By Sonya Feibert Kuhn​

“Who brought envelopes?”

It’s a cloudy, warm Thursday night in early spring, and calligraphy artist and teacher Dave Kuwahara is checking on homework.

We’re sitting in the youth classroom at a church on the Boise Bench. There’s something about the stained glass windows, cloudy sky, and spindly trees that feels like we could be anywhere, maybe even medieval Europe. It all seems fitting for a class put on by the ​Idaho Inkspots Calligraphy Guild. ​

Students take turns showing their craftsmanship: envelopes addressed to friends and loved ones in intricate, curving Carolingian script. Carolingian became more popular in the 8th century, Dave tells us, in part thanks to Charlemagne, and probably in part because it was more legible than other scripts being used around the time.

One student unveils an extra-credit project — a page of book curses, a practice dating back to a time when books were so precious, they were chained to the walls of libraries with curses enclosed to condemn any would-be thieves. Puts a new spin on returning your library book late, doesn’t it?

How it started, how it’s going

If you didn’t know Idaho had a calligraphy guild, welcome! You’re in for a treat.

Founded in 1988, ​Inkspots Calligraphy Guild​ has been offering classes, lectures, and meetups to calligraphy enthusiasts and beginners alike for nearly 40 years. It’s a community where people can try calligraphy, practice the art, connect over their love for it, and learn from some of the best, like local legend Noel Weber and founder Dave Kuwahara.

Dave got started with calligraphy in the ‘80s during an expansion of the art across the country. He’s taken classes and attended conferences from teachers all over the world. Through the Guild, he shares his knowledge and ensures it can take root in Idaho.

Recently, he’s noticed the resurgence of interest in doing things by hand. At the same time, “We’re seeing some guilds close,” he said. “There’s a need to get more people involved.”

74 members strong, Inkspots is a beacon for the ancient art in Idaho. Classes from visiting and Boise-based calligraphers, like lettering artist and sign painter Noel Weber, infuse new skills and topics. Over a weekend, Noel taught the art of gold gilding to a group of about 15 eager learners.

In early March, members of Inkspots were part of Idaho’s America 250 Celebration at the Idaho State Capitol building, where they wrote the names of legislators, employees, and visitors in a variety of scripts on bookmarks and spoke about all things calligraphy.

During monthly pen meets, members practice, share work, and connect with fellow calligraphers. “We practice together a lot,” Inkspots member Taylor Netz shared. “There’s such a community feel.”

Taylor fell in love with calligraphy after going to a class at the library taught by Victoria Choules. “You get to learn all the time,” Taylor said of the art. “I’ve been doing it for two years and I’m just now having ‘aha’ moments.” (Taylor’s also the From Boise reader who told us about Inkspots. Thank you, Taylor!)

Going analog

Calligraphy artists use a variety of tools — including dip pens with nib holders that look a bit like a quill, ink, and/or gouache — to practice their art. As Dave said, “It doesn’t take much to get started, but you do start accumulating tools.” He notes his craftsman’s chest at home full of equipment.

The artist I sat next to in class has been practicing for 15 years, and she graciously shared her tools with me — a dip pen and two different nibs, blue gouache ink, and a walnut ink — so I could practice. I found the process immersive, addictive, and challenging. I didn’t look at my phone for two and a half hours.

Another student made marionberry oat scones, the name of which she’d written in script on the basket. As the basket of scones made its rounds, the smell of butter filled the room. We sat practicing an ages-old art, immersed in what we were creating, in our own worlds yet together.

How to join Inkspots

If you want to try your hand at calligraphy, or, as President Mollie Hunt puts it, “if you love the alphabet, you’re not alone,” you’ll find a welcoming group in Inkspots (in class, Mollie shared a gorgeous bird-inspired script she’s created). Idaho Inkspots Calligraphy Guild is open to anyone, whether you’re a hobbyist, beginner, or professional artist.

One of the best ways to experience Inkspots is by attending one of their ​monthly Guild meetings​ at the College of Western Idaho, Boise campus. Meetings often involve learning a new skill. In March, Dave taught the art of layout and design with a lesson on spacing.

You can also get involved and support the Guild by becoming an Inkspots member. Annual membership is $20, with college and upper high school students welcome to join at a discounted rate. ​Sign up online​, in person at a meeting, or by ​snail mail​.

I can’t promise there will be marionberry oat scones every time, but I do think you’ll enjoy yourself. And, as Dave advises, if you start learning calligraphy, “the important thing is you use it.”

Thanks for reading!

With love from Boise,

Marissa

This story was written by ​Sonya Feibert Kuhn​, a writer, improviser, and performer in Boise. She’s an avid Treeforter and an enthusiastic patron of and participant in the storytelling and comedy scenes. On sunny days, find her in the foothills hiking with her pup, Chloe, and partner, Mitch.