Our meetings are on the second Saturday of every month except December, at the North Tempe Multi-Generational Center from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
Please note there are no meetings during months we host a workshop.
Next Meeting: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Visigothics, Twice Removed
Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm
Location: North Tempe Multi-Generational Center, 1555 N. Bridalwreath St., Tempe, Arizona 85281
And now for something completely different…. Visigothics, Twice
Removed, with Joyce Bank! A class for all skill levels, from the 7th century.
Imagine lettering a phrase as though the letters were posing for a group
photo—the sizes are different, the stances are different, and some lean
into each other.
This is the necessary mindset for these pencil-drawn letters, where “rules” pretty much go out the window and a higher design authority takes over.
Erasers will get a workout as you design, refine, and revise. By morning’s
end, you will most likely experience the enchantment of mixing old and
new.
A Little Background
Back in 2011, inspired by the work of Risa Gettler, several CSA coffee klatchers tried their luck at creating their own Visigothic forms, inspired by manuscript lettering dating back to 7th-century Spain.
Joyce describes herself as self-taught in this hand and is not aiming to be historical but simply inspired to letter these somewhat Roman forms creatively. “Sometimes it’s good to play with letters and save serious endeavors for another day.”
If you’ve never been to a meeting . . .
We usually offer a learning program during the first half of the day and another short program in the afternoon. Members are free to come and stay all day (bring a lunch!) or come and go as their schedule permits.
Our meetings average about 15 participants, often with lively discussions about calligraphy and adjacent arts such as bookbinding, collage, printmaking, and themed projects.
Most of our meetings are hybrid, with some members joining us in person and some over Zoom. Members have access to recordings and handouts.
Please note that on months we host a workshop, there will be no meeting. We also do not meet in December.
Basic Calligraphy Supplies to Bring to a Meeting
The list below outlines the basics that we find useful, but you won’t need each item every time. You are welcome at our meeting even if you don’t have some of the items listed below! We are a welcoming group and always happy to share. To print this list, click here!
- pen and paper for taking notes
- calligraphy nibs, holders, and ink
- a pencil and a ruler
- paper for drafting and practice
- watercolors and colored pencils
- a couple small round paintbrushes
- an eyedropper and a jar for water
- scissors, X-Acto knife
- drafting or making tape
- bone folder
- show and tell or share items
- your lunch and a drink
Typical Meeting Schedule
- Arrive at 10am: Set up your work station, meet new members, and settle in for the day’s lesson
- Announcements from the Board: upcoming workshops, news, invitations for membership feedback
- Instruction: a member shares a prepared presentation of their knowledge on a particular calligraphic hand or project
- Lunch Break: Bring your own lunch and chat about your calligraphy favorites with other members
- After Lunch: Practice what you learned in the morning session. You can also work on an on-going project or get help from a mentor.
Not a Member Yet?
Membership is just $30 per year! Learn from other members and renowned calligraphy teachers throughout the year. Become a part of our group of lettering artists!
FAQ
Do I need to be a member to attend a meeting?
No! you can come to your first meeting for free and see how you feel. We hope this will encourage you to become a member!
Do I have to stay for the entire meeting?
Not at all. You can stop in for just the morning or just the afternoon. We’d be happy to see you either way.
What if I don’t have all the supplies listed?
For the most part, we are eager to share with everyone who needs it. Just bring your normal tools or what you think could substitute for the supply you’re missing.
What if I’m too shy to share my lettering abilities?
We completely understand, and we are too! But we learn so much from seeing and talking about one another’s work. We are eager to help each other improve. We are all lifelong learners of lettering!
Do you have a question about Meetings or Membership?
Map to Our Meetings
Parking is available both north and south of the building.
Directions:
Take the McKellips exit from the 101, head west, and just past Miller, turn south on Bridalwreath. The building is where Bridalwreath ends.
Supply List
- Pencils: a small assortment so you can see what seems to work best for you.
- Your Preferred Eraser(s)
- Pink Pearl, kneadable, white plastic vinyl…
- Soft brush for brushing away eraser crumbles. (optional)
- Just about any kind of paper EXCEPT copy paper. Joyce likes paper with the tiniest bit of tooth to it.
- Sulfite paper, mixed media pad, sketch pad, drawing paper
- If you are a restless sort of person, you could pack some colors for adding color to your work.
- Colored pencils would work well.
- If you are truly an adventurous and somewhat skillful person, (and therefore not likely to flood the paper with water,) and not given to complaining should the experiment “go south,” you could venture forth with watercolor…. indeed you have my blessings to do so. And yes, this is how we learn.
- Very small dots of glitter glue, while not used in the previous centuries and are thus-ly not historical, may be desired, (dare I say needed by certain individuals.) You know who you are.
- WORDS! Start collecting phrases of between 2 words and 10 words that speak to you. You don’t want to be staring at your paper trying to figure out what to write. You need options. Collect phrases, you can decide later which ones you will use.
If you’re joining us on Zoom and would like to make the book, here are the supplies and measurements so you can prepare them ahead of time:
- paper to cover the boards; 4.5″ by 4.5″
- long strip of 80lb watercolor paper; 3.25″ by 12″
- 2 boards for the covers; 3.25″ by 3″
You may also want to bring:
- A nametag so we can learn your name!
- Drinking water
- Your lunch
- Snacks
- Show and Share items
- Items to give away
- A sweater if you get cold in AC!
- A cushion to soften or elevate the chair seat