Welcome Words
A Non-Juried Exhibit at Mount Angel Abbey
October 18 to November 15, 2025
Sponsored by the Capital Calligraphers, the Portland Society for Calligraphy, and the Valley Calligraphy Guild in conjunction with Mount Angel Abbey.
The theme “Welcome Words” was chosen to reflect our love of words, to acknowledge the way in which three calligraphic guilds have welcomed the opportunity to work together, the Benedictine tradition of welcoming, and our desire to live in a welcoming world.
If a piece has a price displayed, it is for sale and can be purchased by contacting the artist at the email listed with the piece. Artists are responsible for arranging their own sales.
We hope you enjoy the exhibit!
Click on an image to see a larger version.
Sue Greenseth. “When Women Were Birds”
When I read this creative and uplifting quote by Terry Tempest Williams several years ago, I instantly fell in love with it. Since then, I’ve penned it many times and given original copies to friends and family members. Black ink with small broad-edged pen on hot press watercolor paper. 13"x11"
Sue Greenseth. “The 1970s”
We moved from Central Illinois to Corvallis, Oregon, in the 1970s. All we owned fit in the bed of our Datsun pickup. It was a time of frugal living, more education, good friends, music, and an abundance of love.
Gouache with pointed brush on Arches Text Wove paper
11.5" x 11.5"
Penelope Culbertson. “Promoting Peace”
This piece is done in the 16th-century Fraktur script, which seemed appropriate for the Rumi quotation and for the Mount Angel Abbey venue. It reflects my belief that there are many ways to express thankfulness. Pen and ink. 13"x20"
Penelope Culbertson. “Gratitude”
This piece is done in my original Ribbon Script, which I invented to give minuscules room to join with a ribbon effect. This Beatitude is from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:9, and is as important today as when it was spoken.
Pen and ink. 11"x20"
Nancy Pickett. “Storage” (outside cover)
I have loved this poem, “Storage,” by Mary Oliver. I certainly identify with her saving and stashing so much stuff that it has become a burden. I am inspired by her finally being able to let it all go… and she becomes free like the birds. I think this quote lent itself quite well to the accordion-fold book style.
Artist's book, 5"x7". Handmade marbled paper, Strathmore Drawing paper, sumi ink.
Nancy Pickett. “Storage” (inside cover)
I have loved this poem, “Storage,” by Mary Oliver. I certainly identify with her saving and stashing so much stuff that it has become a burden. I am inspired by her finally being able to let it all go… and she becomes free like the birds. I think this quote lent itself quite well to the accordion-fold book style.
Artist's book, 5"x7". Handmade marbled paper, Strathmore Drawing paper, sumi ink.
Nancy Pickett. “Storage” (unfolded)
I have loved this poem, “Storage,” by Mary Oliver. I certainly identify with her saving and stashing so much stuff that it has become a burden. I am inspired by her finally being able to let it all go… and she becomes free like the birds. I think this quote lent itself quite well to the accordion-fold book style.
Artist's book, 5"x7". Handmade marbled paper, Strathmore Drawing paper, sumi ink.
MaryEllen Hartman. “When My Words Are Few”
This selection from a song by Snoop Dogg has always held onto me. I have done several variations, and this particular one has a softened feeling—more representative of the thoughtful words. I wanted it to be readable and simple but also interesting. I experimented with subtle work on top of the watercolor and ink to help achieve the range of color.
Watercolor, inks, cold pressed watercolor paper, Brause pen. 13"x13"x1"
Marianne Nelson. “Life Backwards and Forwards”
I have loved this quote by Søren Kierkegaard ever since I received it on a birthday card many years ago. Now that I am aging, I appreciate it much more and thought the double spiral was the best design for it.
Sumi ink, watercolor, Brause nib, Arches hot press watercolor paper. 18 x 16 ½ x ¾”.
Marianne Nelson. “Celtic Blessing”
The Book of Kells, written by Celtic monks around 800 AD, is the inspiration for this piece. The script is Insular Majuscule, and the decorated letter M is based on the letter M on folio 162v of the Book of Kells.
Sumi ink, watercolor, Brause nib, Arches hot press watercolor paper. 17 ½ x 13 ½ x 1”
Margaret Hespen. “Whatever”
In a world that confuses the term “Christian,” Jesus’s own definition is refreshing: those who pass on the mercy they have received to the small, the aged, the infirm, the hungry, the stranger, the imprisoned, or the invisible. I have tried to say on paper what Louise Bourgeois’s sculpture The Welcoming Hands says so powerfully in bronze.
Sumi, graphite watercolor pencil, Arches Text Wove paper. 16"x20"x1"
FOR SALE: $325. margarethespen@gmail.com
Lucille Pierce. “Rivers”
I have loved this poem for a long time, as my son Gregory went down the river in the Congo. I used red ink for the words human blood and veins, blue for rivers, orange for dawn and sunset, yellow for golden, and brown for dusky ancient rivers.
Higgins ink, watercolor, Mitchell nib, hot press watercolor paper. 17 x 21 x 3/4”
Lisa Sloop. “Welcome Diversity”
Inspired by a bumper sticker and the belief that diversity is what makes our country special, I explored several ideas of how to express this when I had already seen a great representation. I determined that welcome needed to be in all caps. Tryouts of diversity in different hands led to a different hand for each letter.
Walnut and Ph Martin’s iridescent inks; folded, Parallel, and Automatic pens; Mitchell nib; watercolor paper; embossing. 14.25 x 20.25 x 1”
FOR SALE: $425
lisa@thepostedwordstudio.com
Lisa Sloop. “My God ,My God”
Inspiration for this piece came from an art group prompt: “mark of the tool.” This piece was not made specifically for this exhibit, and when a friend encouraged me to submit it, I originally felt that it didn’t fit the theme. Later, I realized it does, because God welcomes our lament and our questions.
Bleach, gouache, found object (stick), Automatic pen, Strathmore Artagain black paper. 21 5/8 x 27 3/4 x 3/4"
FOR SALE: $950
lisa@thepostedwordstudio.com
Linda Lee. “Unhidden”
These words from Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese” remind me that it’s okay to question dogma, that we naturally think differently and are inherently unique, and that shame and suffering are not required. Each time I read these words, I feel more at home in myself and my body softens, as if God has whispered them into my heart. I find courage to be unhidden.
Leslie Hutchinson. “Look Up”
“Look up!” is worthwhile advice when I am leading walking tours around Portland. This guidance from Anne Lamott takes it a step further to a level of freedom and comfort. The script reflects the Arts and Crafts era like so many buildings worth preserving.
Higgins Eternal ink with school pen and watercolor with Handwritmic pen. 10" x 12"
Leslie Hutchinson. “Home” (part 1)
These references to home come from the commonplace book concept to which I was introduced four years ago at Converge 45. I did my best to pair the words with the sentiment and the genre of each quote. All the paper, saffron and white, was purchased in Jaipur, India. It relays a warm, cozy feeling.
Higgins Eternal ink on handmade saffron color Indian paper. 14"x14"
Leslie Hutchinson. “Home” (part 2)
These references to home come from the commonplace book concept to which I was introduced four years ago at Converge 45. I did my best to pair the words with the sentiment and the genre of each quote. All the paper, saffron and white, was purchased in Jaipur, India. It relays a warm, cozy feeling.
Higgins Eternal ink on handmade saffron color Indian paper. 14"x14"
Leslie Hutchinson. “Home” (part 3)
These references to home come from the commonplace book concept to which I was introduced four years ago at Converge 45. I did my best to pair the words with the sentiment and the genre of each quote. All the paper, saffron and white, was purchased in Jaipur, India. It relays a warm, cozy feeling.
Higgins Eternal ink on handmade saffron color Indian paper. 14"x14"
Larry Whitson. “Welcome Walking Companions”
This piece contains the obscure word “sympatetic,” which means “walking companion.” Woven through it in red are some lyrics from Bill Withers’s song “Lean on Me.” I believe most of us need both literal and figurative walking companions as we travel through this chaotic time in the world.
Automatic pens, sumi ink, and gouache on paper. 9.75 x 17.5 x 1”
FOR SALE: $200
whitalex@comcast.net
Larry Whitson. “Aging: The Arithmetic”
I have known the local poet Ellen Goldberg for years and asked her to send me a poem to use in this exhibit. When I was thinking about how to present this poem, I realized I wanted to take myself out of the picture and give the viewer the opportunity to focus on Ellen’s beautiful poem, so it is written out simply with very little ornamentation.
Gouache, mica powder, Mitchell 6 nib on paper. 12.75 x 15.75 x 0.75”
FOR SALE: $275
whitalex@comcast.net
Katrina Malachowski. “Sorry No Room for U”
This piece was created at the Portland Society for Calligraphy’s 2025 annual retreat in Canby. Various media.
Katrina Malachowski. “Gloria”
I felt that a scroll was just the right Middle Ages aesthetic for a show at Mount Angel Abbey. Next I knew that I wanted to create a calligram of an angel, and “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” provided lyrics that illustrated my idea perfectly. The last component was choosing colors that complemented the scroll.
Gouache, ink, and watercolor on hot press watercolor paper, hanging in a handmade leather and wooden scroll. 20 x 24 x 2”
FOR SALE: $375
katrinadontquit@gmail.com
Katrina Malachowski. “Gloria” (detail)
I felt that a scroll was just the right Middle Ages aesthetic for a show at Mount Angel Abbey. Next I knew that I wanted to create a calligram of an angel, and “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” provided lyrics that illustrated my idea perfectly. The last component was choosing colors that complemented the scroll.
Gouache, ink, and watercolor on hot press watercolor paper, hanging in a handmade leather and wooden scroll. 20 x 24 x 2”
FOR SALE: $375
katrinadontquit@gmail.com
Judith Black. “Beauty Everywhere”
I chose a welcome quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that would be applicable to everybody.
Watercolor and graphite. 13" x 16"
FOR SALE: $85
dnjblack@comcast.net
JoAnn Pari-Mueller. “So Happy You’re Here”
It has always been interesting to me that no matter where in the world you are, people have a way to say welcome. The sounds may be very different, but the intent is always the same—to warmly greet people and invite them to share in their lives.
Watercolor, Speedball C-0 and C-2 nibs, Mitchell 6 nibs, Canson Mi-Teintes paper. 14"x15"
FOR SALE: $225
hungarianjo@aol.com
JoAnn Pari-Mueller. “I Can Imagine”
I wanted to use the three letterpress I’s in words that expressed tranquility: satori—a peaceful sense of awakening and understanding; amity—a sense of goodwill or fellowship; and idyllic—a happy, peaceful time or place.
Watercolor, Mitchell 6 pen nib, size 2 watercolor brush, walnut ink hand-stained 140# cold press watercolor paper, letterpress. 16"x23"
FOR SALE: $250
hungarianjo@aol.com
Inga Dubay. “Risk”
The dilemma of taking risks is crucial to the creative act. To love is to risk. In loving, your heart will be broken open.
Ink, colored pencil, graphite. 13.75 x 19”
FOR SALE: $500
inga.dubay@gmail.com
Heidi Stolp. “You Welcomed Me”
I chose this liturgical verse because I felt it exemplified welcoming at its core.
Higgins Eternal ink, watercolor, colored pencil, Brause nib, handmade watercolor paper. 16 x 13 x 2"
Heidi Stolp. “All Are Welcome”
I have created large art pieces with this quote for my church and a nonprofit supporting new, expectant, and grieving parents. To me it is a statement of embracing, accepting, and celebrating all who come together.
Walnut ink, watercolor, colored pencils, pointed pen, Arches Text Wove paper. 8 x 11 x 2”
Fr Philip Waibel. “Priesthood”
A priest friend of mine, at the time of his ordination, was asked about his vision for his priestly ministry.
Goatskin parchment, Brause nibs, acrylic, Higgins ink, 24 kt. gold on gesso. 9 x 12”
Fr Philip Waibel. “Monastic Sayings”
I wrote out these monastic sayings for reflection by both monastics and others alike.
Written with ATO nibs on handmade Indian cotton paper with Higgins ink and Chinese vermilion sumi. 12 x 18”
Edie Roberts. “Teaching Children”
Music and words combine to make magic happen. Start early, continue forever. Sumi ink on acid free paper. 12"x16"
Edie Roberts. “Believe You Can”
What we believe influences what we actually do. Believe you can—and make it so.
Sumi on marble paper. 8"x10"
Debra Ferreboeuf. “You Are Loved”
I first heard these words spoken by the poet Harry Baker and fell in love with the message. I wanted to shout out “you are loved” to every person I love, because even though we are all full of contradictions and quirks, we love those we love in spite of (or because of) this.
Gouache, pointed pen, brush on Arches watercolor paper. 22 x 22 x 1.5”
Cynthia O’Brien. “St. Brigid’s Welcome”
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). I am encouraged by Saint Brigid’s vision of the eternal hospitality that all people experience in heaven, joyfully expressed with such abundance as a lake of beer.
Ink, acrylic paint, gold marker. 16 x 13 x 1 1/4"
Carol DuBosch. “Remembrance of Things Pasta”
I adore pasta and was sure that I could play with this quirky poem by Brian Bilston, which makes fun of various types of pasta. I found a way to substitute letters with small drawings of the pasta types.
Artist's Book. Sumi ink, watercolor, Shizen handmade paper, Arches Text Wove paper, metal pens. 5 x 6.5" closed, 5 x 26" fully open
Carol DuBosch. “Giving”
I was struck by this poem by Alberto Rios and began to imagine writing it as a broadside. Then I decided on an accordion book. I envisioned the text written delicately in Italic with the word giving rendered uniquely on each page. The text drove the entire project!
Artist's Book: Fabriano Roma paper, gouache, metal pens, hand embossing, handmade paper. 4 x 5-1/2" closed, 4 x 44" fully open
Barb Arzt. “Flexibility”
The Latin alphabet is influenced by the Arabic Kufic script in this piece. My objective was to lose the normal “grid,” allowing the letters and the text to flow spontaneously.
Gouache and Bister ink, brush and Micron 005 pen, Arches hot pressed watercolor paper. 17 x 13 x 3/4"