Horsham's Scatter Joy Displays Unique Exhibit on the Art of Hand Lettering

By Naila Francis

For Shirley Fink, the difference is like comparing real flowers to silk flowers.

Sure, in the age of digital communication, hand lettering may seem antiquated. But the art form, which is undergoing a resurgence, adds an elegance and personality to communications that no emoji or typed expression can.

“I think computers can complement original work, but original work has an energy that doesn't always show up with computer-generated art,” says Fink, a calligrapher who, despite a facility with many fonts, maintains a penchant for the Spencerian hand that first drew her to the beauty of the scripted word.

On Jan. 20, Fink will join her peers from the Philadelphia Calligraphers’ Society in an exhibit of their lettering, painting and ink-drawn images at the Scatter Joy Center for the Arts in Horsham. From fonts such as Copperplate and Gothic to more modern and invented styles like Adefebia and Ondise, the show will pay inspired tribute to the hand-lettered arts.

Running through Feb. 20, it will also highlight the breadth of tools and materials — gold leaf, pigments and inks, pointed pens, broad-edged nibs, high-tech markers, handmade and found treasures — available to today’s calligraphers.

“The word calligraphy means ‘beautiful handwriting’ and is an art form that is ancient and ever new,” says Lorraine Williams, a PCS member, who co-chairs the organization’s roving exhibits. “Words on invitations, cards, books, letters, documents, to name a few, are elevated in beauty through the personal touch of the calligrapher.”

Over the past two years, the Scatter Joy Center for the Arts has built a strong working relationship with the Philadelphia Calligraphers’ Society, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016. Members of the group have toured the center and taught several of its introductory and advanced calligraphy classes.

“It is with great pride that we will feature the astounding work of PCS members in this special exhibit,” says William Lessa, SJCA executive director. “Seeing the lettering arts at their finest is a unique and inspiring opportunity.”

With such ornamental writing being sought after by graphic design firms, wedding planning companies, educational institutes and other businesses that may require original lettered items, the art form is flourishing. It even appeals to those who have grown up with all things digital.

Every year, during Constitution Day celebrations at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PCS members volunteer to write bookmarks for the kids.

“We usually write their names on over 2,000 bookmarks and the children are absolutely in awe,” says Leslie Coren, the society’s vice president. “(Calligraphy) will not become obsolete because children from all walks of life love it. Also, calligraphy is artwork and I believe that it will always work in conjunction with digital fonts.”

The opening reception for the Philadelphia Calligraphers’ Society Exhibit will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the art center's farmhouse gallery, 305 Horsham Road, Horsham, Pa. For additional information, visit www.scatterjoyarts.org or call 215-672-3140. (First image of 3 birds is by Bob Hurford)

Image courtesy Naila Francis