs to write, read, and support the literary arts. The community is enriched by some of the nation’s top emerging writers, who study at the University of Houston Creative Writing Program and teach at Inprint and various local community centers, schools, and universities.
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- Novel/In-Person 2526-204
- Poetry/In-Person 2526-212
- Spanish Creative Writing/In-Person 2526-211
- Teachers-as-Writers/In-Person 2526-213
- Sentence Craft/In-Person 2526-214
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The WRITER'S LEAGUE of TEXAS (WLT) is the largest literary arts organization in Texas, a statewide nonprofit offering programs and services to writers at all stages of their writing careers, from just getting started to publication and beyond.
Founded in 1981, the organization’s mission is to provide a forum for information, support, and sharing among writers; to help writers improve their craft and understand the business of publishing; to promote the interests of writers from diverse cultural, economic, sexual identity and orientation, ethnic, and religious backgrounds; and to elevate the art and enterprise of writing, including supporting and growing the Texas literary community at large.
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WOW! is a global magazine designed to support women's creativity, energy, blood, sweat, and tears throughout all stages of the writing process. We envision Wow! being a favorite watering hole for professionals, the up-and-coming, and the recipients of our labors--the avid readers.
Our concept is unique, as it fills in the missing gap between writing websites and women's magazines. We are dedicated to raising the overall standards within the writing community, and devote an active profile within writing industry associations, organizations and websites.
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- Get to “The End”in Style: A Prose Workshop with Guadalupe Garcia McCall Hybrid (in-person and online via Zoom)
- Writing in the Land with Emmy Pérez (online via Zoom)
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The International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG) is dedicated to building a worldwide community where storytelling connects, inspires, and uplifts voices across cultures. We celebrate the richness of diverse traditions, histories, and perspectives, recognizing that every writer contributes to the shared human experience.
All IWWG workshops are listed in ET (Eastern Time).
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TWO SYLVIAS PRESS is an independent press located in the Seattle area. We publish poetry, memoir, essays, books on the craft of writing, and creativity tools, such as The Poet Tarot, The Daily Poet, Everything is Writable, PR for Poets, Demystifying the Manuscript, and the bestselling resource for poets, The Weekly Muse.
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* Collaboration Catalogs Available! *
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You can purchase copies of the REFLECTION catalog from the 2022 Collaboration for $5.
Stop by Studio 320 at Silver Street Studios to purchase additional copies of either catalog. Silver Street Studios is located in the Main Yard of Sawyer Yards. Call ahead at 713-851-0134 to ensure that she’ll be in the studio when you arrive.
(We are sold out of ENTANGLED catalogs!)
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Remember to check the WiVLA Calendar for exciting events, such as field trips, studio visits, workshops, and other fun activities.
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Save the Date(s)
- WiVLA Book Club: Last Saturdays of the month
- Blackout Poetry Group (Online): First Fridays of the month
- WiVLA Holiday Party Dec 7, 2-5 PM Silver Street Studios, Studio 320
- The World Inside You®: Professional Development for Artists and Writers multi-session workshop Saturdays in January
- Demo and workshop with Houston House of Glass Jan 24th
- Tour of Ann Leis' amazing Dewees Cochran doll collection, followed by a Tea party Jan 31st.
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WiVLA Needs Your Expertise
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Do you have special skills, talents or knowledge to share with other WiVLA members? Now is a good time to volunteer ~
- Serve on a committee
- Speak at a monthly meeting
- Lead a workshop.
- Be creative
Don't be shy. We have a lot to learn from each other.
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We'd love to celebrate your good news. If you are interested in sharing, please send your items to newsletter@wivla.org. The deadline for inclusion in the next month's newsletter is the 20th. Thank you.
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