An Introduction to Gestural Lettering – This contemporary calligraphy uses gestural strokes to make more calligraphic than traditional letters. This workshop will focus on the variations in letterforms, rhythm, and script that result from incorporating speed and movement into the writing process, using a variety of tools.
This in-person workshop is open to members and non-members of the society.
Registration opens February 1st, 2026 for Westcoast Calligraphy Society members. March 1st for non members.
Class size is a maximum of 18 registrants.
>> Download the workshop flyer (includes list of materials)
WHEN: Saturday, March 28th & Sunday, March 29th, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m (please arrive by 9:30 a.m. to set up)
WHERE: In Person atAt South Surrey Recreation and Art Centre in the Turnbull Gallery – 14601 20 Ave, Surrey, BC V4A 9P5 (Surrey Athletic Park – 140th St and 20th Avenue)
To Register:
Your first step is to contact Violet Smythe, at seminars@westcoastcalligraphy.com to be put on the class list. Payment instructions will be provided February 1st, 2026.
If you have any questions or need more information please do not hesitate to send me an email.
About the calligrapher/Artist…
Since 2009, Richard Draffin has been the calligrapher who updates and maintains Can-ada’s Books of Remembrance for Veterans Affairs Canada. Calligraphy requires a great deal of care and technique. Using traditional methods of lettering, every brush stroke and every letter is done by hand and his meticu-lous work ensures that the books are pre-served for years to come.
Richard has studied under many notable cal-ligraphers. From Thomas Ingmire, he learnt to break from traditional with the introduction of Roman Cursive scripts. From Denis Brown, he gained specific skills on the stroke and where the stroke fits into a piece. From Yves Leterme, he learned how to move into gestural movements from known scripts (or a more common script) and from Brody Neuenschwander, he started to appreciate the whole broadsheet as one, which in some ways took him back to his studies with Thomas Ingmire.
Here is a link to a video that can be viewed on Facebook where Richard speaks to the work that he does on Canada’s Books of Remembrance: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BnGvt5jWB/