While I’ve been taking calligraphy classes for years, my first calligraphy conference was with IAMPETH in July of2024. They held it in San Antonio, Texas at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk. I signed up for five days of classes, but most of my learning was unexpected.
This is IAMPETH’s 75th anniversary. The acronym stands for, “International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting”. The association brings together lettering artists of all modalities and skill levels in a welcoming, educational, and inspiring way. (See more about conferences here.
I wanted to come to the conference because I was curious about the association and wanted to learn from this year’s teachers (more on that below). I also wanted to introduce myself to a larger community and elevate my skills. I saw familiar faces when I was there and made a few new friends. Read on for more about this trip!
(pictured: my view from the 10th floor!)
Preparing for the Trip
Traveling lightly is something I tend to do naturally, even for close trips like our CSA Meetings. I bring what’s on the supply list, and I try to pack a pair of scissors, a bone folder, and a ruler if they aren’t listed. A few articles and direct questions revealed that an IAMPETH conference was no different.
The consensus was, “don’t bring too much, but leave room for the huge binder of handouts you’ll bring home”.
I tend to “mentally pack”, and then throw everything together last minute and go! For the conference, I started collecting supplies I wanted to bring in a box. I later pared this down and added a couple pads of paper. John Neal Books gave the option to have our conference supply orders available for pickup at the venue. I definitely took advantage of this!
Only one of my classes was actually a calligraphy class. Rather than packing nibs and ink, I brought a calligraphy marker. I put all my supplies in a backpack, along with my “liquids” for TSA, and fit all my clothes into a rolling carry-on.
Classes I Took
Roman Minuscules with Huy Hoang Dao
When Hoang teaches, it’s clear that he is also an avid student. He gave the history of this script, and described why it’s different from its more modern version, Foundational Hand.
Though this was not my first time learning this hand, I loved all the nuance added to the way I write and think about this script. Looking forward to refining it even more!
Monograms with Skyler Chubak
I was so excited for this class! Skyler is well-practiced and seriously skilled in calligraphy, lettering, and design. They taught with such humility and humor, sharing so many tips for drafting and design. It was so fun to listen to them in passing throughout the conference.
A seriously amazing artist, I hope I get the chance to learn from Skyler again!
Modern Gilding Techniques with Harvest Crittenden
Harvest’s clear instructions on what to do == and what not to do — had us all gilding in no time. Bill Kemp sat in on this class and added tips as well.
This class got me excited about gold again, and I’ve already completed one gilded lettering piece and have laid out a second one!
Layout for Calligraphers with Tamara M. Stoneburner
This was the class that cemented me wanting to come to the conference next year. This class was a big lesson in the organization of a piece and all the calligraphic devices we have.
More than that though, what I learned from Tamara Stoneburner was how to value myself as an artist and act accordingly. It snapped me right up to the level I know I operate at, rather than the level I try to hover in, timidly. I would happily learn and relearn anything Tamara ever teaches again.
CMYK Color Mixing with Harvest Crittenden
Yes, I got to spend more time with Harvest! I admit, I overslept and literally teleported from my bed to her classroom that morning. Without this class, I never would have known of the methodology of this skill. I’m experienced with mixing colors, but this reduces the trial and error portion to almost nothing.
I’ve already practiced this technique a few times within a project and I’m amazed at the success I’ve had!
Additional Activities
Each day of the conference felt like 2 days because there was so much to do, Each day we had a faculty member give a demo at the John Neal Books shop. At night, teachers and artisans gave tutorials, showed their work, and wrote for us.
It was so fun and inspiring to see so many forms of artwork and lettering. Can we ever have enough time to make everything we want to make? I sure hope so.
(pictured: Patti Adams talks a calligrapher through the sgraffito technique)
Study Room
After classes and events ended for the day, calligraphers and teachers could choose to relax together in the Study Room. I went almost every night of the conference. I participated in and overheard so many conversations about lettering and more.
The icing on the cake was catching a teacher giving an impromptu demonstration or lecture.
(pictured: Jodean Cooper and I talking letters in the Study Room)
There is such an integrity and dedication to this work, and I felt right at home among people who feel the same way. When it comes to calligraphy and lettering, many people are on the outside looking in. At times, I feel like I do an inadequate job of effectively explaining the relevance of calligraphy.
Interacting in the Study Room especially validated my passion for calligraphy and lettering arts, and my place in that sphere.
Archive Room
IAMPETH maintains an incredible collection of historical works and brings them to conferences for viewing. Some are framed and displayed, and many more are in albums to look through.
My favorites were drafts and unfinished final pieces because I saw so many similarities between them and my own process. Now that I’ve made so many calligraphy pieces, I appreciate the research, skill, and production of these historical pieces.
(I took this photo of a completed illuminated manuscript, this is not my work. If I knew who to credit, I would definitely share their name!)
John Neal Books Shop
I can only guess at a fraction of what they do every year to set up the John Neal pop-up shop at the conference, but Molly and Katie made this year’s shop incredible. They were also so knowledgeable and friendly! There were SO many goodies, but fortunately, I didn’t leave much room to bring home additional supplies!
I picked up a few things I’ve been wanting, including a few new penstaffs and the PAScribe Lining Template.
Paul Antonio wrote my name on the box in brush calligraphy (pictured) after giving a demo about how to use this truly amazing tool he’s developed. Looking forward to learning to use more of the template’s features!
3 things I Wish I’d Done Differently
1. Get Groceries
I’d planned to have groceries delivered to the hotel so I could be sure to have breakfast and a few snacks for myself through the week. I ended up having leftovers for lunch a handful of times. There was also a little shop inside the hotel with small bites. Either way, I always had a friend to share a mealtime with!
2. Make Time to Explore
I wish I’d arrived a day early. I knew I was going to regret not making the time to explore the city. We did get some great food on the Riverwalk, but I love visiting local thrift stores and bookshops.
3. Pack Jussssst a Little Warmer
Calligraphy classrooms are cold, even in the summer. I brought heavy jeans and a jacket to wear every day. I even brought a scarf. I know that I’ll get cold, which makes it hard for me to stay cheerful and engaged in class. I wish I’d brought warmer socks and a beanie! Next time.
Reflections
My friend Jodean had it right when she said I seemed a little unsure about the whole experience at first.
Before my first calligraphy conference, what I thought would happen was that I would learn some new things, meet new people, and ultimately realize how much farther behind I was than I thought. I was worried that the gap between where I was and where I thought I should be would widen significantly.
It turned out that the gap was actually behind me, and I was in a position to help others close theirs, This was the most encouraging part of the whole experience. It doesn’t necessarily mean I am a better calligrapher, but it means that I’m not unlearning and that I’ve cultivated a space where I can focus on the practice, an environment where I can improve and improvise.
And that is the most reassuring thing. I struggle with wondering if I’m intelligent enough, capable enough, and likeable enough, as I’m sure many of us do. While I’m still in the afterglow, I’m surging forward into the projects and presence I have wanted for years.
Now, I’m looking forward to more conferences with different groups, teachers, and classes.
5 thoughts on “My First Calligraphy Conference”