Our own Member/Instructor Joan Schmitz

In 1976, SACG was formed by Kitty Anziani Maguire. Eleven of Kitty’s students became the first Guild members: Helen Rasplicka, Liz Robalin, Eleanor Craven, Enid Collins, Jennie McHugh Duncan, Martha Hicks, Joan McCook, Dr. Robert Richmond, Bernadette Robalin, Eileen Thurman and Terry Ybanez. By October 1977, membership had reached 26 and today we have approximately 100 members.

In 1977, the first Guild newsletter, “Flourishes” was issued, and it remains in publication. Originally, it consisted of one sheet typed by the Recording Secretary. Today it is in the form of an e-newsletter that can be accessed and subscribed to by anyone in the world via the internet.

Members Maggie Gillikin and Leslie Winakur with Myrna Rosen

In 1993, the Guild published the cookbook “Foods with a Flourish”. We have also published calendars and posters as fundraisers. Funds are used for Guild operations and to provide education and scholarships to the community.

The Guild’s first Spring Exhibition was held in the Dougherty Fine Arts Center at Incarnate Word College in 1980. In the summer of 2005, SACG assisted in hosting the 25th Annual International Lettering Arts Conference (“Legacies”) in Dallas. Also in 2005, the Guild held its first Calligraphy Faire, which promoted the calligraphic arts via a Scriptorium, demonstrations, and sales of members’ work.

Carrie Imai with members Lenora Jordan and Lynne Rothe

In January 2011, SACG was honored to host the 30th annual South-west Calligraphy Conference, a meeting of the presidents and work-shop chairs of the Guilds in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, New Orleans, Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

The SA Calligraphers’ Guild has a long history of supporting organizations and activities in our community. Efforts have included the Bexar County Women and Children’s Shelter, SA Public Library, The Briscoe Museum of Western Art, children’s career-day activities, art therapy for disabled veterans, calligraphy classes for senior citizens, plus free demonstrations and exhibitions.

Brodie Neuenschwander at Discovery School

Over the years, the Guild has brought renowned calligraphers to San Antonio to present lectures, programs and workshops. They include: Paul Freeman, Carl Rohrs, Denis Brown, Thomas Ingmire, Peter Thornton, Reggie Ezell, Rosie Kelly, Carol Palleson, Marsha Brady, Lisa Engelbrecht, Jacqueline Sullivan, Brody Neuenschwander, Carrie Imai, Nancy Culmone, Donald Jackson, Sheila Waters and Maria Soria.

 

We are proud of our Guild history and thank the members who have contributed so much over the years.

 

Past Presidents

1976-1977  Kitty Maguire
1977-1979  Helen Rasplicka
1979-1980  Nancy McHugh
1980-1981  Eleanor Russell
1981-1983  Bennye Frazier
1983-1984  Grace Strey
1984-1985  Thann Tolman
1984-1985  Mim Scharlack
1985-1987  Pauline Sager
1987-1989  Joan Schmitz
1989-1991  Bill Waddington
1991-1993  Lucy Dalkowitz
1993-1994 Suzanne Kenoyer
1994-1996  Eleanor Russell
1996-1998  BJ Grant
1998-2000  Leslie Winakur
2000-2002  Maggie Gillikin
2002-2004 Shirley Ginn
2004-2006  Kaye Yarbrough
2006-2008  Pam Thomas
2008-2010  Lynn Rothe
2010-2012  Lenora Jordan
2012-2016 Carolyn Patton
2016-2018 Suzan O’Connor

2018-2020 – Karen Fridlund

2020-2023-Laura Herold