Italian Hand of Jan Van de Velde with Hoang Dao
Sponsored by
Fridays, May 2, 16, 30 and June 13, 2025, from 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM (Pacific Time).
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
Dutch calligraphers, including Jan Van de Velde, were educated in the south and migrated to Northern Netherlands to teach at “French schools”, bringing along a huge number of Italian-style script variations. Van de Velde’s effortless unique handwriting style developed a reputation throughout Europe via his copybooks. His flourishes extend from the text in serpentine loops that evolve into images or designs, often of animals, flowers, or mythological creatures that were never seen before. Thus many younger calligraphers followed his mastery of scripts and flourishes in centuries.
In this workshop we will narrow down to study the style of Jan Van de Velde’s “Italian Hand” or so-called with a modern name “Dutch Roundhand” which represents his strong influence on Dutch calligraphy in this era.
ABOUT HOANG:
Dao Huy Hoang is an international calligraphy artist, pen maker and Urushi craftsman based in Hanoi, Vietnam. His work has been featured in various art magazines, books and exhibitions worldwide. He is also well-known for his pen craftsmanship, including calligraphy pen holders and casual writing tools.
EXPERIENCE: All levels/ Intermediate
Workshop will be recorded and available for three months.
Zoom invitation will be sent a couple days in advance.
REGISTRATION:
You must be a member both when you register and when the class is held.
No refunds.
Registrations will close on April 29, noon PST.
Cost: $85, paid by check or Paypal (see details below).
Once you have entered your registration information, you will automatically be sent a confirmation email with the PayPal button to complete your registration. Please pay within 24 hours to keep your spot. Alternatively, instructions for paying by check will be included, as well.
MEMBERS ONLY
You must be a member of SfC when you register and when this program is held*.
Enrollment is limited to current paid Society for Calligraphy members only.
No reservation will be held until your dues are current.
*To join SfC: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/Join-SfC
For prompt receipt of supply list and confirmation, your check should arrive no later than two weeks before the workshop. You are not registered until confirmed by the workshop coordinator.
NO audio or video recording of any program, meeting, workshop or other SfC function permitted consent of both guest artist and a representative of the Board of Governors. *** You must ask permission of the artist/instructor to photograph any copyrighted materials, including demos.
SPONSORED BY SFC'S INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER
Three Thursday evening sessions with Cheryl Jacobsen, May 8 & 15 and June 5, 2025. 6:30 to 8:30 PM (PST).
$75 (all paid workshops are for Members-only) No refunds.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: A blackletter hand like Textura prides itself on its upright demeanor and slow, steady movement, but Gothic Cursive is more laid back (literally), fast and free flowing. We will talk about various historical and modern examples, then get step by step instruction and feedback on the Gothic Cursive Cheryl has developed over time. Join her in this workshop to learn this fun and floridly expressive hand.
Experience level: Basic knowledge of pen angle use needed but any level welcome.
We will make Padlet available for sharing work for critique, as well as with fellow students. Recordings will be available for three months after the close of the series.
ABOUT CHERYL: Cheryl Jacobsen is a calligrapher and an assemblage artist. She is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Iowa’s Center for the Book where she teaches a variety of classes including a history of western letterforms, and several in modern calligraphic hands. She was a visiting faculty member for the 2015 NEH Summer seminar The Materiality of Medieval Manuscripts: Interpretation through Production and is the author of “A Modern Scribes Views Scribes of the past” in Scraped, Stroked, and Bound: Materially Engaged Readings of Medieval manuscripts. She runs a freelance studio creating manuscript books, commercial lettering, documents, calligraphic and assemblage art. You can see some of her work at: Cheryljacobsen.com
REGISTRATION: You must be a member both when you register and when the class is held. Pay by check or PayPal. No refunds.
COMPLETED REGISTRATION REQUIRES 2 STEPS:
1. FIRST PRESS THE REGISTER BUTTON on the event webpage: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/event-5876278.
2. Payment instructions will be automatically emailed to you--PLEASE ALLOW TIME FOR THE EMAIL TO ARRIVE. Make a payment of $75 via PayPal or check. Please do this as immediately to avoid cancellation of your spot in the workshop.
Non-members, here is information on how to join SfC: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/Join-SfC. We recommend you select up to two regional chapters, which provide extra perks at no extra charge. You may want to choose those that sponsor the workshops you enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: there is no guarantee you'll have a spot in this workshop.
Enrollment is limited to 20 students, plus facilitators. Your membership must be current at time of sign-up as well as when class is held. If your membership lapses, you become ineligible and your space will be filled from the waiting list. Registration will close when class is full or on May 6. No refunds.
There will be a waitlist. We aim to add repeats of this class series. The first registrations for those will be offered to those on the waitlist. No need to pay until you are moved from the waitlist to the registered list.
Questions? Kristi Darwick at sdworkshopsteam@societyforcalligraphy.org.
Three Friday morning sessions with Cheryl Jacobsen, May 9 & 16 and June 6, 2025. 10am to noon PM (PST).
1. FIRST PRESS THE REGISTER BUTTON on the event webpage: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/event-6049389
2. Payment instructions will be automatically emailed to you--PLEASE ALLOW TIME FOR THE EMAIL TO ARRIVE. Make a payment of $75 via PayPal or check. Please do this as soon as possible to avoid cancellation of your spot in the workshop.
GUEST SPEAKER
SHORT BUSINESS MEETING
LIGHT LUNCH AFTER
This is an in-person event only
* REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED *
This event is for members only, no guests
You must be a member both when you register and when the event is held.
Guest Speaker
Randall Hasson
"Infusing Your Personality into Letterform"
Using examples from historic to contemporary lettering and ideas of understanding shapes in order to modify alphabets, Randy will highlight different letterers, artists, and designers to illustrate their creative thinking about adding personality to letterforms
Randall M. Hasson is an artist, calligrapher, instructor and speaker who has appeared on the faculty of over 25 Arts, Lettering Arts, and Educational Conferences in the United States, Canada and England. He is the author of articles on a variety of Art or Lettering Art related subjects and has appeared as a mainstage presenter and/or teacher with lecture topics covering Public Art, Art History, the Painting Process, Collaborative Art Projects, and the History of Writing including the recent invention of the ADLaM Alphabet in West Africa.
Location:
(Corner of Overland Ave & Culver Blvd)
Free parking along Culver Blvd
For questions, contact Chava Gerber at programs@societyforcalligraphy.org
Sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Regional Group
Join us for a morning of creating your own unique collection of hand-painted paste papers. Use these papers for book binding projects, card making, collage or as the background for a piece of calligraphic work.
Basic paste paper techniques involves dampening a sheet of paper, coating it with colored paste and then drawing various mark making implements through the paste to create designs. You can work with multiple layers and different colors or a single color. It's simple and fun! Make this social art event part of your weekend!
Research online and be inspired by the wonderful body of work by Rosie Kelly.
Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10am - 1pm, at the private home of SfC member Jann Marks. 19636 Oxnard Street, Tarzana, CA 91356.
This workshop event is free but registration is mandatory. Limited number of seats available.
Supplies Included: paint, tools and paste. You are more than welcome to bring your own collection of tools and acrylic paint. Snacks and water.
Supplies to Bring: Sack Lunch, protective gloves (optional), paper. Arches Text Wove is a great paper for this technique. Watercolor papers, mixed media paper, Tyvek will work well too! Anything that stands up to water will be good.
Some sheets of Arches Text Wove will be available for purchase. $5 per sheet of 25.5" x 40"
You must be a current SfC member to take part in this workshop.
For any information please contact Carrie Imai: at (818) 388 6717 or email at carrie@carriedesigns.com
BOOKBINDING with Erin Fletcher of Herringbone Bindery IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Sponsored by the Society for Calligraphy
Erin Fletcher is the owner of Herringbone Bindery located in Austin, Texas. She crafts one-of-a-kind fine bindings and small editions for various clients and institutions. Her work is regularly exhibited throughout the US and abroad and is held in public and private collections. She first discovered a love for bookbinding while studying at the North Bennet Street School in Boston where she graduated in 2012. She regularly teaches book arts workshops online and at venues throughout the United States.
Join us for this fabulous in-person bookbinding experience with Erin.
The workshop will take place on Saturday June 14 and Sunday June 15, 2025,
from 10am - 4:30pm with an hour break for lunch.
Please note that this event does fall on Father's Day.
Location: International Printing Museum's Book Arts Institute (Torrance/Carson)
315 W. Torrance Blvd., Carson, CA 90745
Make a weekend retreat out of this event and stay Saturday evening at a local hotel!
Day 1: A Pair of Crossed Structure Bindings
Description:
The Crossed Structure gets its name from the interlacing that occurs across the spine to
bring the covers together. These modern bindings are rooted in techniques found in
medieval structures and were created by Carmencho Arregui. Although there are several
variations on the Crossed Structure, we will explore just two in this workshop. Beginning
with the Basic, students will learn the technique for sewing and how to interlace the
covers. The second model has a less obvious construction at the spine and is aptly
referred to as Hidden. This workshop is suitable for students with any level of
bookbinding skill including beginners.
Day 2: Secret Belgian Binding – Two Ways
This workshop will explore the Secret Belgian structure by crafting it two different ways.
This simple binding is easy to construct and can be modified in a variety of ways. The
binding opens flat and is perfect for thin, lightweight text blocks. During this workshop
students will use techniques developed by Anne Goy to make a basic version along with
a ‘top secret’ version which will build upon these foundational steps. This workshop is
suitable for students with any level of bookbinding skill including beginners.
Workshop Fee: $130.00 for 2 days; $80 for 1 day
Workshop Kits: Crossed Structure $15.00 and Secret Belgian $10.00; this additional $25.00 will be paid directly to Erin at the start of the workshop.
Learn more about Erin at www.herringbonebindery.com
This workshop is open to all SfC members. If you are not a member and wish to take this workshop please follow the directions on the SfC home page or click on the link below to become a member and then you can register for the workshop. Your workshop registration will not be final unless you are a fully paid SfC member.
https://societyforcalligraphy.org/Join-SfC
Questions? Email sfc.solarnibs@gmail.com.
Guest presenter: Mina Taylor
Sponsored by San Diego SfC
SAVE THE DATE! FRIDAY, June 27, 2025, 6:30-8PM PDT
WILL OPEN SOON!
No charge for these Study Group Sessions. They are led by members, sharing what they have learned. They do not claim to be masters. Members and guests may register for any individual session--there is no requirement to attend prior sessions. The aim is to share knowledge with newbies and to provide a refresher for those with more experience. Each individual session requires separate registration.
ABOUT THIS SESSION: Mina Taylor will walk us through creating a fun piece, similar to the colorful image above. We'll use variations on Romans. Kristi will show a small framed piece, using the same techniques, given to her as a gift from another member. There are so many possibilities!
We plan to record this session. Kristi asks that you remind her! Recording will be available for three months. Those who sign up in advance will automatically receive the recording. We cannot respond to all those who missed registering.
Flexible Schedule for the evening:
6:30 - 6:45 Announcements. Participants are invited to share any work they've done since last session, including their progress on our current projects.
6:45 - 7:45 Mina Taylor will demo creating a colorful piece with Roman letters.
7:45 - 8:00 An opportunity for those who wish to share what they've completed during this session (and another chance to share work done since our last session). Also, a time to ask more questions of our guest speaker.
SUPPLY LIST:
Membership not required
Handouts and Zoom invitation will be sent a day or two in advance.
You're welcome to sign up even at the last minute, but you may have to wait and participate via the recording . . .
SPONSOR: South Los Angeles Chapter (Solar Nibs)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Note the date change to July 19.
Join us for our annual gathering with our guest, Louis Lemoine. We will be meeting in Lakewood on Saturday, July 19. This is a free event to members and non-members but you must register!
We will have light refreshments. Please bring your own individual drink.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Take a look at Louis's website or Instagram page for a glimpse of his work.
https://louislemoine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/louislemoine_magicman/
REGISTRATION DETAILS:
1) This is a free event but your must register. Register by clicking the "REGISTER" button at the top left of this page. It is open to the public; both members and non-members are welcome. Space is limited.
If you have any questions, email sfc.solarnibs@gmail.com.
NO audio or video recording of any program, meeting, workshop or other SfC function permitted without prior consent of both guest artist and a representative of the Board of Governors. You must ask permission of the artist/ instructor to photograph any copyrighted materials, including demos.
PRESENTER: SUZIE BERINGER
Saturday and Sunday, August 23-24, 2025 9:30 PM-4:30 PM (PDT), plus a review session on Saturday, August 30, 9:30-12:30
$80 (all paid workshops are for Members-only) No refunds.
Creative tiny foundational letterforms and Roman capitals using the versatile
pointed pen will be our focus for this workshop.
We will begin our study working with monoline forms, then use the
pointed pen. We will look at variations and how to achieve details while
reducing the x-height of our letters. The roman hand is a long time love of
mine. I have gravitated to the Roman hands minuscule as well as majiscule for
their versatility and elegance. As I often work with small letterforms, the
pointed pen is the tool that helps provide the refinement and elegance I am
looking for.
I’m excited share with you the delight in creating these delicate and charming
letterforms.
Workshop recommended for all levels. The recording will be available for 3 months.
ABOUT SUZIE: Suzie Beringer is a lettering artist who makes her home in the Pacific Northwest. With a degree in commercial art with a life-time passion for calligraphy, she is constantly exploring new possibilities and pushing herself creatively. Her work has been published in Letter Arts Review as well as other publications. As a teacher she loves to share her passion for mark making and design with others. As an artist Suzie loves the challenge and discovery that lettering on different surfaces brings. It has been said, that if something around her doesn't move quickly enough it may end up with letters on it!
You can see more of her work on Instagram: penstrokedesignstudio
1. FIRST PRESS THE REGISTER BUTTON.
2. Second, make a payment of $80 via PayPal or check. Please do this as soon as possible to avoid cancellation of your spot in the workshop.
Once you have pressed the Registration button, our system will automatically send an invoice (you can disregard). You'll receive an automated email with the PayPal link to complete your registration. Information will be included for those who prefer to pay via check. Please give this a little while, as email isn't always instantaneous.
Non-members, here is information on how to join SfC: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/Join-SfC. We recommend you select up to two regional chapters, which provide extra perks at no extra charge. You may want to choose those that sponsor the workshops you enjoy.
Enrollment is limited to 60 students. (Even with 60, we expect this to fill fairly quickly.) Your membership must be current at time of sign-up as well as when class is held. If your membership lapses, you become ineligible and your space will be filled from the waiting list. Registration will close when class is full or on August 20. No refunds.
Questions? Contact Kristi at iepvworkshops@societyforcalligraphy.org
Instructor: Andrea Wunderlich
(In-Person in Gardena)
Sponsored by the Society for Calligraphy - Registration Opening Soon
"Letters act as practical and useful signs, but also as pure and inner melody." Wassily Kandinsky
Pure form, the quality of the line and the ornamental potential of writing - this is what it ́s all about in this class. We will play with letterform variations, experiment with layout-ideas and then finish it all up with a spark of gold.
Basic alphabet will be the Antiqua-letterforms - even if you haven ́t tried writing them yet, your eye is used to them. We will use them and play with them, transform them and create new compositions. Step-by-step through the creative process up to a series of works.
We will incorporate gold, will learn about some glittering effects, highlighting certain areas and a very easy way of gilding. Let ́s have fun!
Location: Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI)
1964 West 162nd Street, Gardena, CA 90247
Supply List:
pencil (2H), ruler, eraser, tissue, sketchpad, good quality paper (BFK Rives, watercolor paper, etc.), black paper, tracing paper (ca. 70g), broad-edged nibs (Speedball C5-C3), Automatic Pens, Gouache (your favorite colors), brush for mixing, palette, embossing tool, a piece of plastic foil (e.g. wrapping of a greeting card), lightpad, Finetec gold (e.g. inca gold), bone folder, gold leaf or brass leaf, oil pastels (favourite colors, 2-3)
Andrea Wunderlich is a freelance calligrapher & book artist from Germany. She's working on commissions on a wide field of sign-painting, lettering, logo-design and murals. In her free artwork she loves to follow the historic paths of alphabets and enjoys expressive transformation into the contemporary. Her art is shown both nationally and worldwide and is part of private and public collections like the Berlin Calligraphy Collection, the Center of Book Arts, San Francisco and the Int. Museum for Contemporary Calligraphy in Moscow. She is a member of German societies ars scribendi and Schreibwerkstatt Klingspor Offenbach (board member), CLAS fellow (Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society), full member of LX (Letter Exchange) in London and member of Friends of Calligraphy, San Francisco.
Workshop fee is $160. Please register and make payment using the "register" button at the top left.
SAVE THE DATE! More details to follow
Roman capitals with variations - Saturday, September 27, 2025 9:30am-12:30pm (Pacific Time)
Details to follow
INSTRUCTOR: NINA TRAN
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Skill Level: Open to all skill levels. Familiarity with a broad-edged pen is recommended.
Learn a standardized set of Fraktur capitals that can be used with Fraktur minuscules and adapted to or used with other Gothic styles, including Gothic Textura, Gothicized Italic, and Gothic Cursive. This class will teach you letter proportions and step-by-step formation of each letter.
Workshop Fee: $35.00 - no refunds.
This is a 3-hour workshop with a 15-minute break halfway through. This workshop will be recorded and the recording will be available until November 17, 2025.
Zoom link and handouts will be sent a few days before the start of the workshop.
ABOUT NINA:
Nina Tran is a Los Angeles-based calligrapher whose love for learning letters has turned into a pursuit of understanding what it means to lead a creative life. She teaches a variety of scripts including Copperplate, Spencerian, Gothic Textura, Fraktur, Gothicized Italic, Gothic Cursive, as well as monoline styles. When she is not fiddling with the alphabet, she enjoys reading, sketching, and being out in nature.
WORKSHOP SUPPLY LIST:
REMINDERS:
If you have any questions, please email Alessandra at sfcworkshops@gmail.com .
Please remember that all SfC events are organized by volunteers. Please respect their time and efforts in organizing these events.
NO audio or video recording of any program, meeting, workshop or other SfC function permitted consent of both guest artist and a representative of the Board of Governors. You must ask permission of the artist/instructor to photograph any copyrighted materials, including demos.
Saturday, October 25, 2025 9:30am-12:30pm (Pacific Time)
Saturday, November 22, 2025 9:30am-12:30pm (Pacific Time)
Deposit Registration is open for our 2026 conference. The deposit amount is $50 ($25 of which is non-refundable.) A class priority number will be given to you in due course. Your ONE class for the conference will be allocated according to your priority number and the seats available in all the classes.
The venue for 2026 will be the Sonesta Hotel Los Angeles Airport!
