4 Full Days
Four immersive days to stretch your lettering skills, try new scripts, and work alongside artists who bring out your best.
Oct 22-25, 2026 | Calgary, AB
What Makes These Four Days Different
A creative immersion designed to spark breakthroughs, deepen your craft, and connect you with a community that lifts you higher.
Demos
Inspiring demonstrations that deliver fresh techniques, smarter workflows, and innovative tips.
World-Class Faculty
Learn directly from internationally celebrated calligraphers — the artists whose work has inspired you for years.
Lettering Lounge
A relaxed space to practice, connect, unwind, share work, and spark friendships that last far beyond the festival.
↓ Keep scrolling to meet your mentors and explore what awaits you in Calgary.
Because “Someday” Isn’t a Creative Strategy
Most calligraphers are swimming in inspiration… but starving for time, structure, and real support.
We watch other people post beautiful work, teach classes, sell prints, get booked for gigs — and tell ourselves, “Someday, when life calms down, I’ll really dive in.”
Flourish Festival is that someday.
It gives you four dedicated days...
a faculty of world-class mentors...
And a room full of people who are just as obsessed with letters as you are: so you can stop hovering on the sidelines and start actually doing.
No more saving your favourite scripts into folders you never practice.
No more saying “I missed it this year, maybe next time.”
This is the space, the structure, and the creative nudge you’ve been waiting for.
2026 Faculty
Meet Your Mentors
World-renowned calligraphers and lettering artists who bring decades of mastery, passion, and generosity to the classroom. Full class descriptions will be announced in January.
Michael Sull
Master Penman • United States
Legendary Master Penman and former White House calligrapher, known for his deep knowledge of American penmanship and classic pointed pen scripts.
Elmo van Slingerland
Calligrapher • The Netherlands
Internationally respected for his refined pointed pen work and elegant, contemporary interpretations of traditional scripts.
Anne-Davnes Elser
Calligrapher & Designer • United States
Known for expressive, contemporary calligraphy that blends strong lettering fundamentals with bold, modern design.
Paul Antonio
Calligrapher • United Kingdom
One of the most respected calligraphers in the world, known for masterful scripts, deep historical expertise, and electrifying teaching.
Suzanne Cunningham
Calligrapher • United States
Celebrated for her elegant pointed pen scripts, graceful compositions, and clear, encouraging teaching style.
Kerri Forster
Calligrapher • Canada
A versatile lettering artist whose approachable teaching helps students build skills and confidence in a warm, supportive environment.
Connie Furgason
Calligrapher • Canada
A beloved Canadian instructor known for encouraging play, creative exploration, and beautifully layered lettering and mark-making.
Janet Murata
Calligrapher • Canada
Known for her sensitive lettering, joyful energy, and beautifully composed pieces that balance tradition and freshness.
Early Bird Registration Now Open
Secure Your Spot for $695
Early Bird pricing is now in effect. Lock in your place at the 2026 Flourish Festival of Letters & Art and learn from world-class calligraphers in Calgary this October.
Your ticket is fully refundable until September 1, so you can reserve your spot now and finalize plans later.
Register for $695
Fully refundable until September 1.
Nina Tran
Calligrapher
Los Angeles calligrapher teaching Copperplate, Spencerian & Gothic worldwide; known for making historical scripts come alive today.
Gabriela Soba
Calligrapher & Artist
Barcelona artist blending calligraphy, design & book arts; founder of Typo Estudio; clients include Hermès, Louis Vuitton & Ferragamo.
Julie Wildman
Lettering Artist & Instructor
Chicago lettering artist & instructor; award-winning work in major collections; published in Letter Arts Review & Bound & Lettered.
Barry Morentz
Calligrapher
New York calligrapher with 45+ years’ experience; trained by masters; creates illuminated works for Cartier, Rolex & Estée Lauder.
What Others Are Saying
Honest words from calligraphers who joined us last year.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it all.”
Hello Jill and Dave,
Just wanted to say a huge thank you for organizing the Western Calligraphy Conference. I thoroughly enjoyed it all —
my classes with excellent enthusiastic teachers, the after-class activities, the great venue and food, and meeting new
faces from different places!
You can definitely add me to your list for next year.
Thank you so much.
★★★★★
– Sarah W.
“Fantastic”
Thanks again and congrats on your first Calligraphy Conference. I’m still recovering as I feel like I went on vacation somewhere fantastic!
★★★★★
– Tanya C.
“Highly recommend this”
THANK YOU for such a fantastic time at the Western Canada Calligraphy Conference. I'm so thankful that Janet connected us and I am honored beyond to have been a part of your very first conference in Calgary. You're both incredibly warm and welcoming people and I felt right at home throughout the whole event.
★★★★★
– Nina Tran
“Incredible calibre of instructors”
I wanted to share my appreciation for the fantastic Western Calligraphy Conference. The calibre of the world-class instructors was incredible. Every class was energizing, inspiring, and deeply enriching. I also loved the inclusion of the art stores, which added so much inspiration and creative temptation. The heart of the experience for me was the amazing community you brought together. The conversations, the shared enthusiasm, and the kindness of everyone involved made the conference feel incredibly special.
Thank you for all the heart, thought, and passion you put into this event.
★★★★★
– Joleyne M.
AS SEEN ON
Ever look at your lettering and feel like it’s missing something?
Perfect strokes and polished script, but it still looks incomplete?
Without borders, your beautiful work just floats—like a gourmet meal on a paper plate. It feels unfinished.
And clients notice.
Even pros with years of experience can look amateur without proper framing.
The fix?
Royal Borders—a system based on centuries-old calligraphy techniques used by royal court scribes.
But simplified and modernized for today’s artist.
In-person learning and the getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
Break through—4 unforgettable days of world-class instruction, inspiration, and connection that will ignite your craft and transform your lettering.
And a community and friendships that last long after the conference ends.
More than a Conference,
A Festival of Calligraphy!
Four Days and Nights of immersive learning, creative exploration, and unforgettable community. (plus a bonus day!)
World-Class Instruction through hands-on classes with renowned calligraphers and artists.... all in a private setting in small groups and one-on-one.
Enjoy a daily lunch buffet with fresh, chef-prepared meals—for refueling, relaxing, and connecting.
Social gatherings and shared meals where creative bonds and lifelong friendships begin.
Serendipity Hour with instructor demos of pens, inks and techniques.
Evening origami classes with your practice paper.
Instructor and Participant Gallery & Art Sale If you've ever wanted to take home a "pro" piece, now's your chance.
Vendor Marketplace Access to calligraphy supplies, books, and specialty materials curated for lettering artists.
Excursion Option Take in a post-conference jaunt to Banff for relaxation, inspiration, and time together in the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies.
Networking & Collaboration
Space to connect with guilds, peers, and professionals who share your passion for the lettering arts.