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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Calligraphy?
It means beautiful writing or excellent penmanship. In the early 17th century, it came from Greek kalligraphia "beautiful writing" < kallos "beauty" + graphein "write"]. There are many kinds of calligraphy such as Chinese or Japanese or Arabic or experimental calligraphy . The Fort Mason calligraphy classes are based on the classical traditions of the Renaissance masters.
2. What's the use of Calligraphy?
Calligraphy is used for holiday cards, wedding invitations,certificates, poems, books, magazines, prayers, advertising, interior designs, gardens, cake designs, typography, computer font designs,package designs, stamps,record label albums, chants, signs, architecture, wine labels, store awnings, etc. In the current computer digital age, calligraphy is still preferred by Royalty and Presidents to communicate elegantly for special events.
You can make life's events such as birthdays, testimonials to a job well-done, party invitations, baby's arrival, baptisms, promotions, & retirements --magical with calligraphy. You can experiment with letterforms to create art for exhibitions or even fund-raisers.
Or simply you can use it for fun to write your thoughts in a journal. Or to make people happy with your enchanting lettering creations.
3. Who is sponsoring these calligraphy classes?
The Friends of Calligraphy, a nonprofit organization sponsors these calligraphy classes. It has a Fort Mason committee to coordinate and plan the classes. Fort Mason rents out their facilities to nonprofit organizations for workshops and classes.
4. Do I have to be a member to enroll in these classes?
The calligraphy classes are open to the public. Both members and nonmembers are given an equal opportunity to enroll. Send your registration form early since class is limited to 16 students.
5. Do I need previous knowlege or a prerequisite to enroll in your calligraphy classes?
All classes are intended for beginners without previous knowledge of calligraphy. Some students keep re-enrolling since classes are only for seven sessions and they want to continue learning the craft. Since calligraphy is created by hand and not by computers, one needs constant practice to learn the subtleties of the art. Some of the calligraphers who are dubbed as 'international acknowledged masters' still practice everday. It's an art that needs a lifetime practice.
5. How do I register for a Fort Mason Calligraphy class?
Make your check payable to FRIENDS OF CALLIGRAPHY
Mail it to: Coordinator, Fort Mason Classes
Friends of Calligraphy
P. O. Box 425194
San Francisco, CA 94142-5194
For more information, please contact Elizabeth so you can send it directly to her address.
Rules of priority in Enrollment:
1. Date of Email or Snail Mail and a Check Deposit
6. How much is per class? Do I get refund should a conflict of my schedule arise?
The tuition fee is $135 for members or $140 for non-members. The student is getting a great deal for his money since at the Academy of Art University, it costs $1600 per semeter.
Refunds should be requested two weeks before the class begins. If there are other students on the waiting list to replace your spot, a refund can also be granted.
7. How do I join to become a member of FOC ?
To become a member email Armand for information. Members get a special discount for classes and workshops. Basic membership costs $36.
Make your check payable to FRIENDS OF CALLIGRAPHY
Mail it to: Coordinator, Membership
Friends of Calligraphy
P. O. Box 425194
San Francisco, CA 94142-5194
7. Are there any resources for calligraphy materials or books?
One of the bonuses of living at the San Francisco Bay Area is not only we have distinguished calligraphy teachers but also the San Francisco Public Library has one of the best calligraphy resources in the world for contemporary original works. Lettering artists from around the world come to the Bay Area to research on calligraphy.
Materials List & Other Resources
Some stores give a 10% discount to students and teachers with ID. Fort Mason art students are not given any ID but your printed email on your enrollment or the Friends of Calligraphy brochure are honored in local stores such as:
Pearl San Francisco - 969 Market St. 94103. 415.357.1400
Blick Art Materials
1414 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 441-6075
Fax: (415) 441-6085
8. In case I want to get personalized instructions, how do I contact a professional calligraphy teacher?
FOC MEMBERS WHO TEACH
SAN FRANCISCO:
EAST BAY:
SONOMA COUNTY:
MARIN COUNTY:
MENDOCINO:
SOUTH BAY:
SAN LUIS OBISPO:
MONTEREY/CARMEL:
RENO/TAHOE:
NEW MEXICO:
ONLINE:
Check out Friends of Calligraphy for special workshops taught by renowned calligraphers around the year.
How do I get to Fort Mason Center?
Whether driving or taking public transportation, Fort Mason Center is easily accessible from the East Bay, North Bay, Peninsula/South Bay, and by MUNI or BART. There is no street address for Fort Mason Center. Please see the Directions page for driving instructions, transportation numbers, and a map of the Center.
There's a Directions hotline available by calling (415) 441-3400.
Is parking available at Fort Mason Center?
Since September 2006, parking is no longer free at Fort Mason. Management is raising funds for maintenance of buildings at the center. You can park for free outside the gate at the Marina. Or you can share ride with your classmates to share parking fee costs.
