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Click HERE to join today for $25.



SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW MEMBERS FOR A LIMITED TIME: 

New members will receive a FREE link to two 2-hour long videos: 

Complete Beginners Intro to Broad-Edge Calligraphy and Complete Beginners Intro to Pointed Pen Calligraphy presented by our guild president, Karen Nordstrom Roberts. The videos cover all the basics for complete beginners: supplies including the recommended nibs, inks, and paper plus basic techniques and calligraphy principals for two of the major styles of calligraphy. This is a great way to start your calligraphy journey or dive into a quick refresher course. CLICK HERE to see  a description of the major calligraphy styles.


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Save the Date for an Upcoming Calligraphy Guild Exhibit at:


Ketchup City

612 Main Street Sharpsburg

May 8th through the 17th


This event will include a gallery exhibit of our members' calligraphy work - for sale or not-for-sale.

We'll be able to offer prints for sale in a display rack. Several outreach events will be offered during

the gallery exhibit. Watch your email for a Call for Entries and more information coming soon.




Once Upon a Circle 

April 25-26 - 2-day in-person workshop at CMU

with Suzie Beringer from Bellingham, WA



Circles…….no beginning - no end….looking around us we can see circular designs everywhere. As lettering artists they also provide a way for us to step away from the ‘straight base line’ and create something different - something fresh!

In this workshop we will look at circles differently and how to incorporate circles into our lettering designs and lettering into our circle designs. We will stretch, pull and push the boundaries of what we think is possible in order to create something that is unique!

‘Free Writing’ will be addressed and encouraged - Suzie will walk you through her process and explain why she often uses this form of writing. 

There will be many samples of ideas for you to enjoy and be inspired by.

More information coming soon. Watch your inbox and social media. Registration begins six weeks prior to the workshop.


Save the Dates!




Weathergram by Carol DuBosch


View video of Weathergrams in the Garden

HERE



2025-26 Calligraphy Guild Pittsburgh Events

Save the Dates


We are planning a full year of calligraphy events - classes, play days, workshops. More details and registration information will be announced for each event soon. Most events open 6 weeks in advance.

September 28- Annual meeting & Bullet Journal & Brush Pens Play Day led by Lori Mitchell-Mahon

October 10 & 18 – Opening reception and calligraphy demo at a month-long exhibit at The Artists Hand gallery in Indiana, PA

November 15-16 - Lively Letters, Refreshed! 2-day workshop in-person with Julie Wildman

December 7 – Play Day - Sparkle Season with Karen & Lily – writing with metallics & holiday festivities

January 18 – Play Day - Casual flat-brush script with Andrew Paul

February 8 - Play Day - Watercolor Backgrounds with Teri Geever

March TBD Designing with Neuland - Online multi-week class with Sue Greenseth of Portland, OR

April 25-26 - Once Upon a Circle 2-day in-person workshop with Suzie Beringer of Bellingham, WA

May 17 – Play Day - Artists notebooks & studios with Anne Semmler







Upcoming events

    • April 25, 2026
    • April 26, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • Carnegie Mellon University / Margaret Morrison #203
    • 3
    Register

    Circles…no beginning, no end...looking around us we can see circular designs everywhere! For lettering artists, circles invite us to step away from the ‘straight base line’ and create something different, something fresh.  

    In this workshop we will look at circles differently, learning how to incorporate circles into our lettering designs and lettering into our circle designs.   As we stretch, pull, and push the boundaries of what we think is possible, we will enjoy creating unique works.

    ‘Free Writing’ will be addressed and encouraged as Suzie walks participants through her process and shares her love of this form of writing. She will supply many samples and ideas for participants’ enjoyment and inspiration. 

    Members: $140 • Non-Members $160

    INSTRUCTOR SUZIE BERINGER is a letteringartist who makes her home in the Pacific Northwest. With a degree in commercial art and a lifelong passion for calligraphy and mark-making, she is constantly exploring new possibilities and expanding her creative endeavors. As an artist, Suzie loves the challenge and discovery that lettering on different surfaces brings. As a teacher, she loves to share her calligraphic passions with others. Her work has been featured in LetterArts Review as well as other publications. It has been said that if something around her doesn’t move quickly enough, it may end up with letters on it! 

    Circles, like the soul, are never-ending and turn round and round without a stop.  Ralph Waldo Emerson.

      

           Images courtesy of Suzie Beringer


    PLEASE NOTE: Our cancellation policy is detailed HERE 


    FOR DETAILED CMU PARKING INFORMATION, CLICK HERE

    • April 26, 2026
    • 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
    • 39
    Register


    Saturday May 9 to 16 Calligraphy Exhibit

    Call for Entries!

    Register by April 18, 2026 via the guild's website


    Members, please join us in participating in an upcoming exhibit at Ketchup City Creative gallery in Sharpsburg - home of Henry J. Heinz who began selling food wares in Sharpsburg in 1869.

    The exhibit will be on view from May 9 to May 16, 2026

    An Open Reception will be held on Friday, May 15 from 5 to 8 p.m.

    Outreach Activities at the gallery will include:

    • Saturday, May 9, 1 to 4 p.m. - Mother's Day cards with decorated envelopes
    • Tues. May 12 & Thurs. May 14, 6 to 8 p.m., and Sat. May 16, 1-4 p.m. - Try Your Hand at Calligraphy

    The calligraphy exhibit will be open: during the Open Reception, Mother's Day card event, and Try Your Hand at Calligraphy events.

    A SignUpGenius email will go out prior to the exhibit to recruit volunteers to help with the events going on that week. Your participation will make the events successful!


    CALLIGRAPHY REQUIREMENTS:

    Each member may submit between one and three pieces. We welcome all calligraphic art from advanced beginners to experienced. The only requirement is that it must be submitted in a way that is hangable. Pieces may be available for sale or not.


    PRICING:

    Types of work that may be submitted:**

    • Original calligraphy art pieces (preferred)
    • High-quality, framed, ready-to-hang reproductions  


    The calligrapher keeps 90% of the sale and the guild will donate 10% to the gallery. The price you list should be the total price (your price plus gallery donation). Price your pieces based on a fair market value considering the gallery donation and the amount of time, art, and expertise involved.

    For example, a 16" x 20" piece of calligraphy by an intermediate to advanced calligrapher with a significant amount of text and/or with artwork included, could sell in the price range of $200-500.

    A piece that is 8" x 10" with a simple quote/simple decoration in a frame, could sell for +/- $50.

    Therefore:

    A piece that sells for $250, the calligrapher would receive $225.

    A piece that sells for $500, the calligrapher would receive $450.

    A piece that sells for $75, the calligrapher would receive $67.50.

    Framed reproductions typically sell for less than half the price of an original. Price accordingly.


    ONLY THE ARTIST CAN DECIDE WHAT THEY ASK FOR THEIR WORK!


    1. REGISTER: 

    Register your pieces online. Follow the instructions on the guild's website when you register. The registration link is HERE


    2. DROP OFF:

    Please plan to drop off your exhibit pieces:

    1) Saturday, April 25  

    between 9:15 and 9:30 am.

    Carnegie Mellon University

    5001 Margaret Morrison Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 FRONT DOOR

    OR

    2) Friday, May 8

    between 3 and 6 p.m.

    Ketchup City Creative

    612 Main Street, Sharpsburg (Pittsburgh) PA 15215


    3. PICK UP:

    You may pick up your artwork at 12:45 p.m. on May 17 prior to the Play Day (from 1-4 p.m.)  at Karen Roberts' house in Fox Chapel or by arranging a time with Debbie Seman at her house in O'Hara Township.


    4. RESPONSIBILITY:

    The guild takes every precaution to carefully transport artwork to and from the gallery. Artwork should be carefully packaged in a sturdy box or with a sufficient amount of packing material. Put your name large and clear on the packing so it can be used to return your artwork. The guild assumes no risk of loss or damage incurred in the delivery of artworks from the calligrapher to the gallery or their return to the calligrapher. Any damage that occurs in transportation shall be the responsibility of the calligrapher. If a piece of art is damaged or lost during open gallery hours the calligrapher will be compensated by the guild paying them 90% of the asking price of the artwork. A guild member will be onsite as a gallery sitter for all open gallery hours. By registering your artwork in the exhibit, you agree to the responsibilities listed here.


    PREPARATION OF PIECES - INSTRUCTIONS:

    Your work should be in a quality frame and be ready to safely hang. A painted canvas wrapped around a wood frame with a wire for hanging is acceptable. A plexiglass floating frame with a wire for hanging is also acceptable.

    Required method of hanging: A secure wire with eye hooks placed approximately 1/3 of the way down on the sides of the frame. Or, a  dog tooth hanger or similar sturdy hook/loop.

    Unfortunately, pieces that are unable to be hung safely will not be placed in the exhibit.

    Please complete a tag for EACH submission and tape it to the back of your submissions. 


    REPRODUCTIONS IN CLEAR SLEEVES:

    Unframed high-quality reproductions may be offered for sale in a display rack that the guild will provide. The reproduction should be in a clear sleeve with a sturdy mat.* Please place a small sticker in the upper right hand corner with the price, title, and your initials. Reproductions, depending on the size and complexity, may sell for less than half an original piece of art. For example, an 8" x 10" reproduction might sell for $20-40. A larger reproduction may sell for $50 to $125. 

    Cards in clear sleeves may be offered for sale. The card should be inserted into the sleeve with an envelope. A sticker with the price and your initials should be placed on the back of the card. Please submit up to a max of 25 cards.

    * For information about backing boards, click HERE


    QUESTIONS:

    If you have questions about:

    Dropping off or picking up your pieces on a different day than those listed above

    Please send an email to the event chair, Debbie Seman  debbieaseman@gmail.com


    ** The exhibit chair in coordination with the guild president, will make the final determination on work that will be hung in the show - if for some reason the work is not suitable for the exhibit. The calligrapher can assume their work will be hung in the exhibit unless otherwise informed.

    MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED

    Participation in the exhibit is open to current members only. If you are not a member, consider joining at this time by clicking HEREwith the payment applied to membership dues for the 2026/27 year.

    Looking forward to seeing all your work in the exhibit!


    Ketchup City Creative exists to make art accessible to the community. It also exists for artists to be able to showcase their talents in a variety of ways. Ketchup City Creative is run by ArtspirationPGH, a non-profit with the mission to be a catalyst for community, creative, and connection in Sharpsburg, Etna, and Millvale, PA through the arts.

    • May 17, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Karen Nordstrom Robert's Home in Fox Chapel
    • 16
    Register


    Organizing for the Creative Person

    with CGP Supply Exchange!


    Leonardo da Vinci's Studio

    Photo: Anne Semmler / Leonardo da Vinci's studio at Le Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, France

    Join us at the CGP Play Day on May 17, 1-4 PM! Anne Semmler will present ideas on how to give your creative space some love and reorganization. We will also have a tour of Karen Nordstrom Roberts' home studio as well as a members' Supply Exchange!

    We will look at practical ideas to reduce clutter and plan projects, not only with physical solutions but also a highly adaptable "kanban" process for creative workflow. We will discuss ideas for how others have organized their spaces, no matter what size, so bring your suggestions! We will compile everyone's tips and send a summary and resources to all attendees after the meeting.

    • Karen's address will be sent to those who register.
    • This is a members-only event. Non-members are welcome to join the guild to attend, with their payment applied to membership dues for the 2026/27 year.
    • The event is free, but your RSVP is required to secure your spot. Attendance is limited.

    Supplies

    • Notebook & Pen, if you would like to take notes
    • If you have items to bring for a Supply Exchange, please bring in a small container or box. We will have bags if needed to take new treasures home.


    About Our Hosts:

    Anne Semmler is a CGP member and candidate for the Phipps Botanical Illustration Certificate. She owns (and organizes) more fun art supplies than she would like to admit, and has recently taught several classes at Osher Lifelong Learning at Carnegie Mellon University, including one on the history of notebooks and thinking on paper. 

    Karen's Studio: Before & After Organization

    Karen is a self-described Clutter Bug with 30 years of calligraphy supplies, paper, completed and partially completed work. She'll give a tour of her studio and describe what organizing strategies have worked for her but admits that any system is only as good as you are committed to following it. The easier the system, the better!

    Parking Information

    There will be plenty of street parking available in front of Karen's home. 

Past events

March 05, 2026 Design with Neuland
February 08, 2026 Watercolor Backgrounds
January 18, 2026 Sign Painter Casual Lettering
November 15, 2025 Lively Letters - Refreshed! with Julie Wildman
October 10, 2025 Calligraphy Exhibit Indiana PA
September 28, 2025 CGP - 2025 Annual Meeting & Play Day
September 28, 2025 Indiana Exhibit Submissions - Register by 9/15/25
May 18, 2025 Free Play Day - Fun with Flourishing
April 26, 2025 Breaking The Rules with Mike Gold
March 23, 2025 Play Day - Aleph Book
February 15, 2025 Calligraphy Rhythm & A Spark of Gold
January 12, 2025 Free Play Day - Monogram Design
December 08, 2024 Play Day - Decorating Names
November 02, 2024 Folded Pen Adventures with Carol DuBosch
October 06, 2024 Play Day: Make a Folded Pen
September 08, 2024 Annual Meeting 2024
June 02, 2024 Play Day: Cut-and-Paste
May 04, 2024 Pointed Pen Uncial with Mike Kecseg
April 06, 2024 Lively Lettering with an Irish Flair
April 05, 2024 The Book of Kells: Its History and Beauty, Friday Evening Lecture
January 09, 2024 Introduction to Uncial
December 03, 2023 Complete Beginner Intro to Broad-Edge Calligraphy
November 12, 2023 Judy Melvin Studio Visit (Full)
November 04, 2023 Monroeville Library reception
October 27, 2023 Monroeville Library Guild Exhibit
October 22, 2023 CGP Work / Playday
October 22, 2023 Exhibit Submissions - Register by 10/22/23
October 09, 2023 Nina Tran, Copperplate Intensive
October 07, 2023 Nina Tran, Copperplate Bootcamp
September 17, 2023 Annual Meeting
September 15, 2023 Complete Beginner Intro to Pointed Pen
August 06, 2023 Board Meeting
May 06, 2023 Mike Kecseg, Pointed Pen Blackletter (register by 4/28)
April 28, 2023 Mike Kecseg, Pointed Pen Blackletter registration due 4/28
April 08, 2023 Test Meeting
March 26, 2023 Test Class
March 25, 2023 Test Play Day
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