Kalligraphia XIV: An Exhibition by Members of the Friends of Calligraphy

Every year since 1976, the Friends of Calligraphy has presented its members’ work in an exhibit at the San Francisco Public Library titled Kalligraphia—a word that translates to “beautiful writing.” Come see the exquisite work by Thomas Ingmire, David Brock, Georgianna Greenwood, Carl Rohrs, Susan Skarsgard, and many more. I was thrilled to see a piece by Dorothy Yuki—an artist I interviewed on this website last year. Her piece “Sew a Thread” presents a book with lines of type sewn in gold thread. I also enjoyed JoAnn Brand’s “Leaves”, reminding me that calligraphy offers not just the beauty of the mark, but words of beauty as well.

Founded through a renewed interest in calligraphy that took place in the 1970s, the Friends of Calligraphy is celebrating its 40th anniversary. With its classes, workshops, exhibits and community, we have the organization listed on our  Arts Resources page because it's a great one. (Kalligraphia logo above designed by Judy Detrick)

Kalligraphia XIV: Through August 23, Skylight Gallery, Main Library, free.

Letters to Myself: The Calligraphic First Day Covers of Alan A. Blackman

A modest man of extraordinary talent, Alan A. Blackman is exhibiting his calligraphed envelopes, some 200 of them, spanning 40 years of work, at the Main Library’s Jewett Gallery. Alan Blackman collected stamps and “first day covers” which he artfully addressed to himself and his son, in a calligraphic style honoring the style of the stamp. See how Alan has calligraphed his name, transforming it into a parrot, a keyboard, a boat, a plane, a butterfly, the state of Texas . . . and I love the Cheshire smile—see if you can find it. The stamps are fascinating as well, some carry a bit of history like the ones that show illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages. There is a wonderful video interview streaming in the gallery; you’ll get a good sense of the artist behind the work. 

 

above - Alan Blackman: 200 Years Swedish Circus, Stockholm 1987 (6x8)

And one more thing: in conversation with Alan and the two amazing curators of this exhibit, I discovered that Alan created calligraphy signage for Flax at the Sutter Street store in the 1970s!

Letters to Myself: Through October 11, Jewett Gallery, Main Library, free.

Alan Blackman: Flowers, Edinburgh, 1987 (7.5x4)

Alan Blackman: Isaac Newton: Woolsthorpe, UK, 1987 (7.5x4)

Alan Blackman: John Harrison, Edinburgh, 1993 (7.5x4)