Learning The Art Of Calligraphy

By ELISE DALLEY

The Progress

The practice of beautiful manuscript has become something of a dying art in our digital, keyboard-oriented world. But it was far from dead at the Old Logandale School on Wednesday, July 27. The old building was bustling with activity as local resident Eden Whitmore taught a class in calligraphy.

Calligraphy is a visual art related to writing. It is a design and execution of lettering with a pen, ink brush or other writing instrument.

Whitmore decided she wanted to give others the opportunity to express themselves in this form of “visual art.” She is doing that by providing an extensive class on basic calligraphy techniques.

In an evening class last week, Whitmore taught a variety of techniques. The entry fee for the class was $35, which included practice worksheets and 3 calligraphy pens.

Eden accepted Venmo or cash from would-be students. She had a QR code to scan so that payment was made even easier.

There were 21 people in attendance at last week’s class. This was much more than she was expecting.
“I really didn’t know how many people would be interested, but there was a big turnout,” Whitmore said. “So I’m doing another class this week, since there were enough people that couldn’t come.”

Whitmore taught herself calligraphy while attending Moapa Valley High School. She did this by watching calligraphy videos and mimicking them.
“Calligraphy is a form of art, and there is a lot to it,” she said. “But in general, it’s just when the downstrokes of the letter are just thicker.”

The class was a huge hit. Robin Maughn, one of Whitmore’s students, explained that she thoroughly enjoyed learning about calligraphy.
“It was such a fun getaway for us!” Maughan said. “It was no stress but you felt like you were being creative. I came home and ordered calligraphy pens.”

Eden stressed the importance of people finding their own style and being creative about the proess.
Maughn said she plans to go back again. “I really encourage anyone to do it,” she said. “The time just seemed to fly by.”

Whitmore said that she wants to expand her passion into something bigger. “I hope to start my own business with it,” she said, “hopefully sell my own products such as wedding signs and welcome signs.”

Eden will be teaching the next class on Thursday in the Old Logandale School starting at 6 pm. She can be found on Facebook or Instagram for more calligraphy designs and tips at eden.whitmore.caligraphy.