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About the
WCG

The Washington Calligraphers Guild promotes the study and practice of calligraphy while fostering a wider appreciation and deeper understanding of artistic hand lettering and related disciplines. A non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, the Guild was founded in 1976 by acclaimed calligrapher Sheila Waters with her calligraphic colleagues and students. 

 Please join us

 and enjoy the friendships that develop as you enhance your artistry alongside creative people who share your interests. Membership is open to calligraphers of all skill levels, from professional scribes to enthusiastic beginners, and to anyone who appreciates the lettering arts. WCG is happy to welcome new members year-round. Among the many resources we provide to members are workshops and monthly programs to expand skills, classes taught by WCG members, scholarships for continued study, links of interest, free listings for freelancers and our quarterly Bulletin packed with calligraphic art and reviews.

An all-volunteer organization approaching its 50th year, the Guild has a proud history of members who give back as officers or working on committees. We are recognized as one of the most active groups in the world, as evidenced by our international membership roster, acclaimed journal Scripsit, hosting three Letterforums (International Calligraphy Conferences) and sponsorship of the Graceful Envelope Contest, now in its 30th year. 

✧ Visit WCG on Instagram and Facebook​.✧

Membership questions? Email wcg.mbrship@gmail.com

Sheila_Waters_Roundel-of-the-Seasons

abcxyz by Charlie Hughes, © Washington Calligraphers Guild.
WCG logo and Roundel of the Seasons by Sheila Waters.

NEW SCRIPSIT features GRACEFUL ENVELOPE CONTEST WINNERS of past 5 years plus Top 25 winners of all time!

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

  • 50th Anniversary Planning Meeting #2
    50th Anniversary Planning Meeting #2
    Sun, Oct 19
    Oct 19, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
    Sammy's home, 2002 Osborn Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
    Share your ideas of how WCG should celebrate our 50th anniversary on Sunday, Oct 19, 2-4 pm ET either in person or online. Either way, we ask that you RSVP here so we can plan.
  • Mike Kecseg: From Engrosser to Contemporary Calligrapher
    Mike Kecseg: From Engrosser to Contemporary Calligrapher
    Oct 22, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    via Zoom
    Mike Kecseg shares art from his calligraphic career, beginning as an engrosser, to opening his own calligraphy studio, to developing into a contemporary lettering artist. The master penman caps his presentation with a demonstration of his modern pointed pen script with pen manipulations.
  • Pointed Pen Variations with Mike Kecseg - Week 1
    Pointed Pen Variations with Mike Kecseg - Week 1
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Nov 08
    Nov 08, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
    Online over Zoom
    Want to add expression and a contemporary feel to your pointed pen work? Master Penman Mike Kecseg will help us explore the potential for creating new and exciting letterforms, taking your calligraphic repertoire to new heights.
  • WCG Board Meeting
    WCG Board Meeting
    Wed, Nov 12
    Officers and committee members via Zoom
    Nov 12, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Officers and committee members via Zoom
    WCG members are welcome to observe; email klpg57[at]aol.com for the zoom link.
  • Pointed Pen Variations with Mike Kecseg - Week 2
    Pointed Pen Variations with Mike Kecseg - Week 2
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Nov 15
    Nov 15, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Online over Zoom
    Want to add expression and a contemporary feel to your pointed pen work? Master Penman Mike Kecseg will help us explore the potential for creating new and exciting letterforms, taking your calligraphic repertoire to new heights.
  • Festive Flourishes with Heather Held
    Festive Flourishes with Heather Held
    Nov 19, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Online via Zoom
    Put some Sparkle and Frost into your holiday cards! These delightful Festive Flourishes are a joy to bring to life with the pointed pen using white on dark papers. All levels will be able to pen these sweet stars and snowflakes!
Michael Sull bird

Art:
Michael Sull

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