Calligraphy in Portland
Portland has a rich history when it comes to fine penmanship and calligraphy. John Wesco, one of America’s most accomplished penmen and a prominent Portland calligrapher of the late 19th century, taught for the Portland Business College. In the early 1900s, he even wrote the book on handwriting that was used in the Portland school systems! Over a half-century later, Lloyd Reynolds would teach a young Steve Jobs calligraphy at Reed College and instill an appreciation for letters that would find its way into the first Mac computers.
These are daunting shoes to fill, but I feel honored to play a part in upholding the lettering tradition of the Rose City, and I hope that by collaborating with other calligraphers in the area we can instill an appreciation into a new generation of Portland practicioners.
Portland Calligraphy Club
The Portland Calligraphy Club is a small meetup that I organize each month to provide an opportunity for calligraphers and letter lovers to meet in person over a cup of coffee and share their experiences. It is a casual group to foster fellowship among all Portlanders who have an interest in the arts of calligraphy and penmanship. Come to a meeting with some curiosity and feel free to bring any work you’d like to share!
Learn more about the Portland Calligraphy Club »
Local work
Although Masgrimes offers services to patrons outside of Portland, it is always rewarding to have an opportunity to place a piece of calligraphy into the hands of an enthusiastic recipient. I take great pride having the opportunity to produce work for fellow Portlanders and would love to hear from you about any project you’re dreaming up.
Filling the Oregon commemorative marriage certificate is a common request from locals. These certificates are obtained through the Recording Office when applying for a marriage license, but they do not need to be turned back in. Many people elect to have them filled with beautiful calligraphy for their family records. This service starts at $200 USD and is a wonderful way to support the art of calligraphy and elevate a family treasure at once.
Contact me to schedule your certificate filling »
Local Workshops
While the majority of my teaching is done online through my school, Dreaming in Script, I do occasionally offer small in-person workshops in the Portland area. These workshops are typically held on a weekend and have room for five to ten students at a time. I’d love to let you know the next time I’m going to be offering such a workshop. Please join my newsletter to stay up-to-date on all future learning opportunities.
Speaking & Demonstrations
Are you a representative for an organization, school, club, or similar in the Portland area who is interested in introducing your community to the art of calligraphy? I would love to discuss coming to present to your group in an effort to raise awareness for the rare and beautiful art. Please contact me to learn more.