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Learning the Art of Calligraphy
The Calligraphic Arts Guild of Toronto offers courses featuring local, regional and international instructors primarily at our studio facilities at Neilson Park Creative Centre. Open to youth and adults, CAGT members have registration priority; non-members pay a small additional cost.
Interested in modern or traditional calligraphy? Learning scripts using tools such as the broad edge pen, pointed pen, brush, marker? Art techniques from illumination, book and paper arts? Individual course information details will help ensure the best fit for your skill level and interest.
Workshop
Cursive Italic with Mark Lurz
Four individual classes from the basic script to advanced lettering and designing
Dates & Descriptions:
Sunday, September 27, 2026. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Basic lower case and capitals • Italics with long joints
Sunday, October 25, 2026. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Pen manipulated letters • Swash capitals
Sunday, November 8, 2026. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Manipulated dancing letters • Brush writing
Sunday, November 22, 2026. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Designing names, Logos, Words etc.
Location: Neilson Park Creative Centre
56 Neilson Drive, Studio A2, Etobicoke, ON
Materials:
Please bring: Pencil • Eraser • Ballpoint Pen • Fine line Marker • Writing Paper • Metric Ruler
Needed and available for purchase:
Pilot Parallel Pen 2.4mm ($20)
Pentel Art Colour Brush ($9)
Pointed Steel Nib (Free)
Pen Holder ($7)
Pelican 4001 Ink ($12)
Member Price: 1 Class $55, 2 Classes $105, 3 Classes $150, 4 Classes $180
Non-Member Price: 1 Class $60, 2 Classes $115, 3 Classes $165, 4 Classes $200
Workshop
Workshop: Lettering on Dark Paper with Coloured Pencils with Ramona Matthews
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 pm
Location: Neilson Park Creative Centre
56 Neilson Drive
Etobicoke, Ontario
Studio A2
Course Description: We'll warm up with a majuscule (capital letter) script, then delve into the fundamentals of blending with coloured pencils, specifically on dark paper. We'll have time to both experiment and to complete a small project such as an initial or short quote.
Materials:
Materials to bring
Coloured pencils (we'll also have some you can use during the workshop)
Cream-coloured and/or light grey coloured pencil (If your set does not have one, they can be bought singly at stores such as Michaels, DeSerres and Above Ground; one brand that blends well is Prismacolor Premier; for grey, the Prismacolor Premier 30% warm grey or 30% cool grey are good options)
Pencils - HB and a soft one such as 2B or 4B
Graph paper or dot paper
Kneadable eraser or any eraser with a defined edge
Sharp pencil sharpener or x-acto knife
Ruler
Dark paper, about 8.5" X 11" (eg. black, navy, dark green, dark brown, deep purple); both black and dark blue cardstock will also be available to purchase for 25 cents per sheet
Dark paper scraps, if you have any (smooth or textured)
Several sheets of scrap paper, newspaper or a magazine for padding
Optional
Soapstone pencil or quilting pencil
Tracing paper
For accents: Gelly Roll pen, white fine liner, metallic coloured pencils
Tortillon/blending stump - for a DIY version:https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Tortillon
Member Price: $35
Non-Member Price: $40
Workshop
SCRIPTORIUM
Date: Sunday, November 29 from 1:00-4:00 PM
Location: Neilson Park Creative Centre
56 Neilson Drive
Etobicoke, Ontario
Studio A2
Scriptorium (noun) /skrɪpˈtɔːriəm/:
(1) a dedicated writing room in medieval European monasteries where monks and scribes copied and illustrated manuscripts by hand
(2) place for writing
Are you finding it challenging to find time for consistent calligraphy practice?
Do you want some advice in creating your masterpiece for our annual exhibit?
Or do you just need to have a tricky stroke modeled by a more experienced calligrapher? (just 'rotate the nib')
What you need is some designated calligraphy time!
Come to CAGT’s Scriptorium. Once a month, let’s gather and work alongside like-minded people. We will gain and give inspiration to each other. This is not a class but a chance to share ideas and enthusiasm. Whether more experienced or new to calligraphy, we'll share our different perspectives and support each other in our calligraphic journey.
Please send an email to charlene_sam@hotmail.com with "Scriptorium" in the subject line to save your spot. An etransfer to calligraphicartstopayments@gmail.com can be sent in advance or cash paid on arrival (correct change appreciated)
Drop-in Price: $5 cash or e-transfer to calligraphicartstopayments@gmail.com
Workshop
Celtic Knots with Michele Nideoff
Date: TBA
Location: Neilson Park Creative Centre
56 Neilson Drive
Etobicoke, Ontario
Studio A2
Course Description: TBA
Materials:
TBA
Member Price: TBA
Non-Member Price: TBA