Welcome to the Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild website. We were formed in 1981 and incorporated as a Society on January 6, 1983, to promote, inspire, encourage and share the art of calligraphy, hand lettering, and paper arts. From our simple beginning in 1981, we have grown to a current membership of about 200 members. Our membership brings together people from all walks of life with a common passion for the art of beautiful letters.
We hold informative meetings, classes, exhibits, and special events from our home base in Calgary, Alberta, holding in-person and Zoom meetings. If you live in the Calgary area and are interested in calligraphy and hand lettering, you are welcome to attend one of our meetings. If you live anywhere else, you are also welcome to become a member and participate from afar in our many online activities. Although most activities involve the traditional use of pen and paper, the BVCG also offers programs for those interested in digital calligraphy and hand lettering.
We publish The Journal three times a year. The Journal is sent to all members and exchanged with other guilds worldwide. Members are encouraged to contribute artwork and articles of interest.
The BVCG has over 300 books and journals in its Library and has an online catalogue available via the BVCG Website, allowing members to peruse the holdings online, place holds on books and renew their books. The BVCG Library is open to members during the drop-in sessions and in-person member meetings, and members must pick up and return library items in person.
Classes and workshops are offered throughout the year at affordable rates, and are advertised in our bi-monthly eBulletin, on Facebook, Instagram, and our website.
The Guild meets monthly from September through June. In-person meetings include Show and Share, BVCG library access, and some form of enrichment like Galleria, a conversation about members’ artwork on an assigned topic. Presentations, slide shows, guest lecturers, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and field trips are just a few of the other enrichment possibilities. Drop-in Calligraphy happens eight times a year, about once a month, and members spend dedicated time with projects and lettering practice. Online enrichment meetings are held during January, February, and March featuring a two-hour session with a guest instructor. There is something for everyone with this BVCG mix of online and in-person opportunities. Members are encouraged to participate in the Gallerias, volunteer to share a skill at an enrichment session, and contribute to exhibitions and special projects sponsored by the Guild.
Non-member guests are invited to attend two in-person meetings without becoming a member. You can choose regular Enrichment or Galleria meetings or Drop-In Calligraphy Saturdays. Come and check us out! We’d love if you join the Guild and help to support the costs involved with our programs online and in-person. At $45 CAD this is still the best deal in town! Click HERE to join now.
Monthly meetings are held at:
St. Andrew's Heights Community Hall
2504-13 Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta
Need Directions? Click HERE to get Directions on Google Maps.
Please direct snail mail to:
Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild (BVCG)
PO Box 1647, Station M Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2L7
BVCG phone number:
Please leave a message and we will get back to you.
403-271-8228
Click here to send us an email using the Contact form.
