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G A T H E R I N G S | Calligraphy


What a beautiful evening - a little on the muggy side - but still so very beautiful! So many beautiful ladies coming to learn such a beautiful art form - Calligraphy.

 

This evening's Gatherings class was taught by Betsy Greener, of Jackson, Mississippi. Teacher of Calligraphy at Millsaps College since 2008, Betsy did a fabulous job of giving step-by-step instructions for every aspect of the calligraphy process. She began by teaching us how to prepare the nibs with the proper amount of ink and how to properly hold our pens. As each lady practiced their letter placement and style, Betsy helped demonstrate the importance of breathing so that you can relax and enjoy the process.

The process started for Betsy at a young age. Originally from Texas, Betsy married and moved to Jackson many years ago, but has always kept the desire to aspire to follow her mother's example in writing a memorable letter. Betsy's mother, Shirley Bradham Faile, had beautiful handwriting and taught Betsy the art of being a lady - from the way she dressed and demeanor to her graceful handwriting.

In 2004, Betsy enrolled in Millsaps College community-enrichment class to be intentional in studying to acquire these traits. After hours of practice and patience, Betsy found herself volunteering to do her brother's wedding invitations, and from there, the rest is history. Betsy now teaches the very class she attended: "Calligraphy - The Art of Beautiful Writing" at Millsaps. Betsy's goal in teaching classes and workshops is to sustain the art of beautiful writing and correspondence by cultivating calligraphic artists who are willing to carry on the tradition.

Poised. Polite. And. Darn. Near. Perfect. Betsy's mother would have been so proud of her daughter. She did an amazing job on this Thursday evening inspiring us to not only "make time" but to take our time in penning. Many thanks to Betsy Greener for her absolutely wonderful instruction. And in the words of Dianne Swanson "she the best in the State" and there you have it!

 

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