Photos by Jason Redmond / Star staff

At left, Carol E. R. Doering of Thousand Oaks is president of the Women's Artistic Network. "Our goal is to help other women in the artistic community to move forward," she said. Above, a "Touch of Remembrance" is a book of poetry and photographs by Doering. The Women's Artistic Network has 23 members ranging in age from the 20s to the 80s.

Encouragement, focus and support for one another's work are among the rewards women are reaping in the Women's Artistic Network.

Formed last fall, the group for professional and beginning artists in all fields promotes women networking to achieve success in the artistic world, said President Carol Doering of Thousand Oaks.

"Our goal is to help other women in the artistic community to move forward," said Doering, a self-published poet. "We give that extra hand to a writer, artist, speaker, composer that says, Hey, we're here and we're going to help you.'"

The group has 23 members — from their 20s to their 80s — from areas including Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and the San Fernando Valley, with one member from Tennessee.

July and August excluded, they meet on the second Monday of the month in members' homes. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Local professionals or group members provide the programs.

In the past year, for example, Shirley La Porte, artist in residence at Paper Post in Agoura Hills, discussed how to paint watercolor flowers to create handmade greeting cards.

Karen Hibdon, the recently retired community editor for the Ventura County Star, discussed what a newspaper can do for groups like WAN by offering an online outlet for creative people to submit their work.

The next meeting will focus on the culinary arts, with professional chef Robyn Fennessy.

"Our goal is to encourage members to reach for their dreams," said member Diantha Ain of Simi Valley. "We're there to support them, direct them, or just listen to them. Not all families or friends understand creative people; they do not know what to say to support us positively nor to comfort us in our disappointment. The members are there for each other at art shows, book signings, poetry readings, or whatever. We share our struggles, our successes, and our rejections with understanding people who are on similar paths. It's a very powerful motivator."

Dorothea Heger of Newbury Park, a painter, joined the group to meet a variety of artists.

"It is such an inspiration for example to listen to a poem from our writers, or listening to the piano play of our musicians," she said. "We support each other. Members come to the reception when I have an exhibition and support me. It is the women who make it special — each one special and talented in her own way."

Simi Valley resident Susie Salva, who runs a writer's critique group, wanted to gain the support of other women who are working in the arts.

"There is this comfortable, invigorating feeling you get being involved with such a talented group of women," Salva said. "We each wish the best for each other and cheer each other on. This is a very special group of women."

Gail Endelman Small of Thousand Oaks, the author of five books and an international motivational speaker, was interested in relating to other writers of all ages and talents. "It is a true camaraderie of talent and art," she said. "It is like a booster shot and an excitement that is stimulating. Each woman has a different talent and we share and celebrate."

Simi Valley resident Colleen Janssen, a writer and public speaker, found out about the WAN after speaking at a meeting of the Simi Valley Community Council, where members of the group were present.

After joining as a public speaker, "during some of their meetings, they would have writing exercises," Janssen recalled. "I found that my childhood love of writing was coming forward again."

With a little encouragement, she started focusing on her writing skills.

"Many of the group members told me that I am funny on paper. They told me they always looked forward to laughing at my work," she said. "The members have encouraged my writing by laughing at the right times. Also, the speakers have provided wonderful help with tips and hints on getting published."

She said she believes the group is unique because of the ability of members to be honest about someone else's ability, offering constructive criticism.

"The women in the group are as varied and similar as you can imagine. We are of all ages, abilities, interests and talents," Janssen said. "We have writers, poets, composers, artists, and more. We all have one thing in common: the desire to share our work with the world."

For more information about the Women's Artistic Network, call Carol Doering at 493-1081.