Built by Hand. Sustained by Community.

For half a century, the Philadelphia Calligraphers' Society has been the Delaware Valley's home for scribes, letter artists, and anyone moved by the power of the handwritten word.

  • Since 1976, the Philadelphia Calligraphers' Society has brought together artists, students, hobbyists, and admirers of beautiful writing across the Delaware Valley. What started as a small gathering of scribes has grown into one of the region's most enduring creative communities, serving approximately 150 members across Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern and Central New Jersey, and Delaware.

    As a nonprofit organization, our mission is rooted in something timeless: advancing the knowledge and appreciation of calligraphy and the allied arts. We believe that the discipline of hand lettering connects us to centuries of artistic tradition while remaining deeply relevant in a digital world. Every stroke carries intention. Every letter holds artistry.

  • Membership is open to everyone, regardless of skill level. Whether you've been studying letterforms for decades or you're picking up a broad-edge pen for the first time, PCS offers workshops, exhibitions, creative challenges, and a genuine community of people who share your appreciation for the craft. We host seasonal workshops led by nationally recognized instructors, curate member exhibitions, and gather regularly to learn, create, and inspire one another.

    This year, we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Five decades of ink on paper. Five decades of teaching, learning, and making beautiful things together. And we're just getting started.

  • PCS proudly partners with cultural institutions, educational organizations, and artistic communities across the Philadelphia region and beyond. Our collaborators include museums, libraries, universities, art schools, and historical societies that share our commitment to preserving and advancing the lettering arts. We also welcome guest instructors and visiting artists from across the country and around the globe, bringing diverse perspectives and traditions to our members. Through these partnerships, we're able to offer richer programming, broader exhibition opportunities, and meaningful connections that strengthen the calligraphy community at every level.

You don't need to be an expert to belong here. You just need to be curious.

Photo taken from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Private Tour

Where the Art of
Beautiful Writing

Finds Its Community

How We Serve Our Community

Photo taken from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Private Tour

Workshops & Education

Seasonal workshops with nationally recognized calligraphers and lettering artists cover traditional scripts, gilding, bookmaking, and contemporary techniques.

Exhibitions & Shows

Member exhibitions at local galleries and libraries put calligraphic art in front of new audiences and celebrate the work of our scribes.

Community & Connection

Meetings, creative exchanges, and events keep our members connected, whether you're in Philadelphia, South Jersey, or the surrounding counties.

Public Awareness

Outreach at events like the Philadelphia Pen Show, library programs, and community demonstrations share the beauty and history of the lettering arts with the public.

Become a Member

Meet Our Board

Michele Bates

As President, Michele has adopted a cooperative leadership approach to moving this creative organization forward. While calligraphic education and artistic expression are at the forefront, she ensures this volunteer-led organization is one of transparency, where diverse perspectives are welcome and respected.

She is tasked with building partnerships and enhancing community visibility through the collective wisdom and expertise of our members, ensuring all decisions are in alignment with the goals and mission of our organization.

President

Pam Bennett

Secretary

As secretary, Pam serves in a critical role by taking and maintaining accurate minutes at board and annual membership meetings, and is responsible for documenting board actions to ensure compliance with bylaws and regulations.

Treasurer and Membership Coordinator

Laurie Silverstein

Laurie is the financial steward for PCS, overseeing the organization's financial health by monitoring income and expenses, and providing guidance for strategic financial decisions.

Laurie also oversees the membership rolls and assists members with questions about dues and membership renewals.

Meg has the responsibility of overseeing one of our most important membership and engagement assets – Scripta, the PCS digital magazine.
She collaborates with the rest of the Scripta team to research topics of interest to the membership and assures the integrity of the content.

Meg has also been chairing the 50th anniversary committee over the past year and continues meeting with committee members to plan the details for our 50th anniversary luncheon this September.


Scripta Editor and 50th Anniversary Chair

Meg Kennedy

Scripta Layout & Design

Claire Purcell

For many years Claire offered her skills as a graphic designer to create the layout and oversee the print version of Scripta. As PCS has adapted to the digital age, she learned the skills needed to move to our new format of a digital Scripta. Claire shares in developing content for the quarterly magazine and also creates other print media used for education and outreach.

Social Media

Maria de Santis

Maria manages our day-to-day engagement on several social media platforms. Her tasks include content creation, providing educational information, PCS updates, fun facts, and workshop information.

Alycia is our newest board member and is excited to provide increased opportunities to help our members through their calligraphic journey by engaging in creative and educational activities.  She works in concert with the Board to coordinate the logistics of mission-driven events in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey to better serve our members.

PA/NJ Events Coordinator

Alycia Gonzalez

Open Board Positions

  • Help PCS share its story with the world! As Publicity Committee Chair, you'll lead the charge in promoting our workshops, events, exhibitions, and member achievements across our website, social media, newsletters, and local press. This role is ideal for someone with a flair for communication, an eye for design, and enthusiasm for spreading the love of calligraphy throughout the Philadelphia community and beyond.

    Responsibilities include: developing publicity strategies for upcoming events, coordinating social media content, drafting press releases, managing relationships with media partners, and collaborating with other committees to ensure consistent messaging.

    Time commitment: approximately 4–6 hours per month, with increased activity around major events.

    Term: 1-2 years.

  • Shape the heart of PCS programming! The Workshop Committee Chair oversees our calendar of workshops and classes, partnering with talented instructors — both local and visiting — to bring inspiring learning opportunities to our members. If you're passionate about calligraphy education and enjoy bringing people together to learn and create, this role is for you.

    Responsibilities include: identifying and inviting guest instructors, scheduling workshops throughout the year, coordinating venues and materials, managing registrations alongside the Treasurer, and gathering member feedback to continually improve our offerings.

    Time commitment: approximately 6–8 hours per month.

    Term: 2 years.

  • Step into a leadership role at the heart of PCS! The Vice President works closely with the President to guide the Society's vision, support board operations, and ensure the smooth functioning of our programs and committees. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of calligraphy in the Philadelphia region while developing your leadership experience within a supportive nonprofit community.

    Responsibilities include: presiding over meetings in the President's absence, supporting strategic planning initiatives, serving as a liaison between committees, mentoring committee chairs, and assisting with member engagement and recruitment efforts. The Vice President typically transitions into the role of President at the conclusion of the term.

    Time commitment: approximately 6–10 hours per month.

    Term: 2 years