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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 with her colleagues and 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 31st year. 

✧ Visit WCG on Instagram and Facebook​.✧

Membership questions? Email wcg.mbrship@gmail.com

WCG mourns the death of Ieuan Rees

Ieuan Rees, a world-renowned Welch calligrapher and stone carver, died October 31 after a bad fall. He was a great friend to the Guild for more than 40 years and was one of our first Honorary Members along with Sheila Waters and Hermann Zapf. He will be honored in the Spring 2026 Scripsit (the Fall issue will soon be mailed to members).

Sheila_Waters_Roundel-of-the-Seasons

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

Spring '25 Scripsit features Graceful Envelope Contest Winners of past 5 years plus Top 25 winners of all time!

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

  • Pointed Pen Variations with Mike Kecseg - Week 1
    Pointed Pen Variations with Mike Kecseg - Week 1
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Nov 08
    Nov 08, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
    Online over Zoom
    Want to add expression and a contemporary feel to your pointed pen work? Master Penman Mike Kecseg will help us explore the potential for creating new and exciting letterforms, taking your calligraphic repertoire to new heights.
  • WCG Board Meeting
    WCG Board Meeting
    Wed, Nov 12
    Officers and committee members via Zoom
    Nov 12, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Officers and committee members via Zoom
    WCG members are welcome to observe; email klpg57[at]aol.com for the zoom link.
  • Pointed Pen Variations with Mike Kecseg - Week 2
    Pointed Pen Variations with Mike Kecseg - Week 2
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Nov 15
    Nov 15, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Online over Zoom
    Want to add expression and a contemporary feel to your pointed pen work? Master Penman Mike Kecseg will help us explore the potential for creating new and exciting letterforms, taking your calligraphic repertoire to new heights.
  • Festive Flourishes with Heather Held
    Festive Flourishes with Heather Held
    Nov 19, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Online via Zoom
    Put some Sparkle and Frost into your holiday cards! These delightful Festive Flourishes are a joy to bring to life with the pointed pen using white on dark papers. All levels will be able to pen these sweet stars and snowflakes!
  • Italic Calligraphy 6-Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 1)
    Italic Calligraphy 6-Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 1)
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Jan 14
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    Jan 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    This 6-week online workshop offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful Italic hand, learn and understand the basics of it, and take your Italic calligraphy to the next level of understanding and execution.
  • Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 2)
    Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 2)
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Jan 21
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    Jan 21, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    This six-week online workshop offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful Italic hand, learn and understand the basics of it, and take your Italic calligraphy to the next level of understanding and execution.
  • Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 3)
    Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 3)
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Jan 28
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    Jan 28, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    This six-week online workshop offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful Italic hand, learn and understand the basics of it, and take your Italic calligraphy to the next level of understanding and execution.
  • Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 4)
    Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 4)
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Feb 04
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    Feb 04, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    This six-week online workshop offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful Italic hand, learn and understand the basics of it, and take your Italic calligraphy to the next level of understanding and execution.
  • Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 5)
    Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl (Week 5)
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Feb 11
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    Feb 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    This six-week online workshop offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful Italic hand, learn and understand the basics of it, and take your Italic calligraphy to the next level of understanding and execution.
  • Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl  (Week 6)
    Italic Calligraphy Six Week Workshop Series with Cora Pearl  (Week 6)
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Feb 18
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    Feb 18, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST
    Online workshop via Zoom with recordings
    This six-week online workshop offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful Italic hand, learn and understand the basics of it, and take your Italic calligraphy to the next level of understanding and execution.
Michael Sull bird

Art:
Michael Sull

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