As a juror for the calligraphy division in the Oregon State Fair this year, I was invited to display a few of my own calligraphic works, one of which (pictured) has never been exhibited before.

• There Is No Rose. Concertina artist's book. Broad-edged nib, watercolor and acrylic on hand-dyed watercolor paper.

• Attention. Broadside. Broad-edged nibs, pencil, and watercolor on Hahnemühle Ingres paper.

• Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas before Study. Broadside. Pen and pointed brush, watercolor and walnut ink on Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

• Ode to a Nightingale. Pamphlet-stitched artist’s book. Brause and Mitchell nibs, watercolor, tamarind and mulberry papers.

You can view these pieces and many more beautiful calligraphy pieces August 22–September 1, 2025, in Cascade Hall at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem.

Do you like the cool writing of the elves in The Lord of the Rings? You can learn to write it too! Use a thick-tipped pen to practice the letters in Tengwar, a script invented by Tolkien. It's fun and easy to learn! For ages 6–14.

Five days, August 18–22, 2025, 9:00 am–1:00 pm, at the Multnomah Arts Center in SW Portland.

Humanist bookhand, the basis for the most widespread typefaces in use today, is an ideal starting point if you’re new to calligraphy. This friendly, legible calligraphic script was revived and reinvented again and again over the centuries because of its usefulness in diverse contexts. Get comfortable with nibs, ink, and paper and find out about the history of this widely practiced artform. As well as learning the lowercase and capital letterforms and some fascinating calligraphy history, you’ll be guided in the creation of a handmade book showcasing your lettering.

Eight weeks, October 2–December 4, 2025, 9:30 am–12:30 pm on Thursdays. Taught at the Multnomah Arts Center in SW Portland.

Learn historic letters with Shakespearean flair! Possibly one of the most fun scripts to write, Gothic Cursive is visually delightful and will flow from your pen once you get the hang of it. You'll learn how to use nibs and ink on paper, soak up some Renaissance history, and master the lovely lowercase and dramatic capital letters of this script. Throughout the term you'll be guided in creating your own handmade calligraphic book.

Eight weeks, October 2–November 20, 2025, 6:00–9:00 pm on Thursdays. Taught at the Multnomah Arts Center in SW Portland.