What Flourish actually is.
What is Flourish Festival of Letters & Art?
An annual calligraphy and lettering festival in Calgary, Alberta. You spend four days in two-day workshops with international teachers, and the evenings with a room full of people who get just as excited about a good nib as you do.
When and where is Flourish 2027?
October 13–17, 2027 at Hotel Blackfoot, 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary. Wednesday, October 13 is setup and check-in (2–5 pm). Workshops run Thursday to Sunday, October 14–17. See the full schedule.
Who teaches at Flourish 2027?
Ten faculty: Christopher Haanes (a rare North American appearance), Heather Held, Max Juric, Sachin Shah, Kestrel Montes, Kareem, Anindita Biswas, Nina Tran, Janet Murata and Vic Lee. See every workshop on the festival home page.
I’m a beginner. Is Flourish for me?
Yes. Nina Tran’s Intro to Italic and Kareem’s Persian script workshop are made for new hands, and many workshops are open to all levels. Janet Murata also teaches two-hour beginner classes in Blackletter, Cursive and Copperplate. See Janet’s classes.
What you get, and how to pick.
How much is a Flourish 2027 pass?
Early bird Full Festival Passes are $695 CAD until December 1, 2026. After that, the price is $795 CAD. GST is added at checkout.
How do the workshops work?
Every workshop is two full days. Session one runs Thursday and Friday (October 14–15), and session two runs Saturday and Sunday (October 16–17). Your pass includes one workshop in each session.
What’s included in a pass?
Two two-day workshops of your choice, lunch every day, evening events, Origami with Janet Murata, the Experience Hall and vendor market, and a festival gift bag. Supplies aren’t included.
When do I choose my workshops?
Right away. As soon as your payment goes through, you’ll get a link to choose your two workshops. Christopher Haanes’s workshops are capped at 21 students and Max Juric’s at 22, so book early if one of them is your must-have.
Are supplies included?
No. Each workshop has its own supply list, which you’ll get after you choose your workshops. (Janet Murata’s beginner classes are the exception: supplies are included.)
Is there an all-inclusive option?
Yes. Calligraphy Nirvana is a nine-night all-inclusive package for six guests: the festival, a day in Banff with dinner at the Banff Springs Hotel, and three nights in Canmore with two Flourish faculty. See Calligraphy Nirvana.
The evenings, the gala and more.
Are the dinners included in my pass?
Lunch is included every day. The Thursday welcome dinner and Saturday’s Big Fat Greek Gala are separate tickets you can add at checkout. Tickets for Friday’s dinner & discussion will be available soon.
What is the Big Fat Greek Gala?
Saturday night’s party of the year: a Greek feast, great music and plenty of “Opa!” Togas and grape-leaf crowns are welcome (entirely optional, wildly encouraged). The venue will be announced soon.
What’s happening on Friday night?
Dinner & discussion: dinner, then a panel and small-group conversations about spreading calligraphy and building guilds, followed by Origami with Janet Murata.
Can non-pass holders take a class?
Yes. Janet Murata’s two-hour beginner classes are $75 each with supplies included and are booked separately. See Janet’s classes.
Getting here and staying put.
Which hotel is the festival at?
Hotel Blackfoot, 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary. Workshops, lunches and evening events are all under one roof. See the venue page.
Do I need to book my own hotel?
Yes, unless you’ve booked Calligraphy Nirvana. We hold a block of rooms at Hotel Blackfoot at a special Flourish rate. Book your room at the festival rate. Book early: when the block is full, the festival rate is gone.
Which airport should I fly into?
Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Is there a trip to Banff?
Yes. On Monday, October 18, the day after the festival, the Flourish group takes the bus to Banff. Choose the Banff Gondola with lunch at the top of the mountain, or the spa at the Banff Springs Hotel. It’s a separate ticket. See the Banff Day Trip.
The fine print, made friendly.
What’s the refund policy for Flourish 2027?
Cancel before June 1, 2027 and we’ll refund your pass, minus a $75 administration fee. From June 1 to August 20, 2027, we refund 50% of your pass. After August 20, passes are non-refundable, because by then every instructor is confirmed and their plane tickets are booked.
What’s the refund policy for Calligraphy Nirvana?
Cancel before August 1, 2027 for a full refund. After August 1, packages are non-refundable, since that’s when we confirm rooms and the retreat on your behalf.
Are workshops recorded?
No. Flourish is a live, in-person event. That’s the magic.
Can I volunteer?
Yes, and we love you for it. Volunteers get lunch every day and an exclusive Wednesday reception with our faculty. Apply to volunteer.
Can I be a vendor or sponsor?
Yes. We have twelve vendor tables, chosen by category, from $450 (Standard) or $650 (Premium), and sponsorship options from $2,500 that include a table. See the vendor page and the sponsorship page.
Who do I contact with a question?
Email [email protected] or call 403-815-8484. You’ll get a real person on the Flourish team.