Take part in these terrific community events during the 2020 Philadelphia Pen Show!
Space for each event is limited. Place your name on the guest list at the bottom of this page.
Casual Uncial with Michael Ward
· Free with Paid Pen Show Admission
Friday, January 17, 2020 @ 2:00pm
Saturday, January 18, 2020 @ 11:00am
Saturday, January 18, 2020 @ 3:00pm
Sunday, January 19, 2020 @ 2:00pm
Michael Ward will help you learn the basics of writing in a casual uncial hand with your italic nib pen in this fun and interactive 45 to 60 minute workshop.
Note: Please bring your own italic nib pen (inked up) and paper. If you need to acquire an italic nib pen, many options will be available for purchase in the pen show (with price ranges starting at about ten dollars).
Schon DSGN Studio Open House & Tour
· Free with Paid Pen Show Admission
Friday, January 17, 2020 @ 6:00pm
Ian Schon, all-round Nice Guy and owner of Schon DSGN, will host an Open House & Tour at his studio in Philadelphia on Friday, January 17, 2020, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. See where all the magic happens and feel free to ask lots of questions!
The Schon DSGN Studio is in the Fishtown neighborhood, approximately 15 to 25 minutes from the show hotel by car. Registrants must make their own way to the Schon DSGN Studio, be that by car, taxi or Uber. Confirmed registrants will receive address information via email.
Pens For Kids
· Free for Pen Show Children under 18
Saturday, January 18, 2020 @ 2:00pm
This program is sponsored by the Pen Collectors of America (PCA).
We will briefly discuss the history of writing implements and the children will get a chance to try grinding ink on an ink stone with Japanese stick ink. After they have taken turns grinding ink, they can test its readiness for writing with assorted writing implements, such as shaped bamboo sticks (pens), brushes, quills (for real), and dip pens.
Each participant will receive a free, inexpensive fountain pen.
Pen Mixer
· Free with Paid Pen Show Admission
Saturday, January 18, 2020 @ 6:30pm
In this fun and fast-paced event, six tables are set-up, each with a host. Each host has specialized knowledge and/or expertise in a particular area relevant to pens, inks, papers, and/or the pen community in general. Attendees fill each table and chat with the host of that table for 15 minutes, at which point all attendees move to the next table to chat with the next host. Yes… this is often called speed dating for the fountain pen community.
The Pen Mixer is a terrific way to not only spend time with well known names in the industry, but also to interact with fellow citizens of the community. Table hosts may include the likes of Scott Franklin, Brad Dowdy, Dan Hoizner, Azizah Asgarali, Ian Schon, etc.