The Language of Letters
2026 Society for Calligraphy Non-Juried Exhibition
Co-Hosted with Foothills Art Association
October 4 through October 16, 2026
DEADLINE TO ENTER:
Friday, September 18, 2026
ELIGIBILITY
This is a non-juried exhibition, open to Society for Calligraphy (SfC) members. All submitted work that meets Foothills Art Association's gallery standards will be included in the show. Artwork must comply with FAA's Exhibition Rules for Traditional Art, including: no nudity, no political themes or messaging, and all work must be appropriate for viewing by the general public, including children. Artwork must also meet FAA framing, presentation, and hanging requirements. FAA reserves the right to decline any piece that does not meet these standards, and their decision is final.
(Please affix cutout labels from the form to the back of the artwork) Exhibit form
FEES
$15 for one piece of Artwork
$25 for multiple entries
No fee for Digital submissions.
PLEASE REGISTER, via button on this page.
Registration fees will help defray costs of art installation, reception, publications for the exhibit etc.
If paying by check, email: Wendy Telford wendytel65@gmail.com
DIGITAL GALLERY
(for members outside Southern California):
For SfC members located outside Southern California, FAA is offering a companion Digital Gallery exhibition running October 3 through October 17, 2026. This option is limited to digital artwork created in Procreate, Illustrator, Photoshop, or similar digital design programs. Participation is optional and there is no fee for digital artwork submissions, although they must meet FAA's Digital Gallery Exhibition Rules. Space is limited, so early submission is encouraged.
Digital submissions caps at 20 images total,
first-come/first-served.
Digital submission(s), please email your piece to design@strengerstudio.com
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Friday,
9-25-2026, 9:00 PM
Deadline for all entry registrations
Wednesday,
9- 30-2026
Artwork Drop Off:
ABC Adult School
Cabrillo Campus
20122 Cabrillo Lane
Cerritos, CA 90703
Barbara Close and Caroline Arakaki from 9 AM - 12 noon
10-2-2026
Digital Gallery exhibition opens
Sunday,
10-4-2026
Exhibition opens with reception,
2–5 p.m.
10-16- 2026
Exhibition closes
Saturday,
10-17-2026
Artwork pickup/removal date
Time: 12 - 4
Sunday, October 4, 2026
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Foothills Art Association Gallery
4910 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, California
PLEASE NOTE
Any artwork sold during the exhibition is subject to a 10% donation to Foothills Art Association, remitted within 30 days of the exhibition's close. Please retain your own insurance coverage for exhibited work, as FAA does not provide insurance for artwork on gallery premises.
Questions? Contact Claudia at design@strengerstudio.com
We look forward to a beautiful show celebrating the art of calligraphy!
Presenter: Rick Paulus
Sponsored by San Diego SfC
Fridays, September 25, October 9, 16, and 30 6PM-8PM PDT
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Extend the range of your pointed pen’s potential as we break away from traditional pointed pen scripts and explore the full power of this amazing little pen nib. Following an analysis of historical models as well as the work of contemporary masters, we will put our pens to paper and systematically develop new pointed pen styles out of formal broad-edge hands such as Roman Capitals, foundational, italic, uncial, and blackletter. In addition to the introduction of new hands, each class will include additional tips and topics such as working with color, creating texture, and layout. The methods and skills acquired in this workshop will give participants the tools they need to further their reach with the pointed pen in many ways. This workshop will be recorded and made available for three months.
NECESSARY SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to intermediate
ABOUT RICK: Rick Paulus has been a calligrapher and a teacher for over forty years. He apprenticed for several years at the legendary Tolley Studios, in Washington, DC, before becoming the engrosser for the US State Department. In 1998, he was appointed chief calligrapher of the White House, where he remained for two presidents until, in 2006, he answered the call of the wild and left Washington, DC to explore new adventures in nature and art. Today, in addition to enjoying calligraphic explorations in his studio on the shores of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, Rick is dedicated to sharing the knowledge he gained through many years of studio production and artistic experimentation with students of all ages and skill levels.
HOW TO REGISTER
PAID WORKSHOPS ARE OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY. No refunds, since recording will be provided.
FEES: $80
Registration is handled by volunteers. Please help keep this efficient by paying within 24 hours. It's a lot of extra effort for us to chase and we may simply cancel the registration, due to workload.
Enrollment is for current paid Society for Calligraphy members only. Your membership must be current at time of sign-up as well as when class is held. No reservation will be held until your dues are current. If your membership lapses, you become ineligible. (To become a member: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/Join-SfC). After April 1, 2026, it is recommended that first time members pay $42 (rather than introductory)--membership will be valid through June 30, 2027. Even for those who aren't local, you'll want to mark the chapters which provide the workshops you love. Some chapters provide perks, such as direct email announcements, newsletters, and other helpful communications.
For confirmation and prompt receipt of supply list, we recommend that your payment arrive no later than two weeks before the workshop. You do not have a spot in the workshop until you receive a confirmation email.
After completing this first step of registration, an automatic email will be sent with a PayPal button, plus instructions, should you prefer to pay by check. If you don't receive that email within a few minutes, please check your spam folder. If you don't find it there, please contact Kristi.
For those affiliated with SfC's San Diego chapter, we do have scholarship funds available to assist in the education and development of calligraphic skills. Please contact Kristi to inquire.
Questions? E-mail Kristi Darwick at sdworkshops@societyforcalligraphy.org
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.
Sponsored by
SAVE THE DATE!
FRIDAY, October 2, 2026, 6:30-8PM PST
Alison Clements will lead us through drawing verses.
No charge for these Study Group Sessions. They are often led by members, who do not claim to be masters, sharing what they have learned. There is no requirement to have attended prior sessions. The aim is to share knowledge with newbies and to provide a refresher for those with more experience. Each individual Romans Study Group session requires separate registration. We plan to record this session. Kristi asks that you remind her! Recording will be available for three months.
Flexible Schedule for the evening:
6:30 - 6:45 Announcements and share work from past sessions.
6:45 - 7:45 Alison will demo.
7:45 - 8:00 An opportunity for those who wish to share what they've completed before or during this session--we always love to see what our fellow lettering artists are up to. Also, there is time to ask more questions of our speaker.
SUPPLY LIST:
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 . . . All who sign up in advance will automatically receive the recording. We cannot respond to all those who missed registering in advance.
SPONSOR: South Los Angeles Chapter (Solar Nibs)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Let's dive in and explore Legende, a calligraphic hand that originates from a typeface designed by type designer Ernst Schneidler in 1937. After a quick look at the typeface, I will introduce and demonstrate a modified Legende for contemporary use.
Zoom recording will be available until November 30, 2026.
This is a suggested list. Do not buy anything new. Use the broad edge tool you feel comfortable using.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Jane Shibata is a part-time faculty member in the art department at Santa Monica College and runs a design business specializing in the lettering arts in Los Angeles. Jane was a former City of Los Angeles calligrapher and did calligraphic contract work for the Los Angeles County Graphic Arts division. She is a long-time SfC member, currently the outreach chair on the board, coordinates outreach events, and taught many workshops for the Society for Calligraphy. Jane is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers for SfC outreach events.
REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Class fee is $35. Click on the “register” button at the top left and complete payment. Without payment, your registration will automatically be cancelled.
If you have any questions, email Lona at sfc.solarnibs@gmail.com.
Please read all details. No refunds will be issued.
Registration is for Society for Calligraphy members only. Your membership must be current at time of sign-up as well as when class is held. For membership, please go to: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/resources/Membership.pdf
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.
IN-PERSON with Barbara Close
Sponsored by:
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9:30AM to 4:30 PM, includes a one hour break for lunch.
Location: San Diego Education Association, 10393 San Diego Mission Rd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA
COST: $50
PAID WORKSHOPS ARE OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY. No refunds unless your spot can be filled from the wait list.
PLEASE SCROLL TO HOW TO REGISTER.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: We will be taking a look into the marvels of the Uncial hand with Parallel Pens. The beauty of this lettering style is that it can be stacked tightly on the page with very little interlinear space and thus get a lot on the page. With fun and interesting exercises, we will expand our knowledge of Uncial, create some interesting pages and have fun along the way..
The Uncial script originated in the 2nd to 4th centuries. They were the primary book hand, used in religious texts until the 9th century. They continued to evolve and were used in the hierarchy of scripts beginning in the Carolingian era. Today, this elegant alphabet may be used alone or combined with other hands. The rhythm of round and upright strokes that give this hand its distinctive appearance is what I love.
We will look at many ways to use this script for modern, contemporary use for today.
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Barbara is an internationally known calligrapher/artist and teaches in southern California, across the USA and Canada. She also teaches online global classes through Zoom and loves the idea of reaching so many people. Her work includes a wide variety of lettering styles and mixed media applications. She has exhibited across the country and has work in many private collections. Her work has creative passion with skillful execution. She has taught at several International Lettering Conferences, our own LETTERS CA STYLE Conference, and IAMPETH conferences. Barbara has designed the logo for Somerset Studio Magazine and the Calligraphy Collection font cartridge for Cricut. She’s also designed several greeting cards for Marcel Schurman, now Papyrus. Her philosophy of “Follow Your Heart” shows in her work, and continues with growth, heart and inspiration.
www.barbclose.com
barbara.close IG & FB
PAID WORKSHOPS ARE OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY. No refunds unless your spot can be filled from the wait list. .
Questions/comments? please contact Kristi at sdworkshops@societyforcalligraphy.org
PLEASE READ:
Enrollment is for current paid Society for Calligraphy members only. Your membership must be current at time of sign-up as well as when class is held. No reservation will be held until your dues are current. If your membership lapses, you become ineligible. (To become a member: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/Join-SfC)
Sunday, November 15, 2026, 9:30AM to 4:30 PM, includes a one hour break for lunch.
PLEASE SCROLL TO HOW TO REGISTER
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Whether you're new to Uncial or looking to expand your lettering repertoire, trying Uncials with your pointed pen will inspire you and give you some expansion on variations. Enjoy the discoveries with new possibilities.
SKILL LEVEL: All levels.
Want to embellish a photo, postcard, or a paper piece with something other than paint or ink? In this workshop, you will learn how to use the tools and various kinds of stitches to make it your own work of art.
Class will start at 9am and we will have a half hour lunch break around noon.
Class will be recorded and the recording will be available until January 31, 2026.
MATERIALS LIST:
Materials List for Paper Embroidery.pdf
^ Click this link for the materials list. If you have questions about any of the items, you can email Dorothy. Her contact is listed in the pdf.
From Dorothy Yuki: Since 1964, after college, I became an owner of a manufacturing business, In Good Company. We were the suppliers to Macy's USA, William/Sonoma and military canteens throughout the world with kitchen goods...aprons, potholders, placemats, napkins and a lot of stuff and nonsense. I sold the business in 1977 and became a design and production consultant to the Fashion Industry and the entertainment production companies. I did volunteer work with the Sierra Gorda Ecological group in Mexico from 2003 to the present. I was also the master educator for the San Francisco Fashion Incubator until 2020. I have been teaching arts and crafts since 2000. I have been a President of Friends of Calligraphy and a member of Society for Calligraphy, Pacific Scribes, Portland Society for Calligraphy and Escribiente Calligraphy Society. I have been a teacher for San Francisco Center for the Book, SCRAP-sf, Ruth's Table, Letterform Archive and others here in San Francisco. I've also taught in Europe, South America and Mexico. However, at my age, I am still learning but want to pass on and share what I know.
Class fee is $50. Please click register at the top left and complete payment. If payment is not received with registration, your registration will be cancelled. Please read all details. No refunds will be issued.
LETTERS CALIFORNIA STYLE 2027. - 20th Anniversary Conference!
Complete your non-refundable $75.00 deposit online.
LETTERS is a members only conference. If you would like to become a member please visit the home page and follow the prompts. It's easy and allows you to take part in all of our activities.
Attendees at LETTERS 2026 will receive a higher registration priority number than new deposit holders. Making a deposit now ensures a place at LETTERS 2027.
Class choices will be assigned based on your priority number. You are not guaranteed your first choice but we will do our best to place you in your first choice and definitely one of your three class preferences.
The brochure for LETTERS 2027 is available on the conference page of the website.
The payment deadline will be November 15, 2026.
The faculty lineup for 2027 includes: Yukimi Annand, Barbara Close, Erin Fletcher, Mike Gold, Randy Hasson with Nina Tran, Rick Paulus, Tamara Stoneburner, Anne Davnes and Lonna Yen (InkFurie)
NEW 2027 Beginner/Novice Weekend Package features: Younghae Chung (Pointed Pen - Introduction to Copperplate) & Nina Tran (Broad Edge Pen - Introduction to Gothic Textura) Please place deposit for this package separately!
LETTERS will take place at the Sonesta Hotel LAX - 5985 W Century Boulevard, Los Angeles.
NEW 2027 Beginner/Novice Weekend Package features:
Younghae Chung (Pointed Pen - Introduction to Copperplate) & Nina Tran (Broad Edge Pen - Introduction to Gothic Textura)
Saturday: Younghae Chung
Sunday: Nina Tran
This conference package will include two days of instruction (Saturday & Sunday); one night of accommodation (Saturday night), lunch and dinner on Saturday and all meals on Sunday; plus all other scheduled activities.
You can add additional nights to your stay.
The full brochure for LETTERS 2027 is available on the conference page of the website.
The complete faculty lineup for 2027 includes: Yukimi Annand, Barbara Close, Erin Fletcher, Mike Gold, Randall Hasson with Nina Tran, Rick Paulus, Tamara Stoneburner, Anne Davnes and Lonna Yen (InkFurie) and Younghae Chung
LETTERS will take place at the Sonesta Hotel LAX - 5985 W Century Boulevard, Los Angeles. 19-22 February, 2027.
