The Washington Calligraphers Guild is a thriving organization of close to 500 letter lovers of all skill levels, from professional scribes to enthusiastic beginners and even some non-calligraphers who appreciate the lettering and book arts. Founded in 1976 by internationally known calligrapher Sheila Waters and a group of her associates, the Guild is a nonprofit organization that promotes all aspects of the lettering arts and related crafts. Today we are recognized as one of the most active groups in the world, as evidenced by our international membership roster. Membership is open to anyone regardless of calligraphic ability.  

The annually elected Board of Directors is responsible for developing and carrying out Guild policies as well as leading the committees of volunteers that prepare Guild activities. Many board members are relatively new to calligraphy, but devoted in their interest.

Monthly meetings offer the fellowship of calligraphic colleagues. Each meeting features a visiting, well-respected lettering artist or a local expert who shares information, slides and demonstrations on topics related to lettering and book arts.

Our monthly Bulletin features timely notices about our exhibits, meeting dates and workshop schedules, and news of events sponsored by other calligraphic societies. Scripsit, our journal, published three times a year, is an exceptional calligraphic publication. It contains in-depth articles from and for members, interviews, book reviews, workshop reviews, and art of the highest quality.

We offer an extensive workshop program in the fall and spring aimed at all levels of skill. Our teachers include internationally renowned calligraphers as well as local talent.

The Guild exhibits members' artwork in two major annual shows, one juried and one unjuried, along with a number of smaller exhibitions. The Mansion at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD houses the Guild library of books, slides, and publications. We also maintain a list of freelance calligraphers and display their artwork.

In the fall the Guild holds Holiday Calligrafest, a day-long festival of lettering and related arts. In July 2006 the Guild hosted Letterforum, the 26th annual international gathering of lettering artists.

OFFICERS FOR 2005-2006:
Gretchen Elson, president
Theresa Daly, vice president
William Pitcher, secretary
Pamn Klinedinst, treasurer
Esther Washington, member-at-large

About Sheila Waters, first president and founding member of the Washington Calligraphers Guild:

Sheila Waters graduated from the Medway College of Art in Kent and the Royal College of Art in London. She developed her calligraphic skills under the tutelage of Dorothy Mahoney (assistant to the great pioneer of calligraphy, Edward Johnson). At 22 she was elected a Fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators and began a career devoted to commissions for royalty, museums, libraries, collectors and publishers. Her work is included in most of the important books which have been published about calligraphy. A gifted teacher, Sheila shares her extensive knowledge and techniques with calligraphers the world over.

In the photo, taken at the 25th Anniversary Exhibition opening on July 20, 2001, Sheila Waters holds a document she lettered in 1976 about the founding of the Washington Calligraphers Guild that invited calligraphers to join as charter members.

Read Sheila Waters' remarks about the importance of core calligraphy instruction and practice, presented at the 25th Annual International Calligraphy Conference, "Legacies."