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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 and her students. 

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✧ 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.

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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. 

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✧ Visit WCG on Instagram and Facebook​.✧

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WCG's April 9 Online Program:

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Black Hours
with Tiarna Zupan
Wed April 9, 7:30-9pm ET on Zoom

Zoom opens at 7 for conversation.
Members free, no need to register. 
Non-members also free--our gift to you--but you need to register here.

 

​Tiarna will discuss how 15th c.
black Books of Hours were created.

After sharing her own striking proclamations on black, Tiarna will demonstrate techniques she has learned, often by trial and error. 

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

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URGENT: Members not receiving weekly emails from WCG such as Bulletin or zoom links, email swerdloff@gmail.com.

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

  • Black Hours with Tiarna Zupan
    Black Hours with Tiarna Zupan
    Wed, Apr 09
    via Zoom
    Apr 09, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
    via Zoom
    Black Hours--15th century personal prayer books written on parchment dyed black--became a passion for Tiarna Zupan due to the Society for Creative Anachronism. Tiarna will share the history of Black Hours, techniques used, her own luminous Black Hours and demonstrate.
  • Board Meeting
    Board Meeting
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Apr 16
    via Zoom
    Apr 16, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    via Zoom
    President Elissa Krieg will lead discussions of Guild goals, financial issues and committee plans.
  • Blooms Glorious Blooms and Italic Variations (3 sessions)
    Blooms Glorious Blooms and Italic Variations (3 sessions)
    Wed, Apr 23
    via Zoom; recordings available for 60 days
    Apr 23, 2025, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
    via Zoom; recordings available for 60 days
    Just in time for spring, in this three-session workshop Connie Furgason will guide us in pairing a lively and expressive variation of Italic with lovely spring blooms done in watercolor. 3 Sessions: Wed April 23, Thurs May 1, Thurs May 8
  • Blooms Glorious Blooms and Italic Variations - Session 2
    Blooms Glorious Blooms and Italic Variations - Session 2
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, May 01
    via Zoom; recordings available for 60 days
    May 01, 2025, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
    via Zoom; recordings available for 60 days
    Just in time for spring, in this three-session workshop, Connie Furgason will guide us in pairing a lively and expressive variation of Italic with lovely spring blooms, done in watercolor. 3 Sessions: Wed. April 23, Thurs. May 1, Thurs. May 8
  • Blooms Glorious Blooms and Italic Variations - Session 3
    Blooms Glorious Blooms and Italic Variations - Session 3
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, May 08
    via Zoom; recordings available for 60 days
    May 08, 2025, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
    via Zoom; recordings available for 60 days
    Just in time for spring, in this three-session workshop, Connie Furgason will guide us in pairing a lively and expressive variation of Italic with lovely spring blooms, done in watercolor. 3 Sessions: Wed. April 23, Thurs. May 1, Thurs. May 8
Michael Sull bird

Art:
Michael Sull

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Statement of Purpose

The Washington Calligraphers Guild, Inc., exists to promote the appreciation of calligraphy, its history and applications; to foster a wider understanding of calligraphy as an art and as a science; to conduct studies, to undertake research, and to carry out education programs directed toward these ends.
Writing needs meaning, whereas calligraphy expresses itself above all
through forms and gestures. It elevates the soul and illuminates the feelings.
-Wang Hsi-chih
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