Warmland Calligraphers in the Cowichan Valley have been putting their heart and souls into this lost art form for the last 30 years, and are having a tea and calligraphy party at Saint Peters Quamichan Church Hall on April 12 to celebrate and mark their milestone.
"It is quite the accomplishment for the Warmland Calligraphers to be so successful still after 30 years, particularly for the founding members of whom Betty Locke was the one who spearheaded the guild," said longtime member Ria Lewis.
The Warmland Calligraphers of the Cowichan Valley guild was first inked in 1995 after students who were taking a calligraphy class at the Cowichan Community Centre with their then-instructor Betty Locke, who as an art teacher from Alberta, wanted to continue the craft.
For the last 30 years, the guild's main goal has been to nurture and support those who want to hone their skills while offering lessons on the wide array of calligraphy lettering styles, also known as hands. The beautiful thing about calligraphy is that it encompasses scripts from Western to East Asian, as well as Arabic/Islamic and Indian to name a few. Lessons are taught through workshops as well as through programs held at their monthly meetings which are organized by the guild's executive of 12 people.
Locke first tried her hand at calligraphy while living in the United States when her husband was studying in Oregon, and was urged by her own instructor to not only continue the craft but to also teach this ancient art form, which dates back thousands of years in various cultures from Mesopotamia, China, and Egypt. The name comes from Greek culture, derived from the word kalligraphos meaning person who writes beautifully.
"When Betty and her husband retired to the Island, she found several like minded people, and to this day, at the age of 86 is still involved in the guild and over the past 30 years she has been an enthusiastic teacher of calligraphy," said Lewis.
"I saw a class offered at the community centre and after that I was completely hooked and joined the guild," said Lewis. "I have always been fascinated by the art of calligraphy and by joining the guild my eyes were opened to the many art forms and hands of calligraphy, both historical and modern. My favourite part is the many workshops offered through our guild and the never ending quest of learning to become a better calligrapher. I also enjoy the many friends I have gained through the guild. To date we have 74 members and have had as many as 92."
Warmland Calligraphers will be serving up a world of fun along with tea and goodies from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., inside the Saint Peters Quamichan Church hall on April 12, which will also include a calligraphic art show featuring tons of original works, as well as demonstrations and hands-on instruction. To expand your own know-how down to the letter, and become a member visit the guild's website at warmlandcalligraphers.ca
"It is open to the public to come and enjoy the art show, watch demonstrations, try some calligraphy themselves and have a cup of tea or coffee with some baked goods," said Lewis. "We hope to inspire the attendees to take an interest in calligraphy and maybe become a new member."
