Library Programs
Scroll down to see a sampler of hosting libraries and testimonials.
I have taught workshops at more than 50 libraries and institutions.
Upcoming or recent programs:
2024
June 5; Fairfield CT Library
Handwriting Fun
June 15; Meriden CT Library
Fun with Brush Letters (a variation of Mod Callig)
June 29; Harwinton CT Library
Intro to Calligraphy, teens
Jul 9th; Wilton CT Library
Handwriting Fun, teens
Jul 11; Milford CT Library
Handwriting Fun
Jul 25; Terryville CT Library
Modern Calligraphy
Aug 12; Windsor Library
Handwriting Fun
Aug 20; Acton Library Old Saybrook
Modern Calligraphy
Intro to Calligraphy
This is a hands-on introduction to broad edge calligraphy. Choice of blackletter or uncial for lettering style. Patrons are given inspiration, handouts, and practice in the 90-minute program.
Available: Online or In-Person. DETAILS
Modern Calligraphy
My most popular library program, Modern Calligraphy introduces a fun, flowing alphabet that can be drawn, or written with a pointed brush or flexible marker. Modern calligraphy is all the rage and seen just about everywhere! With a little guidance, students can learn to write this playful lettering style.
Available: Online or In-Person. DETAILS
Art of the Book
A combination of presentation and hands-on activity, Debby will share numerous book projects she has made over her career and then lead particpants in making their own folded books. Details
Available: In-Person
Handwriting Fun
A playful approach to lettering that is perfect for cards, journals, drawings. Participants are taken through a series of steps to encourage experimentation with letters and colors.
Available: Online or In-Person. DETAILS
Fun with Brush Letters
The Modern Calligraphy program was so well-received as a library program, I have created a follow-up program that will work for both those who attended the original program or are new to the concept. This is especially helpful for a younger audience that does not have as much experience with cursive.
Available Online or In-person. DETAILS
Doodle Art
Peacock or Starry Night
Calligraphers use patterns a great deal in the art of illumination. In the doodle programs, we focus on patterns and create an artwork full of texture. Relaxing, can’t-screw-it-up art program. Can be done black or white or with watercolor.
Available: Online or In-Person. DETAILS
Coral Reef: Ocean Doodle Fun
Participants will learn about Sylvia Earle, the female Jacques Cousteau and the rich tradition of doodles in calligraphy and illumination. We will have a fun and relaxing time doodling our very own coral reef canyon.
Available: On-line or in-person
DETAILS
Ocean Tails
Patrons will create an ocean-inspired artwork. Scribes for centuries have combined letterforms with artwork and we will learn about that tradition and create our own watery masterpiece.
Available: On-line or in-person. DETAILS
Fairy Tails
Fairy Tale letters with Tails! We create a large versal letter and critter with colored pencils. Great for youth and adults-no drawing experience required because letterforms and animal worksheets for tracing are provided! Possible themes: Earth Day, gifting occasions (holiday, Valentine’s, teacher thank, Mother’s/Father’s Day)
Available: Online or In-Person. DETAILS
Painted Versal
Has been done as an art bar event or library program or fun evening with friends. Two hours allows more time for creating the letter.
Available: In-Person
Cursive
There is a hunger for beautiful letters. And yes, even among children. There is great satisfaction in being able to write in cursive and this program provides inspiration and instruction on how to letter in cursive.
Available: Online or In-Person
Following is a partial list of Libraries or Institutions that have hosted Debby either online or in-person.
*Indicates hosting Debby for two or more programs
Knights of Columbus Museum
Florence Griswold Museum*
Mysticalligraphers Guild CT
Society of Scribes CA
Los Angeles Libraries
University of Western Montana*
Norfolk CT*
Trumbull CT*
Danbury CT*
Windsor CT*
Salisbury CT*
Simsbury CT*
Newton MA*
Glastonbury CT*
Sherman CT
Cohasset MA
Wallingford CT*
Granby CT*
Watertown MA
Terryville CT
Weston MA
Nashua NH
Amherst MA
South Hamilton MA
Wethersfield CT*
Milford CT*
Darien CT*
Scranton CT
Amherst NH
Leominster MA
Lexington MA
Seabury Retirement Community CT*
Clinton MA
Groton MA
Hudson NH
Peabody MA*
IS 183 Stockbridge MA
South Windsor Senior Center
Somers CT
New Milford CT*
Berlin CT*
Brookfield CT*
Bristol CT*
Meriden CT
Farmington CT*
Bloomfield CT*
Derby Neck CT*
Durham CT*
Newtown CT*
Woodbury CT*
Bethel CT*
Groton CT
Weston CT*
Suffield CT
Junior League, Hartford CT
Manchester CT
Whitinsville MA
Litchfield CT
Newbury MA
Rowley MA
Hopkinton MA
Sample of feedback from a range of Library programs:
“Thank you for scheduling Doodle Art With Debby. The three of us had fun with this project. Debby made the class non-threating and allowed us to proceed at our own pace. We thoroughly enjoyed it.” on Starry Night Doodle
“thank you so much for the doodle art activity, instructor, and supplies. time flew. this will keep me busy for a couple more days have so much left i want to do and don’t want to rush… Love zooming” on Starry Night Doodle
“Great program! I’ve never seen that group so quiet and focused ever!” on Starry Night Doodle
“Thank you, I have always wanted to learn about calligraphy. You are a wonderful presenter. Your style was relaxed and reassuring. Thank you for piquing my interest in this art. Thank you for the handouts. Very helpful! Bravo!” on Intro to Calligraphy
“Thank you for such a wonderful workshop… We’ve already gotten a few complimentary messages about it.” on Modern Calligraphy
“That was grande! (I had so much fun) Many thanks” on Modern Calligraphy
“Your approach to online teaching is perfect, btw…” on Modern Calligraphy
“I can’t thank you enough for yesterday’s LAMade program. It was my extreme pleasure to have discovered your extraordinary talents as a letting artist and to have expanded your circle of followers and admirers: you can count me as an enthusiastic one.” on Modern Calligraphy
“This was such a great program! Thank you again for being willing to craft this new, “intermediate” workshop level for us, it worked really well.” on Fun with Brush Letters
“As a retired art teacher, I thought you did a bang up job, really overall. And you went at a good pace. So again I learned and was able to process, practice and keep up. You also motivated me, especially at the ending. I really enjoyed the class. The teacher did a great job – very detailed and patient. I would enjoy having more classes.” on Modern Calligraphy at a Senior Center
“this was awesome! thank you!” on Modern Calligraphy
“Thank you so much LA Public Library and Debbie for sharing the love of brush Calligraphy. What a great program and a wonderful teacher! so Knowledgeable!” on Modern Calligraphy
“Thank you so much. Great job in just 1.5 hrs.!” on Modern Calligraphy
“Thank you – this was very fun and inspiring. And you are so sweet, Miss Reelitz!” on Modern Calligraphy
“Our patrons are asking us to book you again—you are very popular here” on Painted Versal