Society of Scribes

Love calligraphy or just curious about it? Come spend a Sunday afternoon with the Society of Scribes!

​Join us for our annual Summer Sweep - a fun, casual community gathering with mini workshops, good company, and a chance to browse and take home gently used calligraphy supplies. Have extras of your own? Bring them along to donate and pass the love on to a fellow scribe.

​No experience necessary — all are welcome!

*Summer Sweep lettered by Barry Morentz, background ornaments by Alice

LINK in bio to sign up!

We have a very SPECIAL workshop coming up!! The Color Workshop with Cynthia Dantzic - June 7/14/28th, 2026

Cynthia Dantzic studied color under Josef Albers — the Bauhaus legend and “Father of Color Interaction” — at Yale, and has been teaching his renowned course at LIU for over 50 years.

Albers’ aim was simple: “to open eyes” — to help us see color more fully. In this class, Cynthia will guide you through a series of hands-on studies using cut colored papers, presented just as Albers did.

You’ll explore fascinating color illusions, including:

1=2 — making one color appear as two completely different colors
2=1 — making two unrelated colors appear identical
Creating the illusion of transparency
Making colors appear to vibrate at their edges
Making a color seem to melt into its neighbor
Whether you’re a calligrapher looking to incorporate color into your work or simply curious about how we perceive the world around us, this class will change the way you see color — forever. Click the link in our bio to sign up!

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!!!

Dates: June 7th, 14th, 28th, 2026
Time: 10am - 3pm (New York Time)

Introduction to Copperplate Calligraphy with Laura Di Piazza - June 6th/7th, 2026

In this intensive weekend workshop we will learn and practice copperplate calligraphy.

Copperplate, a pointed-pen hand, was developed in 16th century England and has retained its popularity since. A variation of copperplate calligraphy can be seen in the body of the US Declaration of Independence.

We will work with an oblique pen holder, pointed pen nib, ink, t-square, and practice paper with slant lines. Our main focus will be applying varying amounts of pressure to our pens to produce thick (shaded) and thin (hairline) strokes and we’ll learn how each letter and digit are constructed; stroke by stroke. We will begin our practice with minuscule letters on day 1 and majuscule letters on day 2. Letters will be grouped according to similar letterforms and not alphabetically. Feel free to bring in your favorite quote and/or project ideas for practice and/or discussion.

This class is open to beginners as well as calligraphers looking for a refresher.

Dates: June 6th - 7th, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 10am - 3pm (New York Time)

To sign up please visit our website or click the link in our bio!

We’re giving away a scholarship to ‘s workshop happening on May 30-31, 2026!

*To enter to win:
Please comment “scholarship” below & repost this photo in your story!!

Winner will be announced Monday, May 18th!

Curious about calligraphy? Love fountain pens? Come explore both!

​Join the Society of Scribes and the Big Apple Pen Club for a fun, casual night of sharing, exploring, and getting inky! Move between rooms to catch demonstrations on Italic and Copperplate calligraphy, learn how fountain pens and calligraphy nibs overlap (and differ!), and connect with two communities that love letters and writing.

​No experience necessary! Light refreshments will be served. Link in bio to SIGN UP!

NYC Calligraphy Meetup: Letters & Layers!
THIS FRIDAY April 24th 6:00pm-9:00pm

Whether you’re a seasoned scribe or just curious about calligraphy, join us for a day of ink and community! This is a casual social designed to connect the calligraphy enthusiasts across NYC.

What’s happening:
- Hands-on Stations: Try out various tools and lettering styles. From traditional nibs to modern brush pens, we’ll have a range of supplies to play with.
- Live Demos: Watch folks showcase different hands and techniques in real-time.
- Networking: Meet the faces behind the ink! Connect with fellow members, chat to the board, and meet like-minded folks!
- We’ll have light snacks and refreshments!

Link in bio to sign up!

NYC Calligraphy Meetup: Letters & Layers!
THIS FRIDAY APRIL 24th!! 6:00pm-9:00pm

Whether you’re a seasoned scribe or just curious about calligraphy, join us for a day of ink and community! This is a casual social designed to connect the calligraphy enthusiasts across NYC.

What’s happening:
- Hands-on Stations: Try out various tools and lettering styles. From traditional nibs to modern brush pens, we’ll have a range of supplies to play with.
- Live Demos: Watch folks showcase different hands and techniques in real-time.
- Networking: Meet the faces behind the ink! Connect with fellow members, chat to the board, and meet like-minded folks!
- We’ll have light snacks and refreshments!

To sign up please visit the link in our bio !

Brush Italic Variations with Anthony Bloch !

- May 30-31st, 2026

A contemporary interpretation that blends tradition with creative freedom. Learn the stroke components through rhythmic warm ups and practice to build consistent shapes and counters, while freely maintaining your own style!

*Dramatic stroke contrast
*Decorative flourishes
*Experimentation with spacing and form
*Uses: Invitations, branding, modern wedding stationery, artistic pieces.

Suitable for beginner and intermediate students.

Dates: May 30-31st, 2026

To sign up, visit our website!

The Art of Calligraphy Mandalas with Debra Dick - May 17, 2026

In the ancient Sanskrit language of Hinduism and Buddhism, mandala means “circle.” Monks traditionally used mandalas as visual, symbolic representations of the universe. Today, mandala art helps people to relax, to focus their attention, and as an aid in the practice of meditation.

While we will not delve into the spiritual aspects of mandala art in this workshop, students at every skill level—from beginner to those with years of experience—will find that making a calligraphy mandala is a playful and relaxing way to focus on and to perfect the foundations of calligraphic letterforms. To this end, our mandalas will incorporate basic strokes, stroke patterns, and calligraphic writing using both broad and pointed pens.

If time allows you can make afinished mandala during the workshop, but mostly you will be playing and experimenting with several different mandala patterns. You can further develop any of your mandala trials at home. Your calligraphy mandalas can be used in so many ways—from seasonal ornaments, coasters, signage, logos, and even monograms!

Come with a playful and relaxed mindset and see what magic you can make with eight basic stokes!!

Illuminated Borders: A Modern Take - March 28-29, 2026

This painting workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore modern techniques for creating border designs, inspired by historical medieval illuminated manuscripts. Tailored for beginners, participants will receive hands-on instruction in the artistic principles and methods behind these exquisite works.

Throughout the workshop, you will learn to paint and design intricate border decorations, botanical illustrations, and ornamental patterns, drawing inspiration from the manuscripts housed in The New York Public Library’s Rare Books and Manuscripts archive. No prior artistic experience is necessary, just a passion for history and a desire to create!

Dates: March 28 - March 29, 2026
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM (with 1 hour lunch from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM) (New York Time)