Seminars

One of the best parts about attending a pen show in person is the amount of information that is available through many of the collectors in our hobby. Fortunately for us, the following experts and aficionados have agreed to host small gatherings to learn from their experience and expertise.

Seminars are presented here alphabetically. See Schedule for a chronological listing and locations.

The Art of the Italic

Ward Dunham
Sunday, 3:00 PM

Cofounder of the Atelier Gargoyle in San Francisco, Ward manifests a variety of talents including this, one of his most well known. While italic writing is less focused on the pen itself and more on the hand that holds the pen, Ward’s engaging presentation will have you rushing to find new ways to use your new and improved handwriting.

Artful Journals (Book Signing)

Janet Takahashi
Sunday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 pm

Professional calligrapher and illustrator Janet Takahashi will be signing her new illustrated book Artful Journals: Making and Embellishing Memory Books, Garden Diaries, Travel Albums and More. Learn how to created special volumes that reflect your interests complete with binding and decorating techniques.

More information at www.janettakahashi.com

Journaling

Susan Thom
Sunday, 1:00 PM

We love pens, that’s for sure, but how do we use them in our daily lives? Come learn about the art of journaling from this long time pen collector and café-sitting journaliste. Find out how you can use your pens on a daily basis to help you explore your inner world, solve problems, and explore new ideas.

Nibs Revealed

Greg Minuskin (expected, not confirmed)

Having trained at the bench of the renowned John Mottishaw, Greg has quickly become of the country’s most sought-after nibmeisters. Come learn more about this single most essential part of every fountain pen and discover how your handwriting can change with literally every variation in this finely crafted tool.

Pelikans

Rick Propas
Saturday, 12:00 PM

All you ever wanted to know about this revered German manufacturer and its rich array of products over the past century. Rick, aka The PENguin, will display and describe a number of items from his personal collection as well as help you understand the simple techniques to keep this, the most robust of modern pens, happy and healthy for many years to come.

Pen Collecting 101

Saul Kitchener and John Strother
Saturday, 2:00 PM

Feeling just a tad overwhelmed by this display of pens, pens, pens, and more pens? Wonder how you might be able to enjoy the hobby even on a limited scale? Join these two venerable collectors who will share their extensive knowledge of buying and selling some of American’s most famous and beloved writing instruments. A must for every newbie.

Pen Repair

Michael McNeil and Sherrell Tyree
Sunday, 11:00 AM

Ready to try saccing a pen all by yourself? Interested in learning more about how a snorkel really works? Want to reset a nib that seems to be crooked? Come to this hands-on fix fest with two of the country’s best repair folk. Bring your ailing pen or just any questions or problems you might be having.

Pens for Kids

Lauren Kaufman
Saturday, 1:00 PM
Sunday, 12:00 PM

Introduce your favorite youngster to the joy of writing with a fountain pen. This "hands-on" demonstration, courtesy of the Pen Collectors of America, gives kids the chance to try using a variety of pens and inks. (Note: leave the fancy duds at home!)

Tools for Pen Repair

Joel Hamilton and Stuart Hawkinson
Saturday, 4:00 PM

Some collectors find that the repair and restoration of vintage writing instruments to be the most pleasurable aspect of our hobby. But where to go to get “the parts to fix the parts?” Fortunately for all of us, two master pen tuners are collaborating on the creation and small batch manufacture of some of the most critical tools for pen maintenance.