IAMPETH 2006

Greetings fellow scribes!
I'm finally up to speed with things here in nyc. Just wanted to say it was a great experience and am looking forward to the next meeting. Also wanted to really thank all the members for making themselves so accessible to a "newbie". I'm really looking forward to developing the things I learned and hopefully will be able to show something soon. JEAN-O-MATIC 3000 ROCKS!
Best,
-David

Our Fearless Leader at the Banquet :o)

President Karen Brooks provides entertainment at the Banquet

Posts about your experience at IAMPETH 2006

Hi,

I would ask attendees of the 2006 Convention to post their thoughts on the convention 'directly' to the OP Group as well as other calligraphy groups. Of course post them to the Blog too. However, some folks may not be checking the blogs.


Thanks,

Joe Vitolo

IAMPETH - Chicago 2006

IAMPETH - Chicago 2006

I just returned to Memphis from my first IAMPETH convention.
Without exception, everyone I met was warm, welcoming and supportive to us "first-timers".
The instructors were so inspiring and there are not enough superlatives to describe this experience.
Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this such a wonderful conference! See you all in
Kansas City next year! Laurie

Friday

Friday began with Tim Botts. Tim took us through the whole process of design of the quote, color, etc.

kathy






















Tim uses the Dukane camera to do it work
for all too see!



kathy












The fans line up for Tim.












And, we couldn't go to Twinnrocker paper company. So...they came to us!!

Thursday evening

Thursday evening we enjoyed a trip to Artful Gatherings which is (Jim Chin's studio). We were treated to a lovely reception to coincide with the local guild's show opening. Thanks Jim!!


kathy










A soothing and comfortable place!










Annieeeeeeee Cheney is "Best Dressed" wearing her shirt of many letters (a work in progress). Hi Annieeeee!

Thursday - Illumination

Thursday, we had the special treat of working with Valerie Weilmuenster all day long. Her program was on illumination and painting the white vine. (Love it!!!!)

kathy



Lucile Grassi and her beautiful class work.



















Left to right - Janie Cravens and her daughters Maggie & Jennifer....it's a family thang!










Valerie shows how to mix our pallets.





















While some great minds gather in the back of the room and prepare to show the St. John's Bible DVD for us.











Heather Held tools her gold work.

Thursday photos

Hi Everybody,

Well, after less than 2 hours of sleep last night, I had to catch my cab to the airport and fly home (Saturay morning). I am SO exhausted! I am badly in need of a long, relaxing vacation, and I will get that when I leave tomorrow to go camping for 2 weeks. So I will be out of the loop for awhile.

However.....no matter how tired I am, I can't leave things unfinished. So, the next few posts will be the rest of my reports of the IAMPETH Convention, 2006. So, here goes......

Photo - Thursday evening - a toast to all who couldn't join us.

kathy

sat am

It's been a great week. I enjoyed catching up with old friends and have met many new penpals. It is hard to find everyone and say goodbye. So a big cyber-hug to those I missed. We forgot to practice our everyday handwriting (the H in IAMPETH), so I hope we do that in Kansas City. Happy Trails, Jean Wilson

Great Pictures and postings

Kathy and Nan,

I want to thank you for sharing your adventures at the Convention! I can not believe it is Friday and the Convention is coming to an end. Reading your messages and viewing the photos and videos have been really wonderful and allowed us to share in some of the many events at the convention. Thank you for sharing, it was really wonderful of you both to take the time to take the pictures, videos and posting everything.

GREAT JOB and I know that I truly appreciate your sharing!

Bill Kemp
Albuquerque

pieces of work

Hi Everyone,

It's been SO busy, I haven't had a chance to post lately. Last night the round robins were a great success and went far into the night. Thursday was a very busy day of illumination and painting white vine with Valerie Weilmuenster. Thursday evening we enjoyed a trip to Jim Chin's studio and gallery, "Artful Gatherings", where they hosted a lovely reception and calligraphy exhibit. I took photos all day, but will have to send them tomorrow, (It's 2:45am right now). But, you've all been asking to see pieces of work. So, here are a few for your enjoyment.

kathy





Work of Valerie Weilmuenster















Work of Mike Sull














Work of Kathy Milici














Work of Tara Brooks












Work of LaVerne Sherrets

Thursday---What a day!!!

Valerie Weilmuenster spent a whole day taking us patiently through all the steps to preparing and painting "White Vine" illuminated letters. First painting and then tooling the gold letter, we proceeded to paint the background around the vines---leaving them white. Hence the name. In the afternoon we painted a 'stained glass' letter and another with trailing vines which we painted and learned how to shade. Here's what I accomplished.

Later, after dinner, Jim and Alice Chin invited us to Art Ful Gatherings...their studio/store. What a wonderful place---just filled with displays from local artists---photographers, painters, sculpters...and calligraphers. A feast for the eyes. There is a great space for classes and they offer a full schedule of terrific crafts to learn an explore.

Thanks for inviting all of us...we will be dreaming of all we saw and did today. Tomorrow: Tim Botts and, sadly, our closing banquet. what a week!!!

nan/nyc
(i am sure there are more pictures coming...many had their cameras)

Round Robins

Another picture....the "Jean-O-Matic 3000" in action!

Hey you guys!!! Its Angela from the deep south!

Just wanted you guys to know, I MISS YOU ALL so very much and hope you are having the time of your life with your pens. I am addressing 300 wedding invitations at the moment and am at least with you "in pen".
I am so enjoying the blog. Thanks so much to Nan and James for putting this together......... now all of us can enjoy the convention no matter where we are!
Have a great time and know I am thinking of you all!
Love,
Angela

Video - Getting ready for Mike Sull's Spencerian class

Couple of samples from Gerald Moscato's engraving demo

Video - Mike Sull tries his hand at engraving

Wed night---Round Robins #1

Here are few pics...Gerald Moscato engraving, Karen Brooks with Parchment Craft, Jim Chin and his collection of folded pens---and Mike Sull trying out engraving tool on test beer bottle!!! No end to his talent, apparently!!!

More coming...cannot be late for class in Illumination techniques this morning....nan

Round Robins

Round Robins

Round Robins

Hey Nan! When do we get some videos?? :o)

Hi to everyone and miss you....looks like a great convention!

Jeri Hobart
Iowa City

Keep those cards and letters coming!!!

James in Dallas
wishing I were in Naperville!!

Okay, last one

Last post from me for today.

Okay John DeCollibus, you wanted to see your shirt design. I skipped dinner to post photos for everyone and there was no one left around wearing your shirt. So....I did it myself! Trust me, the "IAMPETH 2006" at the bottom really isn't backwards. I had to take the photo in the mirror. Ha! Oh well, I got the job done, right??

You should be here with us. I'm smiling, but we all miss you!

kathy

Wednesday continued

In the afternoon we had a chance to look at the work on display ......
(Ned Gault from California with Yumi Tanaka from Japan & Vivian Mungall from Kansas City)










Catch up with dear friends.....
(Joe Vitolo & Kathy Saunders.....yeah....that would be me!!)










Mike Sull taught us his graceful Flourished Spencerian & Embelishments.




































And Vivian Mungall Showed us how to draw Versals.

Wednesday

Hi Everyone. I hope you're not too sick of hearing from me yet! I'm going to tell you about today and post of bunch of pics in the next few messages. Then I'll hand off the camera cord to Nan so she can play with some video clips for you. So, here we go.

Wednesday began with a choice of 2 workshops....Bob Hurford - Spencerian Script, or Gwen Weaver - Beautiful Baby (Romans & Foundational). Photos here.

kathy



Bob Hurford demonstrates his Spencerain Script under the Dukane Camera.
















And the image is projected for all to see.




















Gwen Weaver and her Beautiful Babies.


















Jenny Muffler Works on her project in Gwen's class.










Ruth Henderson practices her Spencerian in Bob's class.

Big Thanks to Nan DeLuca

Sure, I've been playing with it and tweaking it out, but Nan DeLuca is the one that found Blogger.com and initially set up the blog. So a great big Thanks to Nan!!

By the way - to you guys doing the posting we've gotten some real nice "thank you's" in Cyberscribes and the OP group. Folks are really enjoying the blog.

Keep those cards and letters coming! :o)

James in Dallas

Thanks for sharing!

I have been sitting here in my studio pouting because I can not be there in Chicago with all of you. It is SO wonderful that James put this blog together so that in some small way all of those who are stuck working can share in the fun. A big thanks to James. And thanks to all of you who are sharing the fun times and for the pictures. Its really delightful to see. Have a drink for all of us, and lets see some samples!

Harvest Crittenden
Michigan

Great stuff, keep it coming

The posts are really wonderful. What would be even better is to see works of the people, and instructors, in the different classes. To see what they are learning and to make us wish, even more, that we were there instead of viewing this from the computer. But this Blog is really a great additional to the convention, Thanks Jim!


Bill Kemp, Albuquerque, NM

Awesome photos!

Those are great pics Kathy. Those Lester Fields letters are incredible. Tell Nan to shoot some video for us :o)

Thanks for posting!
James

Tuesday night

Hi,

Everyone here had a full day of learning and sharing! They've all gone to bed and left me, so I will post a couple more photos, for those of you joining us by way of this blog.

This evening Bob Hurford (Journal Editor) taught a class in Engrossers Script. I was upstairs in the Hospitality Suite so that members could come in and enjoy the many rare books and priceless pieces of art we have here on display. Below are some shots of the illuminated pieces from the Lester Fields collection. Breath taking!!!!!

Kathy
who has to be up and at 'em in less than 5 hours!

Tuesday photos

Hi everyone,

Attached are photos from the tuesday workshops I told you about this morning.

kathy



Workshop room, Tuesday Morning.






Joe Vitolo & Rick Muffler setting out illuminated pieces for display.

















Mike Kecseg teaches pointed pen variations. Presenters work with their regular tools under our Dukane Cameras, which project the image onto the big screen. There isn't a bad seat in the house!










View from back of room.












Marian Gault teaches Foundational in the 2nd work room.

Tuesday

Hi Everyone,

Tuesday began bright and early at 8:30am with all of us together in one room to enjoy a workshop by Mike Kecseg on pointed pen variations. Fun, fun, fun! And Mike's variations give the lettering SO much life! After lunch we split into 2 rooms and the workshops happening now are by Marian Gault - Foundational, and Dr. Joe Vitolo - Needlestitch Script (a fun variation on Engrosser's Sript made popular by Francis Courtney many, many moons ago).

I just came upstairs to check in with you all and will be heading back down to work shortly. I have photos, but forgot and left my camera in the work room. I'll post them later. We also have the hospitality suite set up now with our library of rare books and rare pieces of original artwork. There are also several scrap books here, including the Clinton Clark book that IAMPETH purchased during this last year. Joe Vitolo scanned the whole book and it is on the IAMPETH website. If you haven't seen it, please take a look. It is a treasure to behold!!

A good time is being had by all!

Best,
kathy

From Nan:

Joe Vitoloo kept us all in stitches, literally, with his presentation on Needle Stitch Stich. The first...and most important point he made..is that while this is a novelty stich (great for emphasizing a word or 2), the underlying lettering must be accurate. The letterforms altered by the pressure-release-pressure to create the pattern of the Needle stitch must be accurate. He demonstrated a proper Copperplate letter and then further illustrated how it can be rendered in Needle Stitch. Consistency, as in all of our lettering, is paramount. The 'waistlines' of the stitches (hitting mid-way thru the X-height) cast an overall pattern that holds the lettering together. (will try to get a pic of this writing up for illustration). Another element we practiced were 'fishhook' tops to ascenders and descenders...augmenting the overall 'look' of the Needle Stitch script.

Nan/NYC

Great pics!

Great pics Kathy. Thanks!

James

more photos

More photos from the opening reception.

kathy














So excited to be here, they just can't believe it!!




































Here's to you Nan DeLuca (right) & Kathy Milici (left)!!

Re: Pictures

Hi,

The Blog is coming along VERY nicely! I can't wait to get there tomorrow!!!!

Looking at the recent images posted I am reminded of something very important......while the IAMPETH convention is a great place to learn penmanship and calligraphy........it is really about friends and friendship. Soooo many familiar faces...and some new ones too.

Until tomorrow

Joe Vitolo

Reception photos

Hi again,
Here are some photos from the opening reception. - Kathy


Our fearless leader!

Pictures

Hi Everyone,

Having a wonderful time....wish you were here!

Kathy Saunders

President Karen Brooks (right) heads up the welcoming.








Kathy Markham and Lucile Grassi - happy to be here.












Annieeeeeeee Cheney gets a *special* name tag!!

goodies!!!

This bag is full of generous donations... fun stuff and lots of suprises. Logo on front is gocco print! Thanks to all who collected and who donated. logo design by master penman Mike Kecseg, from Chicago!!! nan/nyc

Right on! Thanks for the pics Nan!

Keep 'em coming!
James Ivey
Dallas, TX

Checking in and checking it all out!!

President Karen Brooks, Annieeeee!!!, Rick and Jenny Muffler and new arrival Irene Calendo catching up on old friendships!! John Neal's store opens tonight with some new 'toys' for us...opening reception at 7pm. Tomorrow, Master Penman Mike Kecseg has us dipping out inks for opening class in Contemporary Scripts!!!

Just chatting!!! in the lovely lobby of hotel.

Val, Debi and David... talking penmanship, no doubt!

in action!!

Here we are---getting ready!

IAMPETH in action...Jenny and Rick Muffler, Kathy Saunders preparing for registration. OOOOh...what is in that BIG goodie bag????

Hoping to see interesting items

This is great! I wanted to attend this year but could not. So with this "Blog" I am hoping to see some interest work and pictures. Will help to fill the gap of wanting to be there.

Bill Kemp, Albuquerque, NM

IAMPETH - Chicago 2006

IAMPETH - Chicago 2006

Hi Everyone,

Three of us (Rick, Jenny and Kathy) are at Kinko's Naperville right this minute making copies of membership lists, name tags, etc., etc, etc. Hurry, hurry, hurry....only about 90 minutes until we'll be greeting you at the registration table....all calm and cool and collected, of course!!!

The hotel is lovely, the attendees are arriving......and we're off!!!!

kathy saunders

Well, if Jerry's 6" away from the convention site, then I'm also 6" away in the other direction! If there's anything I can do for any of youse guys (Chicago-ese), give me a shout here or at slukes@gmail.com. Otherwise, I'll see you Tuesday!

Sue in Wheaton

we're here

Jean WIlson, Kathy Markam, Anniieeeee, Lucile and I just finished a lovely dinner and are sitting in the lobby, enjoying a visit and hearing the indoor fountain. :-) Cannot yet get my laptop to work with cable in room...but got wireless in lobby. have to find the network "Golden tree" and sign into it to be able to use network...but is fine... see y'all tomorrow and hope to have some pictures up! nan/NYC

Hi Nan!

Hey Nan! Thank for the post. Tell everyone I said hello and I wish I was there!

Send pics and videos!

:o)

James

Things to do in Naperville

Just wanted to chime in here since Naperville is a stones throw from Downers Grove. I realize that conventions exhaust most of the time but for those who will be here for an extended stay, read on.

The Holiday Inn is near I-88 and The Corridor. Some of the largest US corporations reside along this stretch. Also, I-88 is the direct expressway into Chicago approx 30 miles and minutes.

One of the nicest areas is Morton Arboretum located in Lisle abt 3 miles east. This area is rich in vegetation with rare and exotic plant species. The garden maze is a must and fun if lost is your balliwick! As a college student, I spent many class hours drawing plants and trees with many long walks in between.

Go her for more info:
http://www.mortonarb.org/

Downtown Naperville has a wide variety of shops and retail stores.There was a neat little stamp, crafts store in middle of town but not sure if still there. A must see is a little walking tour to view mural art painted on sides of buildings. Many local artists have left their mark here with the specimen on The Lantern (tavern) my personal fave. A beautiful landmark is St Peter & Paul Parish just east of town. The spire on the church can be seen from miles away...quite majestic! Lastly, Naperville is celebrating its 175th birthday this year with many events planned.

Go here for more info
http://www.naperville.il.us/

The Lantern is a "watering hole" de jour of students & faculty of North Central College. This 4-year Liberal Arts college is just east of town in a beautiful setting. Some of the buildings are old world to say the least. Just down the road a piece is Naper Settlement. Rich in history the area depicts life much as it was over a century ago. The rustic church hosts many weddings. This will definitely take you back in time.

Go here for more info
http://www.napersettlement.org/

Cantigny Park & Museum is the beautiful estate of the late Colonel McCormick, founder of the Chicago Tribune Newspaper. If I recall there are over a million flowers in bloom during spring & summer. The house tour is most interesting just to learn how folks lived in that era. And if history is of interest, a visit to the museum is a must.

Go here for more info
http://www.rrmtf.org/cantigny/

That should get around town and then some. If I can be of further assistance you know the drill which you may do private or call me at 630-493-0518

Cheers
Jerry Moscato
Downers Grove Illinois
(abt 6" from convention site)

Naperville logo

I was commissioned in 1981 to design the new Downtown Naperville logo commemorating 150 yrs. It was used for several yrs on copious printed items. The design parameters were to show a synthesis between and old and new. Also to visualize a growing look with nice earth colors. The fonts are Times & Helv Black. Original master art was drawn with tech pens and cut red litho tape. I converted it to digital in Adobe Illy CS 2 earlier this year.
- Jerry Moscoto
Downers Grove, IL

What's the internet situation?

Hey Joe!

Whats the situation at the hotel for internet connections? High-speed? Room only? Wireless available anywhere in the hotel?

-James

Needle Stitch Script Handout

Hi,

For those interested in my Needle Stitch Script workshop but are unable to attend please refer to my article on the topic posted to IAMPETH.com or just click on:

http://tinyurl.com/ox6e6

I will be using it as the handout for my program.


Regards,

Joe Vitolo

Airport shuttles

Let's try to remember to have some sort of a 'sign up' for saturday/sunday returns to airport for members to share rides. It can be expensive but being able to share can make all the difference! C'ya all ...am coming on Sunday afternoon! Nan/NYC

Welcome to the blog... Wish I could be there

Website is ready to go

Got the IAMPETH website all set up to go. Blog links, blog instructions, etc. Planning on sending out emails to members on Thursday, along with an announcement in OP group.
-James

Put Pen to Paper

Here is your chance to see some really talented people put pen to paper. It is so instructive to watch them write.

Bob

Kathy testing again

I'm testing by sending 2 scans of an IAMPTH Convention invitation from 1953. Cool huh??

IAMPETH 2006

This year's convention is in Naperville, Illinois---right outside of Chicago.