Rette Speight

This is more than art that just hangs on a wall.

"The special thing about a calligraphy exhibit is that you want to read [the pieces]," said Louona Tanner, the guild president. "It hooks you, and you want to read the art, not just look at it."

Tanner is showing a piece called the "Golden Gospels," which took more than a few hours to put together. The piece is a copy of a medieval manuscript and is Tanner's only piece in the show.

"Most people think that the pieces were done in about an hour, but that's definitely not the case," she said. "You have to check everything, sketch it out, figure out how the words line up with each other, practice writing everything and then finally do it. And then not mess up."

Tanner said that her piece took every second of her spare time for about four months. As the name suggests, is covered in gold. Working on such a piece underneath a magnifying glass was difficult, she said. In addition to her piece, Tanner also has about 10 books to show.

"It's addicting," she said. "You end up with a lot of pieces. All of the members and I create our own wall décor."

Each of the pieces in the display was chosen out of a calligraphy workshop put on by Reggie Ezel. The class met for two or three days every month for the past year and was only open to about 20 students.

The class was not chosen on talent, but was open to whoever signed up first.

The pieces were chosen based on their high quality as they were observed throughout the course. The entire association has about 90 members throughout the state, with about 45 or 50 active, said Tanner.

"This exhibit is anything but boring," said Danae Friel of the Covey Center for the Arts, where the show is being held. The show drew more than 500 individuals to attend the opening and is free for anyone who would like to come. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until April 24.

Since the art is more interactive with the viewers than just a pretty picture, Tanner said that it might take a bit longer than usual to go through the exhibit. Plan for about an hour to take in and enjoy the pieces.