October 18–November 15, 2025
Mount Angel Abbey Library

Three of Oregon's calligraphy guilds chose this theme to reflect the love of words, the Benedictine tradition of welcoming, and a desire to live in a welcoming world.

• Love's Welcome. Broadside. Sumi and Bister inks, Mitchell nibs, wood pen, colored pencil.

Humanist bookhand, the basis for the most widespread typefaces in use today, is an ideal starting point if you’re new to calligraphy. This friendly, legible calligraphic script was revived and reinvented again and again over the centuries because of its usefulness in diverse contexts. Get comfortable with nibs, ink, and paper and find out about the history of this widely practiced artform. As well as learning the lowercase and capital letterforms and some fascinating calligraphy history, you’ll be guided in the creation of a handmade book showcasing your lettering.

Eight weeks, October 2–December 4, 2025, 9:30 am–12:30 pm on Thursdays. Taught at the Multnomah Arts Center in SW Portland.

Learn historic letters with Shakespearean flair! Possibly one of the most fun scripts to write, Gothic Cursive is visually delightful and will flow from your pen once you get the hang of it. You'll learn how to use nibs and ink on paper, soak up some Renaissance history, and master the lovely lowercase and dramatic capital letters of this script. Throughout the term you'll be guided in creating your own handmade calligraphic book.

Dates and times to be determined