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Ben Shahn-ish with Beth Lee

  • August 15, 2023
  • (PDT)
  • August 29, 2023
  • (PDT)
  • 3 sessions
  • August 15, 2023, 6:30 PM 8:30 PM (PDT)
  • August 22, 2023, 6:30 PM 8:30 PM (PDT)
  • August 29, 2023, 6:30 PM 8:30 PM (PDT)
  • Zoom - online


Spponsored by 

Tuesday evenings, August 15, 22, 29, 6:30-8:30 PM (PDT). SfC MEMBERS ONLY

$45

@sdsocietyforcalligraphy  #sdsocietyforcalligraphy

About the workshop: Ben Shahn (1898-1969) was an American artist who studied under Matisse, Picasso, and Klee, worked with Diego Rivera, and eventually specialized in lithography, graphic design, and photography. Although he had the training and skill to execute Trajan Roman capitals, he was inspired by the folk lettering of handmade signs. This inspiration is evident in the two distinctive lettering styles he developed. 

We will explore the lettering style that he used for his personal holiday cards and religious texts. These quirky letters are surprisingly rigorous yet encourage improvisation and play. We don't know what tool Ben Shahn used to make this alphabet; it has been speculated that he used a small broad-edge pen or a pointed brush. In this workshop we'll begin with the familiar broad-edge pen, and then explore these letter forms with a pencil, and also with a pointed brush.

All levels of experience are welcome. Workshop will be recorded and available for two months after the last session.

About BethBeth Lee is a lettering and book artist living in Bozeman, Montana. She holds a fine arts degree in graphic design, and has worked as a freelance calligrapher and graphic designer since 1982. Beth has also taught calligraphy and book arts for 40 years, both locally and around the United States. Current work includes lettering on bespoke fly fishing rods and writing out historical documents for publishing projects. She is a founding member of Cyberscribes and the calligraphy correspondent for the national Guild of BookWorkers Newsletter. Her work may be found in university and private collections around the United States.

Cost: $45, paid by check or Paypal (see details below)

REGISTRATION: You must be a member both when you register and when the class is held. Pay by check or PayPal. No refunds unless your spot can be filled from a waiting list. 


Enrollment is limited to current paid/honorary Society for Calligraphy members only. Your membership must be current at time of sign-up as well as when class is held. If your membership lapses, you become ineligible and your space will be filled from the waiting list. Registration is not firm until you receive confirmation from the workshop coordinator.  For prompt receipt of supply list and confirmation, your payment should arrive no later than two weeks before the workshop. Enrollment is limited. Because the class is recorded, class fee is not refundable.

To pay by check, or to become a member, please contact Kristi Darwick,  sdworkshops@societyforcalligraphy.org

NO audio or video recording of any program, meeting, workshop or other SfC function permitted consent of both guest artist and a representative of the Board of Governors. *** You must ask permission of the artist/instructor to photograph any copyrighted materials, including demos. 

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