How to get started?

[Alma]

Dear all,

I have been thinking about this for a while… I’d like to start a guild where I live. I have no idea how. For reference, I live in Mobile, AL. I’m 3 1/2 hours from Birmingham, 2 from New Orleans, and 1.25 hours from Pensacola, Fl.

I take a lot of online courses, as much as I can. But nothing beats in person teaching and learning.

I’m not sure if I’ll be able, or if there are people interested, but I’d like to find out.

How do I get started?

[Erica McPhee]

Hi Alma,
This is a wonderful idea. And you may find it draws on folks from FL as well. We have members in our guild who drive over 1.5 hours for meetings. True dedication.

The question of how to get started is a good one. Here are a few ideas:

1. Reach out to the Birmingham and ask if there are any members who might be interested in a guild in Mobile. (Or even a study group if you want to start smaller.)
2. Create a facebook group for calligraphers in Mobile AL and see if you get any folks sign up.
3. Post on Instagram that you are interested in starting a guild in Mobile and see if you get any inquiries.
4. Send an announcement to IAMPETH and ask them to print a notice in their newsletter that you are interested in connecting with other calligraphers in the Mobile area to create a guild.
5. Check in with your local community college, library, and art centers to see if they offer any calligraphy classes. If they don’t offer one to see if there is interest. (Can’t imagine there wouldn’t be.)

That’s all I can think of for now but I will keep thinking. 

[Alma]

Thank you so much Erica!! 😊