Friends of Calligraphy offers classes and workshops
that meet the needs of those beginning calligraphy as well as those who are ready for more advanced techniques. FOC workshops are open to current FOC members. Basic calligraphy classes at Fort Mason are open to the public. They are sponsored by FOC, and taught by FOC members. Also listed below are classes by FOC members who teach in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. They are not sponsored by FOC, but are listed here as a courtesy to our members. Please contact individual instructors for details.

FRIENDS OF CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

The Truly Flexible Pointed Pen
(Download the pdf flyer)
Rick Paulus, instructor
Saturday & Sunday, September 15—16 • 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Fort Mason • Bldg C, San Francisco
$180.00 for FOC Members

This class is appropriate for students who are comfortable writing with a pointed pen.
Complete registration instructions are in the PDF flyer

Select one:

Special instructions to FOC:

Extend the range of your pointed pen’s potential as we break away from traditional pointed pen hands and explore the full power of this amazing little pen nib.
Following an analysis of historical models as well as the work of contemporary masters, we will put our pens to paper and systematically develop new pointed pen styles out of formal broad-edge hands such as foundational, italic and uncial. The methods and skills acquired in this workshop will give participants the tools they need to further their reach with the pointed pin in infinite ways.

Rick Paulus has over 35 years experience in commercial calligraphy and fine art calligraphy. He apprenticed at the legendary Tolley Studios in Washington, DC, served as engrosser for the US Department of State, and eventually found his way into the White House as chief calligrapher for Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush. In 2006, Rick took a bold leap of faith in leaving his coveted White House position, creating an opportunity to explore his art in more creative ways. Since that time, Rick has enjoyed immersing himself in the challenge of producing interpretive calligraphic arts as well as teaching his beloved craft to students of all skill levels.

FRIENDS OF CALLIGRAPHY Fort Mason Classes

Open to the public, these classes are meant for beginners and for scribes who wish to continue improving their skills. Basic supplies required by each student include: black ink such as Higgins Eternal, all sizes of Brause pen nibs, one or two pen holders, pencil and eraser, 18 or 24 inch metal ruler, notebook, cotton rag, a small water jar. There may be additional supplies specified by each instructor and are listed after each class description in the Fort Mason brochure. (Download pdf brochure for 2018)

Calligraphy supplies, especially Brause pen nibs, can be difficult to find. Call or visit your local art supply stores, such as Arch, Dick Blick, Castle in the Air, Flax. If they don’t have what you need, contact the calligraphy mail order vendors:

John Neal Bookseller, 1-800-369-9598 • www.johnnealbookseller.com
or
Paper & Ink Arts, 1-800-736-7772 • www.paperinkarts.com

Please register for any class at least six weeks in advance. Class size is limited to 16. You will be notified by the Fort Mason Class Registrar if you have a place in the class or are on the wait list. Payment of tuition is necessary to hold your place on a wait list. If you need to withdraw, a full refund will be issued 14 days before the class begins. Otherwise the tuition fee is forfeited unless a wait-listed student can take your place.

Classes meet in Building C at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. Free parking outside the gate and metered parking within.

Italic
Patricia Coltrin instructor
Seven Tuesday evenings • 6:30–9:00 pm
September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16
$150 FOC members / $170 non-members

Select

The italic hand first appeared during the Italian Renaissance where it was used by artists and scholars, diplomats and papal scribes. Today, it is one of the most expressive and versatile scripts available to the calligrapher. This class will study the construction of both minuscules and majuscules, focusing on proportion, rhythm and spacing. You will see many historical and contemporary examples. We will touch on simple variations.

All levels of lettering experience are welcome.

Patricia Coltrin has been inspired by letters since 1985, when a friend loaned her a Pelikan pen. Initially studying with John Prestiani and Thomas Ingmire, she began a freelance calligraphy business in 1992, doing both private and commercial commissions. She enjoys teaching both privately and in the classroom.

Basic Design for Calligraphers
Rick Paulus instructor
Four Saturday mornings • 10 am–1:30 pm
September 29, October 6, 13, 20
$120 FOC members / $135 non-members

This class is full and a waiting list has begun. You must register to be put on the waiting list. If no space becomes available, you will receive a refund.

Select

The challenges of placing text on a page in a meaningful way can be a daunting leap for one who has never attempted to do so. A series of independent assignments will gently guide you through the process of taking your work from concept to completion, using easily acquired methods and processes. As you explore the basics of design, you will use a range of papers and mediums including gouache, watercolor and gold leaf—all essential tools in the calligrapher’s studio—to further your abilities as an artist.

Basic knowledge of at least one calligraphic hand is required.

Rick Paulus has been a calligrapher and a teacher for over forty years. Rick apprenticed for several years at the legendary Tolley Studios, in Washington, DC, before becoming the engrosser for the US State Department. In 1998, he was appointed chief calligrapher of the White House, where he remained for two presidents. Today, Rick enjoys calligraphic explorations from his studio nestled in the coastal hills of Sonoma County. Rick has been active in calligraphy guilds throughout his career, and is excited to be teaching the Basic Design for Calligraphers class at Fort Mason.

Friends of Calligraphy Lecture

There are no lectures scheduled at this time.

MEMBERS WHO TEACH

San Francisco:

Thomas Ingmire • Call 415.673.4938.
International Calligraphy Correspondence Program. Classes at all levels.
CPA-HO, 1040A Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

Raoul Martinez
Copperplate and blackletter classes for beginning, intermediate and advanced students.

Ann Miller • Call 650 558-8270
Calligraphy and Letterform. Advanced Calligraphy.

East Bay:

Patricia Coltrin • Call 510 524-5208

Georgianna Greenwood • Call 510.841.6924

Meredith Klein • Call 510.205.1119

Kaori Ogawa

Antonia (Nini) Smith • Call 510 526-7249
Year-round classes at Piedmont Adult School

Erma Takeda• Call 925.284.7368

Carla Tenret • Call 510.526.1214
Year round classes at Albany Community Center

South Bay:

Melissa Dinwiddie • Call 650.938.3939
Calligraphy, book arts, and illumination

Sara Loesch Frank • Call 408.446.3397
Ongoing calligraphy classes for beginners and intermediates.

Marian Gault • Call 408.395.8026

Ann Thompson • Call 408.378.6965

Marin County:

JoAnn Burchfiel Brand • Call 415.924.2625

Jody Meese • Call 415.272.3612

Mendocino:

Judy Detrick • Call 707.964.9276
Ongoing classes at all levels.

Sonoma County:

Christine Renden Haggarty
Ongoing classes in Asian calligraphy for beginners and intermediates.

Sherrie Lovler • Call 707.528.1723.
Calligraphic Book Hand for Book Artists.

Rick Paulus • Call 774.323.0050

Melissa Titone • Call 707. 573.3810
Ongoing classes and private lessons in Santa Rosa.

Yolo County:

Sumner Stone
Type design workshops in Rumsey, CA

Santa Cruz/Monterey/Carmel:

Debra Ferreboeuf • Call 831 655-4311

Carolyn Fitz • Call 831 335-2886

Ruth Korch
Art and calligraphy classes in the Santa Cruz area

Kern County:

Chris Paschke •Call 661 821-2188
Ongoing classes at all levels in Tehachapi

Reno/Tahoe:

Carol Pallesen • Call 775 329-6983
Ongoing classes in calligraphy and book arts

New Mexico:

Bill Kemp • Call 505 235-4983
Teaching and tutoring in Albuquerque

Online:

Ann Miller • Call 650 558-8270
Calligraphy and Letterform. Advanced Calligraphy. Two accredited Online courses through San Francisco Academy of Art University

Harvest Crittenden • Call 517 545-3031
Online classes in Spencerian, Flourishing, Copperplate and Photoshop for Calligraphers.

Meilissa Esplin
Brush lettering, gestural pointed pen, and chalk lettering.