Greater Cincinnati Calligraphers' Guild

In Memoriam: Karen McMannon

Our dear founder, Karen McMannon passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024

I’m sure nearly every guild member has been touched by Karen in one way or another. By her gentle teaching style, encouragement, keeping us on track and enthusiasm for the lettering arts. Always willing to try new things, decorating calligraphic cookies, eco-printing, abstract artwork and finding ways to incorporate that into her artwork. Her letter forms were beyond compare and so many of us learned from her. This loss hits hard, but we will continue her work to keep the guild intact and thriving.

She requested that her body be donated to science, so a memorial will be delayed. Several guild members have been helping her family clean out and close her studio in Montgomery and we will likely dedicate our meeting next week to that end.

There is also the possibility of a one-woman show of her work.

I will share any planned memorials or events as they become reality, for now, think kind thoughts of her, thank her for her teaching, and keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

— Jennifer Carroll