Portland Society for Calligraphy Preps for 'Letterfest'

The Portland Society for Calligraphy, a guild dedicated to creating community and improving handwriting of Portlanders, is approaching its 50th anniversary as a nonprofit in 2019.

Its annual 1-day conference, Letterfest, which is hosted by a different guild from Oregon each year, will be held by the Portland chapter this year on October 22nd. The conference contains speakers, vendors, events and workshops.

"We reference ourselves as lovers of letters," said Meri Taylor, Chairperson for the All Oregon Calligraphy Conference, Letterfest.

There are currently 140 people registered for Letterfest and its filling up quickly. If you register for Letterfest, it's $65 and includes lunch, you can attend different Calligraphy classes. Each class is 2 hours and 30 minutes long.

The objective of the conference is to provide a broad variety of classes in various lettering arts and connect our larger community. This event has occurred annually for more than 30 years.

The society is comprised of different kinds of letter-lovers, including people who specialize in pointed pen, square edge pen, brush, creators of books, graphic designers, sign painters, and hobbyists.

""We have a variety of hobbyists as well as people who are professional calligraphers, and people who are willing to teach, which is why it was interesting to me," said Taylor, "There is a strong calligraphy world in Portland, which started at Reed College with professor Lloyd Reynolds and one of our education projects is held in conjunction with Reed.

Calligraphy and the lettering arts are alive and well in Portland with a variety of classes, lectures, workshops, exhibits available throughout the year. The state fair has a calligraphy presence as well.

Have you caught the Calligraphy bug yet? You can join the society and receive membership benefits, like discounted classes.

Image via Meri Taylor, Portland Society for Calligraphy