Colleagues of Calligraphy upcoming events

Season Opener (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Tools of the Trade

Join your fellow Colleagues for:

Last day to drop off pieces for the Cargill Gallery show
Demonstrations
Stations for trying out different tools (pens, paper, inks, etc.)
Make your own cola-pen (as seen at last year's Maker U)
Sneak peak of what's to come in the October Neuland workshop
Peruse and check out Library materials
All members are encouraged to bring pieces for informal sharing
Light refreshments
Swap table - for calligraphic related books, tools, materials
Meet the new board, meet new members

Programs are free for members. However, guests are welcome to attend one in person program in a season.

Map & Directions to Hillside Church

Exhibition Program: Talk & Gallery Tour (October 11, 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT

The Power of the Pencil: How this simple tool changed the world

Talk by Anne Kaese, calligrapher and medieval art tool historian
Preceded and followed by Gallery Tours
Demonstrations and members in gallery to answer questions

This event takes place at the library and is open to the public.

Map & Directions to Cargill Gallery at Minneapolis Central Library

Weekend Workshop: Be Bold: The Neuland Hand (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Registration opens for Members on 9/1/26
Registration opens for Nonmembers on 9/21/26

Be Bold: The Neuland Hand

This workshop will be geared for calligraphers for all levels. Several variations of the Neuland Hand will be demonstrated and explored. There will be plenty of time devoted to calligraphy terminology and best practices for those new to calligraphy. Calligraphers familiar with Neuland or those with more experience will be guided on how to experiment.

Neuland seems to lend itself to all kinds of "treatments" - such as drop shadows, outlining, squeezing together, cutting out, and adding color. So, in addition to exploring Neuland variations, we will explore many ways to embellish your Neuland writing.

At the end of the weekend everyone will have the opportunity to gather their work from the weekend into a simple portfolio swatch book.

Map & Directions to Hillside Church

Supplies:

Note: Any student who has experience with dip pens and would rather skip the Parallel Pen and jump right to their favorite larger nibs or pens - that's fine - no need to purchase or bring a Parallel Pen.

Parallel Pen - 6mm or 4.5mm
Extra cartridges - any color (but I always stay away from the red - it tends to bleed)
Speedball C-nib and holder - C-0 or C-1
Several sheets of favorite practice paper - Borden & Riley is nice
One piece of nicer paper - like a watercolor paper
Drawing pencils - #2 and a softer pencil for blending (like 4B)
A few gel pens or colored pencils or markers in your favorite colors - whatever you have and are comfortable working with for a bit of color
Micron pen - or other favorite small, permanent drawing pen
Favorite Ink. Higgins Eternal (not waterproof) is good for beginners OR Moonpalace Sumi ink OR Walnut - whatever you have tried before and like to work with for practice. It is helpful to transfer ink into a smaller container rather than dipping into a bottle. These are nice: JNB - jar with lid
Small water container
Ruler
Scissors
Paper towels, small rags or wet wipes
Pen rest*
Tape or other mechanism to secure bottle of ink to table to prevent spilling*
Some favorite words (short poems or short quotes)

*if you bring a plastic lid of a cottage cheese or yogurt container, I can show you how to make a holder for your ink and pen rest if you have neither of these.

Optional supplies - bring only if you have them and want to experiment with them - don't buy:

Note: Some of these will be used in demonstrations and if you have an interest or more experience you can experiment but these are NOT necessary to complete workshop. Calligraphers are the most generous people I know. There will be plenty of things to share, so I don't want anyone (beginners especially) to feel they have to buy any of these if they don't already have them in their tool box:

Variety of scraps (no smaller than say 4"x6") of favorite nice paper to write on; Canson Mi Tiente, watercolor paper, charcoal paper, etc. (If you want to try white ink, bring some darker paper)
Sheet or 2 of tracing paper
White gouache or favorite white ink
Favorite colors of ink
Large Speedball B-nib (or other bent nibs) and holder
EF66 or other flexible pointed nib and holder
Large pens - like Automatic pens or Coit pens (at least 1/4" or 1/2")
Gel pen assortment
Colored pencil
Small mixing brush
6-well mixing pan or small jars
X-acto knife and blades (#11 or #16)
Cutting surface (back of paper pad works fine)
Pipette
Small hole punch

After you register, you'll receive instructions for preparing a few things in order to be ready to dive in on Saturday morning.

Registration opens soon:

for Members on 9/1/26
for Nonmembers on 9/21/26

A Little About Your Instructor: Sally Wightkin

I have been creating calligraphy since 1981 and teaching calligraphy and related arts since 1991. My calligraphic world expanded in 1989 when, following the advice of the incomparable Myrna Rosen, I joined the Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh, where I discovered the rich world of lettering arts that continues to inspire my work today.

Since creating my first wedding invitations in 1987, I have designed countless envelopes, invitations, place cards, and custom calligraphic pieces for life's special occasions. I also enjoy sharing my passion through in-person workshops, home studio classes, and creative online experiences.

My work has been exhibited and recognized throughout Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida, and is held in private collections across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. I have been honored to have work published multiple times in Letter Arts Review, the internationally recognized journal for calligraphers and lettering artists.

I am a past president and current webmaster for the Colleagues of Calligraphy, where I continue to learn, create, and connect with fellow lettering artists.

While calligraphy has been my lifelong passion, my husband, two sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson are my greatest joys.

Weekend Workshop: Be Bold: The Neuland Hand (October 18, 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Registration opens for Members on 9/1/26
Registration opens for Nonmembers on 9/21/26

Be Bold: The Neuland Hand

At the end of the weekend everyone will have the opportunity to gather their work from the weekend into a simple portfolio swatch book.

Map & Directions to Hillside Church

Supplies:

Parallel Pen - 6mm or 4.5mm
Extra cartridges - any color (but I always stay away from the red - it tends to bleed)
Speedball C-nib and holder - C-0 or C-1
Several sheets of favorite practice paper - Borden & Riley is nice
One piece of nicer paper - like a watercolor paper
Drawing pencils - #2 and a softer pencil for blending (like 4B)
A few gel pens or colored pencils or markers in your favorite colors - whatever you have and are comfortable working with for a bit of color
Micron pen - or other favorite small, permanent drawing pen
Favorite Ink. Higgins Eternal (not waterproof) is good for beginners OR Moonpalace Sumi ink OR Walnut - whatever you have tried before and like to work with for practice. It is helpful to transfer ink into a smaller container rather than dipping into a bottle. These are nice: JNB - jar with lid
Small water container
Ruler
Scissors
Paper towels, small rags or wet wipes
Pen rest*
Tape or other mechanism to secure bottle of ink to table to prevent spilling*
Some favorite words (short poems or short quotes)

*if you bring a plastic lid of a cottage cheese or yogurt container, I can show you how to make a holder for your ink and pen rest if you have neither of these.

Optional supplies - bring only if you have them and want to experiment with them - don't buy:

Variety of scraps (no smaller than say 4"x6") of favorite nice paper to write on; Canson Mi Tiente, watercolor paper, charcoal paper, etc. (If you want to try white ink, bring some darker paper)
Sheet or 2 of tracing paper
White gouache or favorite white ink
Favorite colors of ink
Large Speedball B-nib (or other bent nibs) and holder
EF66 or other flexible pointed nib and holder
Large pens - like Automatic pens or Coit pens (at least 1/4" or 1/2")
Gel pen assortment
Colored pencil
Small mixing brush
6-well mixing pan or small jars
X-acto knife and blades (#11 or #16)
Cutting surface (back of paper pad works fine)
Pipette
Small hole punch

After you register, you'll receive instructions for preparing a few things in order to be ready to dive in on Saturday morning.

Registration opens soon:

for Members on 9/1/26
for Nonmembers on 9/21/26

A Little About Your Instructor: Sally Wightkin

I am a past president and current webmaster for the Colleagues of Calligraphy, where I continue to learn, create, and connect with fellow lettering artists.

While calligraphy has been my lifelong passion, my husband, two sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson are my greatest joys.

Exhibition Reception (November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Cargill Gallery Reception

Hosted by Colleagues Members
Preceded and followed by Gallery Tours
Demonstrations and members in gallery to answer questions
Light refreshment

This event takes place at the library and is open to the public.

Map & Directions to Cargill Gallery at Minneapolis Central Library

Exhibition Program: Calligraphy Up Close (November 15, 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Calligraphy Up Close: Write, Watch, and Ask Questions About Calligraphy

Hosted by Colleagues Members
Preceded and followed by Gallery Tours
Demonstrations and members in gallery to answer questions

This event takes place at the library and is open to the public.

Map & Directions to Cargill Gallery at Minneapolis Central Library

Winter Play Day: Online or Small Groups (December 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Winter Play Day: Inspired by the Book of Kells

To attend online:

Members: This is a free program, but you must register to receive the link to join.
Nonmembers: Register to join us for $5.
All registrants will receive an email reminder with the link to join the online program.

To attend online with friends...

In the past, members have gathered in small groups and watched together, online!
Reach out to your Colleagues if you want to make it a party!

Anne Kaese will demonstrate methods to create basic Celtic Knots.

Sally Wightkin will demonstrate how to create Insular Majuscule - the style of writing found in the Book of Kells.

Basic supply list coming soon.

Registration opens 9/1/26

Online Program: Historical Topic TBD (January 16, 2027)

Sat, 16 Jan 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Online Program: Historical Topic TBD

For the past several years we have dedicated January's online meeting to studying old manuscripts and other historical calligraphic topics of interest.

This month we will do the same - topic to be finalized. Stay tuned!

Members: This is a free program, but you must register to receive the link to join.
Nonmembers: Register to join us for $5.
You will receive the link to join the program a few days before the program.

Details coming soon.

Registration opens 9/1/26

Maker University Evening Program (February 12, 2027)

Sat, 13 Feb 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Maker U 2027 Keynote Address (TBD)

Maker University is a mini-online calligraphy conference. It starts off with this Friday evening presentation followed by an entire day where members of the Colleagues share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of calligraphy-related topics. Hands-on, lecture, sharing, Q&A; all methods of exploring calligraphy and related arts will abound!

This is a free progam for all, but you must register in order to receive the link to join. We will send the link to join a few days before the program.

Details coming.

Registration will open soon.

Maker U 2027 (February 13, 2027)

Sat, 13 Feb 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Maker University 2027

Maker University is a mini-online calligraphy conference: an entire day where members of the Colleagues share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of calligraphy-related topics. Hands-on, lecture, sharing, Q&A; all methods of exploring calligraphy and related arts will abound!

You will receive the link to join a few days before the event.

Note: Don't forget that it is a separate registration for the free program on Friday.

Details and Supply List coming.

Cost:

Members: $25
Nonmembers: $35

Registration will open when details are set.

Member Program: Field Trip to The James Ford Bell Library (March 20, 2027)

Sat, 20 Mar 2027 17:30:00 GMT

Member Program: Field Trip to The James Ford Bell Library

The James Ford Bell Library (part of the Archives & Special Collections of the Andersen Library of the University of Minnesota) makes history come alive through its premier collection of rare books, manuscripts, maps, archival collections, and other materials that document the history and impact of trade and cultural exchange prior to ca. 1800 CE.

Website: https://www.lib.umn.edu/collections/special/bell

Member, Janey Westin and manuscript librarian, Maggie Ragnow, will be our guide while at the James Ford Bell Museum.

Last season when we visited the library, we were awed by the many manuscript pages that Maggie curated for us. Janey guided us on analysing a historical hand and helped us to create our own exemplar based on that analysis.

Janey will once again lead us in the close analysis of a historical hand, exploring its design, lettering, and artistic features while drawing inspiration from original manuscripts on display.

As an added incentive, Maggie is organizing an exhibition at the library in fall 2028. The exhibition will pair an original manuscript page with a work created by one of our members in response to it. Your piece might be a faithful copy, a modern interpretation of the original, illuminated initials inspired by a selected page, or another work that is clearly influenced by the historical manuscript. The original and the contemporary work will be displayed side by side at the James Ford Bell Library.

Supplies to Bring:

We will be using chisel-edge markers. NO LIQUID INK is allowed in the room.

Please bring a 2.5mm calligraphy marker - brand does not matter, but Janey will have guide sheets available to coincide with a 2.5mm marker (suggestions in links below).

Paper - inexpensive drawing paper or even copy paper - as long as your marker does not bleed

Pencil and notepaper.

To support participants throughout the project, we will schedule several opportunities to meet, share progress, receive feedback, and refine work in preparation for the exhibition in fall 2028.

This is an exciting (and rare!) opportunity to train your eye and learn an essential calligraphy skill from original documents.

Members: This is a free program
Guests can attend one free in person program a season.

26-27 Annual Meeting (May 15, 2027)

Sat, 15 May 2027 17:30:00 GMT

Season Wrap-Up

Join your Colleagues for:

Annual meeting and voting for next season's board
Demonstrations
Hands on activities (details to be announced)
Return of all Library materials
All are encouraged to bring pieces for informal sharing - especially something that might have been created this past season!
Light refreshments
Swap table - for calligraphic related books, tools, materials

Programs are free for members. However, guests are welcome to attend one in person program in a season.

Map & Directions to Hillside Church