The Washington Calligraphers Guild is a thriving organization of close to 500 letter lovers of all skill levels, from professional scribes to enthusiastic beginners and even some non-calligraphers who appreciate the lettering and book arts. Founded in 1976 by internationally known calligrapher Sheila Waters and a group of her associates, the Guild is a nonprofit organization that promotes all aspects of the lettering arts and related crafts. Today we are recognized as one of the most active groups in the world, as evidenced by our international membership roster. Membership is open to anyone regardless of calligraphic ability.  

The annually elected Board of Directors is responsible for developing and carrying out Guild policies as well as leading the committees of volunteers that prepare Guild activities. Many volunteers are relatively new to calligraphy, but devoted in their interest.

Program meetings offer the fellowship of calligraphic colleagues. Each meeting features a visiting, well-respected lettering artist or a local expert who shares information, slides and demonstrations on topics related to calligraphy.

For nine years the Guild held Calligrafest, a day-long festival of lettering and related arts, in the fall. In July 2006 the Guild hosted its third Letterforum international gathering of lettering artists.

Our Bulletin newsletter features timely notices about exhibits, meeting dates and workshop schedules, and news of events sponsored by other calligraphic societies. Scripsit, our journal, published three times a year, is an exceptional calligraphic publication with in-depth articles and art of the highest quality. The Guild exhibits members' artwork in shows, both juried and unjuried.

We offer an extensive workshop program in the fall and spring aimed at all levels of skill. Our teachers include internationally renowned calligraphers as well as local talent. WCG also encourages calligraphic study by offering scholarships twice a year.

The Guild maintains a list of freelance calligraphers who are members of WCG and displays their artwork online. Our website is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the lettering arts, as is our extensive library of books, slides, and publications.

Since 2001 the Washington Calligraphers Guild has administered the Graceful Envelope Contest celebrating the art of calligraphy in correspondence.

OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010:
President: Theresa Daly
Vice President: Shane Perry
Secretary: Gretchen Elson
Treasurer: Pamela Klinedinst
Member-at-Large: Louise Harris
Immediate past president: Deborah Basel

About Sheila Waters, first president and founding member of the Washington Calligraphers Guild:

Sheila Waters graduated from the Medway College of Art in Kent and the Royal College of Art in London. She developed her calligraphic skills under the tutelage of Dorothy Mahoney (assistant to the great pioneer of calligraphy, Edward Johnson). At 22 she was elected a Fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators and began a career devoted to commissions for royalty, museums, libraries, collectors and publishers. Her work is included in most of the important books which have been published about calligraphy. A gifted teacher, Sheila shares her extensive knowledge and techniques with calligraphers the world over.

Sheila Waters on the importance of passing on the ‘great legacy’ of calligraphy

In the photo, taken at the 25th Anniversary Exhibition opening on July 20, 2001, Sheila Waters holds a document she lettered in 1976 about the founding of the Washington Calligraphers Guild that invited calligraphers to join as charter members.