Leilani Bennett. Leilani was key in identifying that PenWAG could develop into a premier wearable arts guild if we attracted the most creative and talented speakers to inspire and instruct our members. She and Marcia Manzo have been a dynamic duo as the leaders of the Program Team. They vet and finalize the program contributors often suggested by members, up to 2 years in advance. Leilani has previewed garments for ArtWear to maximize the diversity and impact of the biannual runway event. She has also led workshops in the creative process, sashiko, doll and basket making and shared her wabi-sabi insights via a newsletter column for years. Leilani’s body of work includes many Asian-inspired ensembles utilizing the lines, fabrics, findings and embellishments from all over the world.

Leilani conducted workshops and seminars in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014.

Vice President in 2012.

Program Co-chair in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2014, and 2015.

Marcia Manzo. Marcia, or “Marty” has been the other half of the dynamic duo for PenWAG’s speaker and workshop offerings. She has developed and implemented the process to support our guest artists, their workshops, the sign-up process and much more. In addition to her PenWAG contributions, she is a renowned wearable artist who has perfected the silk scarf made from almost mosaic bits of brilliant fabrics and fibers joined by the wispiest matrix. She has also led workshops based upon the Sewing Workshop “Plaza Jacket” which she has refined to suit so many happy members. She never stops learning. Marcia has also served as a Board member for many years.

Marty conducted workshops and seminars in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015.

President in 2012.

Vice President in 2013.

Program Co-chair and Board Member in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2014, and 2015.

Gary Sasaki. Gary was the first developer of our website. He worked with a committee of the Board to define our needs and get us started. His work was the basis for today’s website. For years he also formatted the annual membership directory which was printed and distributed to all members annually.

Ruth is the collective memory for so many of PenWAG’s endeavors that most members say “Ask Ruth – she will know”. She turns her detail-oriented strength into learning to do whatever it takes to keep PenWAG’s processes humming behind the scenes. She sets up safety nets to remind others new to a task or who are slightly less organized. She is an unfailing resource and tireless worker for any PenWAG project that needs her. She is currently turning her attention to the website content where her knowledge of PenWAG history is invaluable.Her own creative output is phenomenal as she finishes many ensembles including jacket, slacks, accessories and often hats including the latest techniques offered by our guest artists.

President in 2011.

Secretary in 2006, 2007.

Treasurer in 2009, 2010, and part of 2012

Terri was the driving force in researching, documenting and gaining approval for PenWAG’s California and Federal non-profit, educational organization status, or 501 (c) 3 status. She then went on to help develop PenWAG as we know it today by guiding our growth and moving us to the Campbell Community Center, organizing our meetings to have more focus on wearable arts sharing, researching and recommending our financial software, developing a budget process and working on the development of our website. In 2007, Terri donated a large sum to PenWAG for the purpose of acquiring more prominent speakers, providing a strong base for the speakers, classes and workshops we have today.

President in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Vice President in 2007

Shaun has served in financial capacities for many years as treasurer, auditor or tax advisor. She has been President and Webmaster as well as coordinator of the guild’s booth at the Pacific International Quilt Festival. Her efforts on behalf of the Guild to qualify for its educational 501(c)3 non-profit status with both federal and state governments took enormous hours of research and time.

Webmaster approximately 2004 – 2006

Treasurer 2007, 2008, 2011

Member at large 2010

President 2006

Secretary – 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

I’d like to nominate Nancy Pyeatt for the PenWAG Hall of Fame because she is that special type of member who improves any organization she belongs to. She may not be the best known member but has helped PenWAG in various volunteer positions for years. She does this without ever asking for the limelight or for thanks. She joined PenWAG in the early 1990’s, a few years after it was formed; when PenWAG had 15-20 members and met in a room at Xerox Park and has been helping since then. She has helped with sales, coordinating refreshments acting as the hospitality committee before it existed, newsletter mailing, the library, at PIQF, the membership table,  and sets up and brings the badge board to each meeting. For years she has been a friendly face at the Membership Table, greeting guests and members.

It takes many volunteers to make PenWAG work and Nancy represents those members who step up and help the organization in short-term and long-term ways, in small and big ways. She helps where she can because she feels she should support the organization that she enjoys being part of.

Anne has been our Membership guru working with paper, spreadsheet, web and other resources to support members and our Board.  She continually evolved membership functions, name tags, and publicity materials, etc. in an effort to grow and sustain our membership.  She has many wearable art interests and often quietly wears her work and forgets to share it during Show and Tell!