Westcoast Calligraphy at Word Vancouver – Sept 20, 2025

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We’re thrilled to share that the Westcoast Calligraphy Society will be an exhibitor at Word Vancouver on Saturday, September 20th, 2025! Join us at this vibrant celebration of writing, creativity, and community — right in the heart of Vancouver. We’ll be there sharing our love of letters and the art of beautiful writing.

Event Details
What: Word Vancouver Festival
When: 11:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday, September 20, 2025
Where: UBC Robson Square — exhibitors will be located in the ice rink
Here is the link to the event map: https://www.wordvancouver.ca/venue-map

Visit our Booth! Look for the blue branded table cloth. 

We will be right in front of the main entrance of UBC Robson Square, rink level.

If you’re attending the festival, be sure to drop by our table. Whether you’re a seasoned calligrapher or just curious, we’ll have:

  • Live calligraphy demos — Pick up a personalized bookmark with your name beautifully written in calligraphy!

  • Info about upcoming seminars and drop-in events

  • Membership sign-up information

  • And of course — lots of friendly faces!

Follow and tag us on  Instagram:  @westcoast_calligraphy_society

If you’re attending, tag us in your photos — we’d love to see your Word Vancouver experience. #WCSatWordVan #WordVancouver #CalligraphyVancouver #WestcoastCalligraphySociety

October 25th: 1st WCS Saturday Drop-In session

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Mark your calendar and get ready to join us for our first Westcoast Calligraphy Society Saturday Drop-In session!  The Drop-In Saturdays are a one-size-fits-all event for beginners to experienced calligraphers. 

October Program: Get Your Jingle On!

Get a jump start on your Christmas Cards and Tags.  Join us in creating Snowflakes and other decorative elements using your Pilot Parallel Pen.

Date:           Saturday, October 25, 2025  
Time:           10:30am to 2:30pm
Location:     Surrey Library, Clayton Branch – located inside the Clayton Community Centre on the 2nd floor.
Address:      7155 187A Street, Surrey BC V4N 6L9 (Clayton Community Center is easily accessible from 72nd Street.)

RSVP will be required for these events, as space is limited. 
Member registration begins Sept 15, 2025
Non-Member/Guest registration begins Sept 25, 2025.

Membership has its privileges!  There will be no fee for members to attend!

Guests and Non-Members may attend one complimentary WCS event.  Contact Violet at seminars@westcoastcalligraphy.com to ensure we are prepared to welcome you to your complimentary first visit. There will be a nominal $5 drop-in fee for non-members to attend subsequent sessions.

Photo Credit: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

October Program: Get Your Jingle On! [WCS October 2025 Drop in Days]

Supply List 

*Basic tag making supplies and ribbon will be provided.

  • Bond Paper
  • Pilot Parallel Pen – 6.00mm preferred (no smaller than 3.8mm)
  • Blue Ink, Metallic Ink
  • Small container for water
  • Paper towel

*optional

– tool kit: pencil, erasers, ruler

– Strathmore watercolour paper or similar card stock that will handle ink

Additional Details

  • The room can be located in the library on the upper floor.  There is an elevator just inside the entrance of the community centre.  When you exit the elevator, turn right, and the room is just down the hall.
  • Bathrooms are located right beside the room.
  • Brown Bag!  We will not be coordinating tea/coffee; however, you are welcome to bring along a bag lunch, snack, drink, or something to share.  There is a kettle, fridge, and microwave available for our use.  Please bring utensils, plates, mugs, etc., as they are not provided.
  • There is a shopping plaza a short drive away if you forget your lunch or need to grab a coffee.
  • Free parking & fully accessible location.

If all goes well, we will have a second gathering on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025!

Event Organizers & Hosts
Valerie Akkerman and Violet Smythe
If you have any questions or suggestions not covered here, please reach out to us: seminars@westcoastcalligraphy.com

We hope you join us!  It’s the perfect opportunity to brainstorm ideas, learn from others, and share in our love of letters!

September 24th Meeting: Taking Photos of Art Work and Calligraphy with your Smartphone with Laurie Kingdon

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September 24, 2025 from 7:30pm to 9:00 pm
This is an IN PERSON meeting at: Peace Church, 659 52 AVE E, Vancouver, BC V5X 1G8

In this workshop, we will go over the best practices for effectively documenting your calligraphy with a smartphone using a stable surface with a straight-on perspective, to proper camera settings. We’ll discuss the importance of good lighting, why we want to avoid using a flash and how using a tripod with a remote timer is key. We will go over the features on your smartphone like the best lens to use and how to edit your photos for cropping and optimal colour and brightness. We will also answer the question whether it’s better to scan or photograph artwork.

April 23rd Meeting (In-Person): Ruling Pen Rules! with Emmanuel Buron

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Exploring the Ruling Pen: A Calligraphic Adventure
April 23, 2025 | 7:30-9:00pm

Location: Peace Church 659 E 52nd Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5X 1G8

RULING PEN RULES!

Join us for “Exploring the Ruling Pen: A Calligraphic Adventure,” an interactive session designed for all skill levels to tap into their artistic side. Discover the versatility of the ruling pen, originally used for drawing lines, now a tool for creating diverse lettering styles.

Participants will discover the different types of vintage ruling pens and learn fundamental techniques, including proper pen grip and arm movements, to enhance their writing quality. The session includes exercises for pen control, expressive strokes, and insights on ink and paper choices. No prior experience is needed—just bring your passion for calligraphy and unleash your creativity

RULING PEN RULES!