Letterforms in the Archives

Class Description

Letterforms are everywhere, yet most of the time, people pay little attention to the aesthetic attributes of the words we see around us. In some ways, this indicates success. The letterforms are readable. They are appropriate to the product, service or message that they are conveying. A lot of thought goes into the design of letterforms and typefaces used today. The history of letterforms parallels the history of civilization as written language chronicled that history. The Newberry's collection includes materials on papyrus from the first century through contemporary artists' books. What do the letterforms look like and why? How have culture and technology influenced the aesthetics of letterforms? We will explore beautiful examples from the first century onward. Written letterforms, calligraphy, printed letterforms, and digital examples will express the trajectory that this artform has taken and allow a deeper understanding and appreciation of its aesthetics and importance.

Andrea Villasenor, Senior Graphic Designer at the Newberry, began her career as a typesetter and has embraced continual learning and teaching as technology has transformed the field. She has taught at the American Academy of Art, The School of the Art Institute and currently at Northern Illinois University.

All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.

What to Expect

Format: Virtual 

Class Capacity: 24 

Class Style: Mix of lecture and discussion; participation encouraged 

Materials List

Required

• Instructor-Distributed Materials

No required reading on the first day

Cost and Registration

4 Sessions, $175 ($157.50 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($175), Community Supported ($160), and Sponsor ($190).Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

Having trouble signing up? Take a look at our step-by-step guide to registration by clicking here.

The views and opinions expressed in this class and/or by the instructor are not necessarily representative of the Newberry. We aim to ensure that in our classes, participants can have respectful disagreement to foster critical thinking. This is a space to challenge and expand our own worldviews to work towards better understanding and appreciating humanity.

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Call us at (312) 255-3700 or send us an email at adulteducation@newberry.org.

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