Hands-on Calligraphy Workshop: Ethiopian Calligraphy

Registration

• Admission is $45. Members receive exclusive discounts on our programs and courses. Not a member? Learn more.
• This is an in-person program at The Rosenbach. Please check your spam folder for your email confirmation. If you have questions, please call (215) 732-1600 or email [email protected].
• Registration opens for Delancey Society on March 7, for Rosenbach members on March 14, and for the general public on March 21. 

Register

Description

Transport yourself to the scriptoria of Ethiopia to explore the vibrant and sophisticated calligraphy and manuscript traditions among some of the world’s oldest Christian communities.  In this two-hour, immersive, hands-on workshop, distinguished local calligrapher and manuscript illuminator Susan Kelly vonMedicus will introduce you to Ethiopian manuscript heritage and teach you the fundamentals of traditional Ethiopian script (adapted for the Latin alphabet). By the end of the two-hour course, you will possess foundational ability in using the Ethiopian alphabet and have gained experience assembling words and sentences using the beautiful script. The course fee includes supplies such as paper, a calligrapher’s pen, ink, and reference materials that you can take home following the workshop.  

This is an introductory workshop, and all are welcome to participate regardless of their prior experience with calligraphy. To provide inspiration for artmaking in the workshop context, the session includes a special opportunity to view historic Ethiopian manuscripts on loan to the Rosenbach from a distinguished Philadelphia private collection. 

This program is part of a series of hands-on workshops exploring calligraphy traditions from around the world.   

About the Instructor 

Susan Kelly vonMedicus is an artist, specializing in the sacred arts.  Her work is featured in private and public collections internationally. Ms. vonMedicus teaches studio art at Villanova University and private workshops for the Prosopon School of Iconology. She was awarded the 2018 Tolle Lege Medal for excellence in teaching by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova University. Fascinated by the Irish manuscript tradition, in 2013 she completed a residency at Burren College of Art, Ballyvaughn, Ireland, followed by a 2015 residency at the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco.