On Saturday, November 16, 2019, the Colleagues of Calligraphy program attendees had the opportunity to visit five different 20-minute stations in the room. Read more. We were inspired by hands-on demonstrations led by associates from a local Twin Cities business: Wet Paint Artists' Materials and Framing.

1. In “Mesmerizing Metallics,” Liz Carlson (at Wet Paint) led a station featuring items such as the Finetec Artist Mica Watercolor Pearlescent Paints and other sparkly markers and paints. She allowed attendees to try her paint collection, using different kinds of paper in dark and light shades. Liz's hospitality helped us gain new insight on these products, often used for calligraphy. She teaches a media class and an embroidery class at Wet Paint.

2. In “15-Minute Fold,” Karen Kinoshita taught us to make a simple, single-sheet book without adhesive. In the book, The Art of the Fold: How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures, paper craft and bookbinding ideas abound, compliments of bookmaker & artist author Hedi Kyle, and architecture graduate Ulla Warchol. If you enjoy folding books, consider The Art of the Fold course at Wet Paint.

3. At “Brushstroke Boot Camp,” Julie Anderson reacquainted us with foundational brush technique. If you enjoy experimenting with a brush and learning new brushwork techniques (they can complement your calligraphy pieces!), consider her future class on Rosemaling: Telemark Style to learn how to paint scrolls, borders, and flowers.

4. At the “Pen Table,” Chris Nolt (at Wet Paint), featured a number of different writing tools, including fountain pens. If you're in need of a particular pen, stop into Wet Paint and ask for Chris—he is able to help artists at various levels find a pen for their needs.

5. At “New to Wet Paint,” Darin Rinne (co-owner at Wet Paint) demonstrated a few products which are newer at the store. The following were a few I noted.

• From Japanese manufacturer Tomoegawa, Tomoe River paper is renowned for exquisite quality. It is smooth, lightweight, and highly resistant to bleed-through and feathering. Fountain pen inks, as well as many other inks, write beautifully on this paper. The pages of this journal come either blank or dotted; a guide sheet is provided.

• The Swiss-made Caran d’Ache Multi Techniques set combines 10 graphite and colored pencils with accessories in a metal storage tin. Used dry, these media retain graphite properties. In contact with water, the black is tinted with colors for unique renderings.

Also at the program, Virginia McBride (at Wet Paint) offered a mini-store where Colleagues were able to purchase items from Wet Paint. I bought a beautiful tote to carry art and calligraphy supplies. Several other members were able to pick up various desired items to kickstart creativity at the beginning of the holiday season.

We hope this hands-on program allowed members and visitors to discover new tools, techniques, and processes to enhance lettering and art practices.

Even if you were not able to make it, stop by the store in St Paul (or their website) anytime to learn more about what they offer.

Join me in thanking our friends at Wet Paint for investing in our guild in this way during our 2019-2020 season!

Check out the Wet Paint website “Events” page to find upcoming classes. You will see calligraphy classes taught by Colleagues members Dawn Darner and Jean Formo. Many of us have attended classes at Wet Paint in the past and really enjoyed them. We are thankful to have such a wonderful art supplier in our area.