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, May 9, 2026
Gothic Majuscules
Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm
Location: North Tempe Multi-Generational Center, 1555 N. Bridalwreath St., Tempe, Arizona 85281
We’ll head back to medieval times in May as Maureen teaches Gothic majuscules (capitals) and provides a refresher class on Gothicized Italic minuscules (taught in February but not recorded).
Even beginners can learn to draw these ornate Gothic “blackletter” capitals using a 3.8mm Pilot parallel pen or other broad-edged nib. And the Gothic caps also can be combined with the Textura Quadrata minuscules Nancy Pilgrim will be teaching on June 13!
Morning Session
Strokes, Shapes, and Letterforms (to be recorded) (about 2 hours)
Once you know the basic strokes and pen technique, you can draw Gothic majuscules and decorate them in many ways. The alphabet will be grouped into similar letter shapes, each one demoed two or three times. You’ll have time to write each letter at least twice. Questions are always welcome and will be repeated and answered!
Afternoon Session
Finish the Majuscules and Review Gothicized Italic Minuscules
We’ll complete the Gothic capital letters and review the techniques used in the Gothicized Italic minuscules. Maureen will provide a list of short Latin phrases to write out on a circular template or straight line using what we’ve learned. (Feel free to bring your own quote!)
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
- Pilot parallel pen and one or two ink cartridges (If you’d rather use a favorite broad-edged nib, feel free; handouts will be for the 3.8mm pen but you can draw your own guidelines using the nib-width method.)
- A semi-see-through bond paper like Canson or Layout Translucent Visual Bond (to place over the guidelines and for practice paper)
- A ruler and pencil (to draw your own guidelines) (optional)
- A piece of smooth-ish watercolor paper for the quote (optional)
- A compass or round template (optional – for writing on an arc or circle)
- A tin of watercolor paints to experiment with color-blending your letters (optional; you’ll need to clear your pen nib of its cartridge ink or bring a separate clean pen to do the watercolor blending).
- A quote to practice what we’ve learned (optional)
You might 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