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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. 

 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​.✧

Sheila_Waters_Roundel-of-the-Seasons

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

ANNUAL MEETING + BOOK PROGRAM +  SHOW YOUR ART this Saturday, in person and online!

Hybrid to enable remote voting. Members will receive the link in their email.

 

Our Annual Meeting is this Saturday, May 3, 2-5 pm  at Concord-St. Andrew’s UMC, 5910 Goldsboro Rd in Bethesda, MD on the corner of River & Goldsboro Roads. It will take place in the church social room so we can enjoy potluck snacks, a Program offered by Carah Tabar on her creative journey making small books, and plenty of time to socialize and discuss the artwork you've brought. Members may bring guests, but only members can vote. 

Attending in person? Please RSVP here.

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

  • 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
  • WCG Annual Meeting on Sat 5/3 is Hybrid
    WCG Annual Meeting on Sat 5/3 is Hybrid
    Sat, May 03
    Concord-St. Andrew’s UMC
    May 03, 2025, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
    Concord-St. Andrew’s UMC, 5910 Goldsboro Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
    Location: Concord-St. Andrew’s UMC on the corner of River & Goldsboro Roads. It will take place in the church social room so we can enjoy potluck snacks, a program on handmade books, show and share of members' art and time to socialize. Members coming to the Annual Meeting, please RSVP here.
  • 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

AnnPope-IlluminatedBorder.jpg

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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