“I Ink: Therefore I Am” seems to be a fitting title for the spring exhibit put on by the Calligraphic Arts Guild of Central Iowa.

The group is made up of calligraphy enthusiasts of every shape and size — and all seek to spread awareness about calligraphy as an art form.

Nancy Montgomery, Boone, says educating people about calligraphy art is a main goal of The Calligraphic Arts Guild.

“We’re trying to perpetuate the lettering art,” Montgomery says. “We want the public to realize it is a fine art.”

The exhibit is not judged and is limited to members of the guild. There are nearly 40 works exhibited by new and old members, professionals and amateurs, experienced calligraphers and those just picking up the art.

Each member was allowed three works to exhibit, and the art had to be created since last year’s exhibit.

The Calligraphic Arts Guild was founded by Cheryl Adams of Des Moines as a nonprofit organization and has roughly 100 members across the state. Montgomery says the unique collection of members makes the art more widely accepted.

“We appeal to a very diverse group of people,” Montgomery says.

“We’re a very eclectic group.”

Mary Anne Koch, president of the guild, says calligraphy plays an important role in her life.

“It gives me a creative outlet,” Koch says. “It’s just a hobby. It’s a fun thing to do.”

Koch says calligraphy offers a lot of freedom for her as an artist.

“I don’t have to please anybody,” Koch says. “I get to do what I want to do.”

Artist Sheryl Phipps, an ISU alumna in advertising and design, has been a member of the guild since 1992. Phipps agrees knowledge of calligraphy as an art is limited.

“We try to introduce people to the art,” Phipps says. “It’s a dying art. We want to keep it going.”

Although she is a professional calligrapher, Phipps says she also enjoys the many possibilities of calligraphy as a hobby.

“I do it for my own enjoyment. I do it for the freedom of expression,” Phipps says. “The words just come alive on the page.”

Each year the exhibit is held in different locations.

Montgomery says the group has already started planning for next year’s show at the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Ave.

When creating their works of art, the members of the guild use many mediums. Many use India ink, Gouache watercolor, gold leaf, Celtic lettering and Old English lettering.

The members of Calligraphic Arts Guild teach each other and occasionally hold workshops by professional artists such as Diane Vonarx, Tim Botts and Michael Saul.

Some in the group are there to learn from others, and some members just like the atmosphere of working with other calligraphists.

“Others inspire me,” Koch says.