The Love of Calligraphy exhibition will be showcased at the Placitas Library from Feb. 4 to March 16 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Escribiente, Albuquerque’s Calligraphy Society.

“Calligraphy is better than meditating. It makes you calm and is a great hobby to take on,” exhibit coordinator Trish Meyer said.

According to Meyer, the society currently has 81 members, though the number changes periodically.

She says before the pandemic began the society hardly had any members, but when they started doing online classes to compensate for COVID isolation, the number skyrocketed.

“It is very easy to take on because it doesn’t take more than a half hour out of your day. It is not a hobby that needs to take six hours a day,” Meyer said.

She recommends that beginners go to at least a few in-person courses so a teacher can see their hand movement and correct it if needed.

After that first lesson, she says people can get their own supplies and practice on their own time.

For the time being, the exhibit will allow people to ask the artists questions and get a personalized book mark from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 25.

“As you get the bookmark, you will receive a lesson in calligraphy at the same time. You will learn about different tools and different styles,” Meyer said.

Escribiente is open to anyone interested in the fine art of beautiful lettering and offers online programs, monthly meetups and workshops with local and national instructors.

The public reception for the exhibit is at 5 p.m. Feb. 17.

Learn more about Escribiente at escribiente.org.