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About the
WCG

The Washington Calligraphers Guild is a thriving organization of more than 400 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 students, the Guild is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that promotes all aspects of the lettering arts and related crafts. Membership is open to anyone regardless of calligraphic ability. We are recognized as one of the most active groups in the world, as evidenced by our international membership roster, acclaimed journal Scripsit, and sponsorship of the Graceful Envelope Contest, now in its 28th year. 

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

 

Stay tuned for our 50th Anniversary in 2026!

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Graceful Envelope Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of WCG's 2023 Graceful Envelope Contest! The theme, FAN MAIL, asked entrants to design an envelope that would capture the attention of their favorite public figures, living or dead. 

VIEW WINNING ENVELOPES

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

  • Oct 04, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Zoom
    For WCG's October program meeting, Oregon lettering artist Holly Monroe will delight us with Family Trees and Coat of Arms from her repertoire of projects.
  • Oct 11, 7:00 PM – Nov 01, 9:00 PM
    via Zoom
    WCG is excited to have our own Christen Allocco Turney, author of the "Copperplate Calligraphy Practice Book," leading four weekly workshops for anyone wanting to improve and refine their copperplate calligraphy. Workshop Dates: Oct. 11, 7-9pm Oct. 18, 7-9pm Oct. 25, 7-9pm Nov. 1, 7-9pm
  • Oct 18, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Zoom
    WCG is excited to have our own Christen Allocco Turney, author of the "Copperplate Calligraphy Practice Book," leading four weekly workshops for anyone wanting to improve and refine their copperplate calligraphy. Workshop Dates: Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
  • Oct 25, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Zoom
    WCG is excited to have our own Christen Allocco Turney, author of the "Copperplate Calligraphy Practice Book," leading four weekly workshops for anyone wanting to improve and refine their copperplate calligraphy. Workshop Dates: Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
  • Multiple Dates
    Learn more
    Oct 27, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    via Zoom
    President Elissa Krieg will lead discussions of Guild goals, financial issues and committee plans.
  • Nov 01, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Zoom
    WCG is excited to have our own Christen Allocco Turney, author of the "Copperplate Calligraphy Practice Book," leading four weekly workshops for anyone wanting to improve and refine their copperplate calligraphy. Workshop Dates: Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
  • Multiple Dates
    Learn more
    Nov 15, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    via Zoom
    President Elissa Krieg will lead discussions of Guild goals, financial issues and committee plans.
  • Multiple Dates
    Learn more
    Dec 20, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    via Zoom
    President Elissa Krieg will lead discussions of Guild goals, financial issues and committee plans.
  • Multiple Dates
    Learn more
    Jan 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    via Zoom
    President Elissa Krieg will lead discussions of Guild goals, financial issues and committee plans.
  • Multiple Dates
    Learn more
    Feb 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    via Zoom
    President Elissa Krieg will lead discussions of Guild goals, financial issues and committee plans.
  • Multiple Dates
    Learn more
    Mar 20, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    via Zoom
    President Elissa Krieg will lead discussions of Guild goals, financial issues and committee plans.
  • Multiple Dates
    Learn more
    Apr 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    via Zoom
    President Elissa Krieg will lead discussions of Guild goals, financial issues and committee plans.

Art:
Michael Sull

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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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