Calligraphy classes at Train Creative

Sparta — Train Creative, a facilitator of creative training experiences and events, recently announced a series of hand-lettering and calligraphy classes led by accomplished calligrapher and instructor, Leigh McMichael. A recent Sparta resident, McMichael studied under Newton’s own local artist and internationally recognized master pen woman Kathy Milici, and opened Lovely Scribe Calligraphy in 2010. Leigh’s penmanship has been recognized across the wedding industry as she is a go-to calligrapher for brides in the tristate area, earning top accolades from wedding websites including The Knot and Weddingwire.com.
“Some of my earliest memories were of playing school and perfecting my cursive writing on the massive slate chalkboard hung in the basement of my childhood home,” McMichael said. “Years of art classes and constant doodling drew me toward tinkering with letters and eventually, the art of calligraphy at the age of eleven. I still remember picking up my very first nib and the joy I felt as the ink hit the paper!”
It wasn’t until 2010 when planning her own wedding that Leigh rediscovered her buried passion for calligraphy. Studying under Kathy Milici of 24 Karat Designs, she became so enamored with the art form that she began taking on odd jobs for friends here and there. With encouragement and support from her husband, Leigh formally established Lovely Scribe Calligraphy in 2012 while continuing to work full time as a fifth grade Elementary School Teacher in Oakland, NJ. After the birth of her daughter in 2015 and a move to Sparta, Leigh made the transition to calligrapher by day, teacher by night/weekend.
“We wanted to raise our daughter in a lake community and Lake Mohawk stole our hearts after a visit last winter,” said McMichael. “The entire town of Sparta is so gorgeous and truly seems to have such a strong sense of togetherness, with plenty of outdoor activities and a wonderful school district.”
In September after ten years in the classroom, Leigh made the decision to stay home with her daughter while continuing to grow her business. This winter Leigh is taking her business, Lovely Scribe Calligraphy, to Train Creative at the Sparta Train Station. She will be offering a Hand-Lettering DIY Wood Sign Class on January 6 and an Introduction to Modern Calligraphy Workshop beginning on February 4.
Hand-Lettering DIY Wood Sign Class
Friday, January 6, 2017
6:30-10 pm
New year, new hobby! Students will walk away with a toolkit (no after class shopping needed) ready to hand-letter everything in sight after creating your very own wood sign perfect for decorating at home or gift giving. Although the focus will be on making a gorgeous wood sign, the techniques and materials you'll receive can be applied to any surface (think: mirrors, chalkboards, windows, etc.). This class is appropriate for all levels of learners. There will be yummy fall treats and light refreshments! BYOB welcome. The fee for the class includes a variety of materials in the hand-lettering toolkit. Visit www.traincreative.org/events/136 to learn more about the class and to register.
Introduction to Modern Calligraphy Workshop Series
Every Saturday in February: February 4 – February 25, 2017
1-4 pm
Whether you’ve never picked up a calligraphy pen before, or you’re looking to brush up on your technique- this is the workshop for you! Students will learn how to properly use a calligraphy pen and nib to form strokes and letters in a style that is uniquely your own. Instruction is based on the Copperplate alphabet, but with a modern twist! After taking this beginner level calligraphy workshop, students will walk away with all the tools, confidence and skills needed to begin beautifying all things paper. These calligraphy intensive classes will allow for plenty of one-on-one assistance with technique and differentiation between students with varying abilities. All supplies are included in the class fee. Visit www.traincreative.org/events/137 to learn more about the workshop and to register.
About Train Creative
The mission of Train Creative is to facilitate community learning experiences for creative education to increase arts and humanities awareness in our community while preserving architecture, locations and landscapes. In preserving our heritage, we wish to inspire people to form a lifelong love of design. Our organization provides access to comfortable, affordable, and well maintained space to learn, teach, create, and share knowledge of creative skills from yesterday, today and tomorrow. In addition we look to support and enhance the efforts of our neighbors including the Sparta PAL, Sparta Ambulance Squad, Sparta Recreation Department, Sparta Historical Society, Sparta Train Station, Sussex County YMCA, Station Park, Peters Valley and others.