Jennifer goes to the IAMPETH Convention

This past week, Jennifer had the amazing opportunity to travel to California for a calligraphy convention. IAMPETH is an international association over 500 members strong dedicated to practicing and preserving the beautiful arts of calligraphy, engrossing and fine penmanship. Founded in 1949, it is the oldest and largest penmanship organization in the United States. I greatly enjoyed meeting some of the world’s most talented calligraphers and sitting under wonderful instructors for a whole week! Enjoy the many pictures.

right outside the hotel

the convention was held in La Quinta, right outside of Palm Springs

view of the mountains outside our patio (imagine them in the winter- snow-capped mountains and palm trees!)

inside the hotel. The palm trees were real at one time.; they were preserved in a special way for the hotel.

across the street was Old Town La Quinta

the certificates that were presented

got to play with chalk (some of the calligraphers there actually write menus for restaurants)

and here is smaller chalk – fun to use on cards

a bit of watercolor

here Mike Sull is demonstrating Spencerian (I have admired his work for many years now)

this is Pat Blair (the chief calligrapher from the White House) – it was so wonderful to see her again!

and here Rick Muffler is writing alongside his sweet mother… he writes beautifully and also works at the White House. This past year he was the President of IAMPETH.

a group shot of the younger calligraphers – it was encouraging to meet them all
with Gail, Maggie and Jake

IAMPETH is sending a box of surprises to a young man in Romania. This book was designed for him and we all signed it. At age 15, he is very enthusiastic about calligraphy. He even made his own oblique penholder using a toothbrush. This page was calligraphed by Jake.

went out to dinner one evening with new friends… here I am at the Arnold Palmer Restaurant

The Cravens family (who I went out to dinner with)... Mrs. Cravens is our new President

I enjoyed meeting Irene – she was thrilled to be at her 38th consecutive convention!

The gentleman at my table has loved calligraphy for many years and is a skilled forensic document examiner. It was fascinating to hear his stories.

What a delight to finally meet in person Mike Sull!

the greatest blessing was to have gone on this adventure with my friend Deborah. She was an excellent roommate, especially since I came down with a bad cold while I was gone! We made many wonderful memories together.

on the way back to the airport I took this pic

thought you’d enjoy seeing a pic from the Palm Springs airport – not your typical airport! Even had an outdoor food court.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 12th, 2008 at 8:21 pm and is filed under Excursions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.