Sheila Waters: A Retrospective
60 Years in the Calligraphic Arts
July 18 – August 22, 2009
Strathmore Mansion in Rockville, MD

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 23, 7-9 pm

In this never-before-seen exhibition, our guild’s very own founder, internationally renowned calligrapher and illuminator Sheila Waters, takes you on a journey through sixty years devoted to the lettering arts. From her early childhood drawings in Britain which demonstrate her budding artistic abilities to her formal training at the Royal College of Art soon after which she became one of the youngest fellows of the Society of Society of Scribes and Illuminators in London and on through her early years as a practicing calligrapher during which she accepted commissions from libraries,museums, private collectors, and royalty, Mrs. Waters displays her magnificent trajectory through framed artwork as well as portfolios open to the viewing public.

After her emigration to the United States with her husband, the late Peter Waters, chief conservator at the Library of Congress, Sheila continued to blaze a trail in the calligraphic community, producing masterful calligraphic works, collaborating with her husband on many book projects, several of which will be on display for the first time, and founding the calligraphy program at the Smithsonian Institution. Noteworthy pieces from this period that will be on display are her masterpiece, the "Roundel of the Seasons," as well as her commission of Dylan Thomas' book "Under Milkwood," which Mrs. Waters produced using her modernized Carolingian hand and illuminated in its entirety.

With this retrospective show, Sheila Waters will bring to the mansion at Strathmore a new and inspiring view of sixty years of calligraphy from the rare perspective of an accomplished artist who has combined the mastery of the most traditional calligraphic techniques with the most contemporary approaches in breathtaking works of visual artistry. Prints of her work will be available for sale at Strathmore, printed in archival inks and acid-free papers, as well as her recent book, "Foundations of Calligraphy," which is already recognized as a masterful calligraphy text.

The Mansion at Strathmore Hall is open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10- 4; Wednesday 10-9; Saturday 10-3. Closed Sunday. Phone: 301-581-5200, csr@strathmore.org
www.strathmore.org/aboutstrathmore/aboutstrathmore.asp

Heaven on Earth: Manuscript Illuminations

at the National Gallery of Art, East Building, Washington, DC
March 1-August 2, 2009

Rare medieval manuscript illuminations, last exhibited in 1975, are showcased in a stunning installation, Heaven on Earth: Manuscript Illuminations from the National Gallery of Art. This exhibition offers the first in-depth look at these rare medieval manuscript illuminations from 52 single leaves and 4 bound volumes, among them a number of important recent acquisitions, which date from the 12th to the 16th century and were made in France, Germany, Austria, Bohemia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. Info

Writing, Carving and Rubbing: China's Calligraphic Arts

at the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, DC
April 4–October 26, 2009

The exhibition traces the evolution of Chinese calligraphy through six major types of script: oracle-bone, seal, clerical, cursive, running, and standard. These scripts share a common origin and were developed in sequence, with standard script perfected during the Tang dynasty (618-907). Over three thousand years each has acquired its own distinct characteristics. Eminent calligraphers have reinterpreted the accomplishments of past masters and created original works that showcase their personal styles. This stylistic evolution continues to enliven Chinese calligraphy to the present day. Also included in this presentation are writing tools, such as the Four Treasures of the Scholar's Studio (paper, ink stick, brush, and inkstone), as well as seals and seal paste.

See photos from our 2007 calligraphy fair

Invitational exhibition of WCG members' calligraphic art:
Nov. 14, 2002 to Jan. 8, 2003

Woman's National Democratic Club
1526 New Hampshire Avenue, NW (near Dupont Circle)
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: 202-232-7363
Free and open to the public

(Photos below taken at the exhibit)

25th Anniversary Exhibition:
July 19 to August 25, 2001
at Strathmore Hall
10701 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD
  ~ Including winners of the Graceful Envelope Contest  ~  View some of the 124 pieces in the 25th Anniversary Exhibition

The Washington Calligraphers Guild's 25th anniversary exhibition featured an invitational gallery of artwork by renowned calligraphers, as well as exhibits of members' artwork and winners of the National Postal Museum's Graceful Envelope Contest for 2001, which was administered by the Guild.

The exhibition is showcased in the Fall 2001 and February 2002 issues of Scripsit.

ddressing the opening reception on July 20 were (from left) President Pat Blair, charter member Ann Pope and founder Sheila Waters (at podium).