Join Donna Uncles for a two-day beginner workshop exploring the Basics of Blackletter. 

Workshop Description: 

Basic Blackletter is the perfect place to begin your calligraphy adventure and, for those with lettering experience, a great opportunity to hone your skills. We will explore examples of Blackletter, past and present, while building a solid foundation in this historic and versatile script. 

Demonstrations, exercises, practice time, individual coaching, small projects, and fun will be key elements of the class. Once we become familiar with the basics, we will explore variations of the alphabet. Special attention will be given to the wide range of capital letters associated with Blackletter, offering many opportunities for decoration and embellishment. 

Blackletter fundamentals are relevant to any calligraphic style or lettering project. As your skills, confidence, curiosity, and creativity grow, you will be encouraged to move beyond traditional and contemporary interpretations of Blackletter and develop your own approach. The future of Blackletter is literally in your hands. 

This class is suitable for new calligraphers and those with experience who would like to learn Blackletter or refresh and strengthen their existing skills.  

Supply List: 

The supply list [here] is subject to change prior to the start of class.

Registration Fees: 

Members: $125 
Non-Members: $145 
Maximum of 18 participants. 

 
Registration Opens: 

Members: September 1, 2026 
Non-Members: September 8, 2026 
 
Check back on the registration date and a Register button will appear here. For non-members, a button to "Sign up without becoming a member" will appear after clicking Register on September 8th.  

Important Notes: 

Fees are nonrefundable unless you are cancelling for a medical reason OR your spot is filled from a wait list. BVCG reserves the right to cancel any workshop if there are not sufficient registrations, in which case you will receive a refund of workshop fees.  

When paying by credit card, our software provider Yapla covers the service charge of 3.9%, so that the BVCG receives the full workshop fee. In doing so, they allow members to donate to Yapla, to support their work as a non-profit organization helping other non-profits. Watch for the purple "Modify" link at the bottom of the screen at the Payment step. Click on "Modify" to delete the donation or change the amount. Yapla has been great to work with and is a Canadian company.  

About the Instructor: 

Donna is a passionate calligraphy and watercolour artist whose work has been shaped by study, curiosity, and a love of letters, words, and colour. A dedicated member of the Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild for more than 30 years, she has served in numerous roles, including President and Journal Editor. 

Donna has studied with many respected local and international instructors, including Betty Locke, Ewan Clayton, and Julian Waters, whose teaching greatly influenced her approach to lettering. Their emphasis on strong technical foundations and practice continues to guide her work today. Over the years, Donna has taught Edged Brush, Uncial, and Blackletter calligraphy. Donna looks forward to sharing her knowledge, skills, and passion for lettering with you. 

Questions? 

Click here to contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.