I've been hibernating all winter practicing calligraphy, experimenting with mixing custom inks and finding great paper. Last week, I had the pleasure of working with the Spring Street Social Society (SSSS) on a fun idea that its founders, Patrick Janelle and Amy Buchanan, wanted to incorporate into their latest "Sweet & Savory" dinner.

As guests were greeted in the entry rotunda of an empty bank at 20 Exchange Place in the Financial District, they were asked to select a small black envelope and meet the calligraphy artist who would write their names out. I wrote 70 names throughout the cocktail hour and into dinner, hoping that the gold ink wouldn't blob too much and that I could do every name justice. The envelopes acted as each guest's namecard as well as an activity for later in the evening...

It wasn't until after five savory dessert courses with drink pairings and several comedic and musical acts later that the guests were instructed that they would have 5 minutes to get up, open their envelope, perform the task on the card inside, and to sit in a different seat than where they began. Tasks included things like "Kiss the Cook" (Ben Mims), "Hug the Bartender", "Give your phone number", or my favorite "Cut a rug with Amy/Patrick" The parlour game worked wonderfully and after everyone was seated, seven fluffy Coconut Layer Cakes were placed along the table for everyone to enjoy, family style.

I'm surely falling for this new found medium and was so happy to get to play a part in the magic of the SSSS dinners that Patrick and Amy create. Mr. RaeChild was happy to see my new found obsession have a home outside of our own.

At home, my office was covered in task cards...

Patrick's photo of my work from his instagram account @aguynamedpatrick