Since 1978, the Calligraphic Society of Arizona been a home for anyone interested in the art of beautiful writing at all skill levels.
Whether in pencil, ink or gouache, the Calligraphic Society of Arizona is passionate about calligraphy and the lettering arts. We would be happy to welcome you into our community as we explore the endless creative possibilities of lettering, both historic and contemporary.
The Calligraphic Society is a 501(c)3 organization with the purpose of teaching calligraphy and promoting the lettering arts.
We are registered with the IRS and your donations are tax-deductible!
We meet monthly to share calligraphy knowledge and skills during casual but structured working sessions. We also meet for weekend workshops, offered in the spring and fall.
Our love of letters also spills over into many different kinds of related paper arts projects.
Recent member-led lessons include paste paper painting, envelope collage, batik play, bookbinding, pigment making, and masking fluid resist techniques.
Members can use these skills to enhance their calligraphic works.
2024 Elected Board Members
President
Susan Liming
Secretary
Jodean Cooper
Treasurer
Karen Borggren
Workshop Chair
June Burnett
Membership Chair
Jodean Cooper
Programs Chair
Maureen Kane
History of the Calligraphic Society of Arizona
Our Society’s first meeting was on October 11, 1978, as the Phoenix Society for Calligraphy. At the time, calligraphic fervor was taking hold across the country. Calligraphy guilds had begun in nearly every state and memberships soared. Interest in calligraphy was high, and guilds were an important touchpoint for passing along the how-to of calligraphy, or, “beautiful writing”.
Calligraphy was more formal during that time with an emphasis on historical styles and precision. Teachers featured in our original printed publication, Scrittore, include Dick Beasley, Georgianna Greenwood, Jaki Svaren, Sheila Waters, Reggie Ezell, Dick Jackson, and Eliza Schulte.
With calligraphic training, many individuals began earning an income by addressing envelopes, making certificates, and selling original calligraphic art pieces featuring quotes, poems, or song lyrics.
Contemporary Calligraphy
Even though tech advancements have replaced many traditional methods, modern calligraphers and artists treat tech as just another pen in the inkwell. Members share insights and tips about using tablets, digitizing calligraphy, and reproduction. Click below to see our Members who offer their calligraphy services.
We are so excited to see such a revival of interest in cursive, calligraphy, and lettering arts. Our inbox almost always has an email from an aspiring lettering artist inquiring about calligraphy classes or membership. Schools also reach out to us to present and teach!
We meet and host workshops in order to keep lettering arts alive in Arizona and beyond. We are ever hopeful that given the cyclical nature of things, calligraphy will continue to blossom in Arizona!