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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 calligraphic 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 30th year. 

✧ Visit WCG on Instagram and Facebook​.✧

Membership questions? Email wcg.mbrship@gmail.com


NEW SCRIPSIT FEATURES GRACEFUL ENVELOPE
CONTEST WINNERS of the LAST FIVE YEARS!

Sheila_Waters_Roundel-of-the-Seasons

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

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

  • WCG Board Meeting
    WCG Board Meeting
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Sep 17
    Officers and committee members via Zoom
    Sep 17, 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.
  • Think Good Thoughts ... Write Good Word(s)
    Think Good Thoughts ... Write Good Word(s)
    Wed, Sep 24
    Sep 24, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
    online via Zoom
    Barry Morentz shares his calligraphic interpretations of Shakespearean passages--most in Gothicized Italic that he'll demonstrate around 8:30pmET. Nonmembers free but must RSVP to receive Zoom link. Download attached PDF of his recommended books and attached PDF of how to read a sonnet.
  • Gold, Gold, and More Gold with Barry Morentz
    Gold, Gold, and More Gold with Barry Morentz
    Oct 11, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM EDT
    Vienna Arts Society , 243 Church St NW Suite 100 Lower Level, Vienna, VA 22180, USA
    Add sparkle to your writing with gold! In this workshop -- timed to add visual interest to your holiday greetings -- we will explore a variety of materials to illuminate our work, and create a handy reference sheet that shows the effect of each medium.
  • Glorious Gothic Capitals with Barry Morentz
    Glorious Gothic Capitals with Barry Morentz
    Oct 12, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
    Vienna Arts Society , 243 Church St NW Suite 100 (Lower Level) Vienna, VA 22180
    With Barry’s guidance, you’ll have an opportunity to create your own unique Gothicized majuscules to add sumptuous decoration to your writing. Suitable for students already familiar with Italic capitals, Uncials and Romans.
  • WCG Board Meeting
    WCG Board Meeting
    Wed, Oct 15
    Officers and committee members via Zoom
    Oct 15, 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.
  • Mike Kecseg: From Engrosser to Contemporary Calligrapher
    Mike Kecseg: From Engrosser to Contemporary Calligrapher
    Oct 22, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    via Zoom
    Mike Kecseg shares art from his calligraphic career, beginning as an engrosser, to opening his own calligraphy studio, to developing into a contemporary lettering artist. The master penman caps his presentation with a demonstration of his modern pointed pen script with pen manipulations.
  • 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
    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.
  • 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.
  • WCG Board Meeting
    WCG Board Meeting
    Wed, Nov 19
    Officers and committee members via Zoom
    Nov 19, 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.
Michael Sull bird

Art:
Michael Sull

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