The Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026, and planning is now officially underway. With the Board’s approval in place, we are inviting members to help bring this milestone year to life by volunteering for one (or more!) of our anniversary initiatives.
Spanning January through December 2026, the celebration will reflect our rich history, vibrant community, and creative future, with a special focus on events and exhibitions in September. All anniversary activities fall under the Public Relations Committee, and will be supported by four small, focused volunteer teams.
Whether you enjoy organizing, creating, writing, curating, or connecting with others, there is a role for you.
Volunteer Opportunities:
1. Fish Creek Public Library (FCPL) Exhibit Team
September 1–30, 2026
This public exhibition will showcase the history and creative work of the Guild, with an anniversary theme (we need your suggestions!). The opening event will include special programming, demonstrations, and local media exposure.
Volunteers may assist with:
- Before September
- Exhibition planning and coordination
- Planning and logistics of programming, media, and events (opening)
- Call for submissions and artist communication
- Labels and signage to accompany exhibit
- Promotion of show and events
- Collecting and storing artwork before the installation, transport to venue
- On specific dates
- Installation on Tuesday, September 1 and take-down on Tuesday, September 29
- Opening event support (welcoming, demos, promotion)
Volunteers will work closely with Joan Bailey, who is leading the exhibit team.
Our first scheduled Exhibit Team meeting will be held in early January. You can still volunteer /participate if you are unable to attend the initial meeting. We need help before and during the exhibition!
These roles offer a variety of experiences, time commitments, months where work takes place, individual or collaborative roles, one-time or ongoing, and areas of expertise.
These are all great roles for members who are interested in others’ work, like meeting other artists, want experience in creating an art exhibit, live in southern communities in and near Calgary, have a storage area, enjoy creating custom graphics, have a couple of hours available at the beginning or end of September, have a good eye, love showcasing their calligraphic artwork and Guild to the public!
2. Massimo Polello Event Team
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
A special ticketed evening featuring Massimo Polello, with refreshments and anniversary cake,
held at St. Andrews Community Hall. Attendance will be capped based on venue capacity.
Volunteers may assist with:
- Event logistics and timeline planning
- Ticketing and guest registration
- Room setup and takedown
- Refreshment coordination (in consultation with the Board regarding budget and insurance)
This is a great role for members who enjoy event planning and hospitality.
3. Collaborative “45” Artwork Team
January–Fall 2026
Members will be invited to contribute individual creative pieces—such as Roman numerals, flourishes, or inspirational lettering—to form a large collaborative artwork celebrating “45.”
Submissions are due March 30, 2026.
The finished piece will be exhibited at multiple venues and events, and commemorative prints
will be available for fundraising.
Volunteers may assist with:
- Coordinating the call for submissions
- Tracking entries and deadlines
- Design and assembly support
- Exhibition planning and print coordination
A volunteer team for this initiative is needed as soon as possible to support the January launch.
4. Throwback Thursdays – Social Media Team
Monthly throughout 2026
This ongoing initiative will feature monthly social media posts highlighting memorable moments, images, and stories from the Guild’s past 45 years.
Volunteers may assist with:
- Researching and selecting historical content
- Writing short posts
- Editing and scheduling content
- Reviewing posts for accuracy and tone
This role will be shared by a lead volunteer and a co-pilot, making it manageable and collaborative.
Why Volunteer?
- Be part of a meaningful milestone for the Guild
- Contribute your skills in a manageable, focused way
- Connect with fellow members and build community
- Help shape how BVCG’s legacy is celebrated and shared
Roles will continue to be clarified as planning progresses, and new ideas and suggestions are welcome on these four projects. The goal is to keep all initiatives meaningful, achievable, and enjoyable.
Interested?
If you would like to volunteer or learn more about any of these teams, please contact Joleyne. Let us know which activity (or activities) interest you, and how you’d like to contribute. Or if you are ready, sign up here.
Together, we can make the 45th Anniversary of the Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild a celebration that honours our past and inspires our future.
