SUPERSHOW SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 6
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8 AM - 10 PM Open for Exhibitors and Weekend Traders
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WORKSHOPS
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12 – 1:30 – Journaling with Imaginary Friends – Tom Forsythe
2 – 4 – Pilot Parallel Flourishing, Borders & Frames – Dyuti Gayatri
4:30 – 5:30 – DIY Mini Notebook – Jolie Tran
6 – 7:30 – How to Make Pop Up Cards (Beginner) – Link Tong
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​Friday, August 7
9 AM - 5 PM Weekend Traders 12 PM - 5 PM Public Admission
12 - 5 PM VANNESS Pen Lounge
5 PM SUPERSHOW CLOSES & EXHIBIT ROOMS LOCKED, OVERNIGHT SECURITY
SEMINARS
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10 - 11 – Get the Point!, Laura from Pen Boutique and Bill from Pilot - registration required
12:30 – Fountain Pen Basics, Vanness Pen Lounge
1 – 1:30 – Maximize Your Pen Show Experience, Rachel Crawford
2 – 3 – Let’s Talk About Traveler’s Notebooks, Jacqui Williams
2 – Ink Swatching with Olive Octopus, Vanness Pen Lounge
3 – 4 – Junk Journaling, Penny Post
3:30 – Notebook Systems Overview with the Gentleman Stationer
4 – 5 – Collecting Victorian Writing Instruments, David Nishimura & Jon Veley
4:30 - Fountain Pen Basics, Vanness Pen Lounge
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WORKSHOPS
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9 – 11 – Scrapbook Journaling for Pen & Ink Lovers – Deniz Bagdas
9 – 10:30 – Vintage Fountain Pen Therapy – Scott Jones
10 – 11 – Draw Your Day the Easy Way – Thien-Kim Lam
11 – 1 – The Art of Urushi Seminar – Sophia Ma
12 - 1:30 – Explore Creative Journaling - Tom Forsythe
12 – 3 – Introduction to Italic Calligraphy – Nik Pang
12 – 2 – Collage Journaling & Tunnel Pages – Suzette Perez
2:30 – 4:30 – Modern Calligraphy – Dawn Reynolds
3 – 5 – Nib Tuning & Smoothing – Lenny Eiger
4 – 5 – Mad Scientist Ink Mixing – Thien-Kim Lam
5:30 -7 – Make a Pocket Sketch Journal – Judith Dollar
5:30 – 7:30 – Pilot Parallel Flourishing, Borders & Frames – Dyuti Gayatri
6 – 7:30 – The Art of Wax Sealing – Deniz Bagdas
SPECIAL EVENT​
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6 - 8 PM ERANO & LAX PRESENT THE GREAT DC VINTAGE PEN PANEL AND WRITE AROUND
ERANO & LAX
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THE GREAT DC VINTAGE PEN PANEL AND WRITE AROUND
One of the best part of fountain pen shows is the ability to try different pens while searching for that great writing experience. But when it comes older or vintage pens, however, many feel discouraged from pursuing the same experience we get from modern or contemporary pens. Not only can we use vintage pens, but they often offer a unique and beautiful writing experience that make an excellent addition to your modern pen collection.
To help bridge the gap, we hope you can join us on for a panel discussion on exploring vintage pens for use, followed by a “write around.” During the “write around,” our team of vintage pen enthusiasts will be set up with vintage pens around the room, and participants will be able to move around at their own pace to write with and sample these pens. We plan to have ink and paper available.
This is a social event. The purpose of this event is to create a positive experience to bridge the gap between modern/contemporary and vintage/old pen enthusiasts and collectors without the dynamics that sometimes play out on the pen show floor.
All vintage pen enthusiasts are invited to exhibit parts of their collection (perhaps ten to twenty pens are various makes) for which they are comfortable allowing fellow attendees to use without concern of “something happening” or the need for instructions.
Please contact Joshua Lax and jjlaxpenco@gmail.com if you are interested in exhibiting your pens during the event.
Saturday, August 8
9 AM - 5 PM Weekend Traders 10 AM - 5 PM Public Admission
10 AM - 5 PM VANNESS Pen Lounge
5 PM SUPERSHOW CLOSES & EXHIBIT ROOMS LOCKED, OVERNIGHT SECURITY
SEMINARS
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9:30 – 10 – Maximize Your Pen Show Experience, Rachel Crawford
10 – 11 – Pilot Vanishing Point, David Rzeszotarski
10:30 – Fountain Pen Basics, Vanness Pen Lounge
10:30 – 11:30 – Your WRITE Beginning to Fountain Pens, Pen Boutique - registration required
12 – Ink Swatching with Olive Octopus, Vanness Pen Lounge
12 – 1 – Papa’s Got A(nother) Brand New Bag!, Mike Matteson
12:30 – 1 – Thoughtful Penabling, Rachel Crawford
1:30 – 2:30 – Q & A with FIGBOOT, David Parker
1:30 – Fountain Pen Basics, Vanness Pen Lounge
2 – 3 – Let’s Talk About Traveler’s Notebooks, Jacqui Williams
2:30 – Notebook Systems Overview with the Gentleman Stationer, Vanness Pen Lounge
3 – 4 – Junk Journaling, Penny Post
3 - 4 - Introduction to Collecting Vintage Pens, David Silber (Noyesville Pens)
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WORKSHOPS
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9 – 11 – Scrapbook Journaling for Pen & Ink Lovers – Deniz Bagdas
9 – 11 – Maki-E Workshop – Sophia Ma
10 – 11 – Read More! Creative Reading Journal Exploration – Thien-Kim Lam
12 – 1:30 – Get Lost in Your Creative Journal – Tom Forsythe
12 – 1 – Draw Your Day the Easy Way – Thien-Kim Lam
12 – 2 – Collage Journaling & Tunnel Pages – Suzette Perez
2 – 4 – Pilot Parallel Flourishing Borders & Frames – Dyuti Gayatri
2:30 – 4:30 – Modern Calligraphy – Dawn Reynolds
3 – 5 – Nib Tuning & Smoothing – Lenny Eiger
5:30 – 7 – Make a Pocket sketch Journal – Judith Dollar
5:30 – 6:30 – Intro to Japanese Bookbinding – Alexandra Ozga
6 – 7 – Magnetic Bookmark – Jolie Tran
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SPECIAL EVENTS
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5:30 - 6:30 PM AN EVENING OF URUSHI ART WITH SHOGO HARIYA: LIVE MASTER ARTISAN DEMONSTRATION
An Evening of Urushi Art with Shogo Hariya
Live Master Artisan Demonstration​
Limited seating. Pre-registration required by filling out the form here: https://www.urushipen.com/pages/live-master-artisan-demonstration-at-the-dc-pen-show-2026
Join UrushiPen.com for a rare opportunity to experience the centuries-old art of Japanese urushi lacquer and maki-e firsthand with master artisan Shogo Hariya, visiting from Japan for the DC Pen Show. He is most well-known in the Fountain Pen community for his maki-e work on the ShiZen brand's latest maki-e pen masterpiece: the ShiZen Kingfisher's Devotion pen.
Whether you are a fountain pen enthusiast, collector, artist, or simply curious about traditional Japanese craftsmanship, this special after-hours event will take you behind the scenes of one of the world's most demanding and revered decorative arts.
Hosted and emceed by Jason Lee of UrushiPen.com alongside featured guest David Parker of Figboot on Pens, this live master artisan demonstration will guide attendees through the complete maki-e creation process—from initial design concepts to the application of natural urushi lacquer, precious metal powders, raden (mother-of-pearl), curing, and polishing. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the materials, techniques, and cultural significance that transform a fountain pen into a functional work of art.
The artisan will present the demonstration in Japanese, and a professional Japanese-English interpreter will be present to provide real-time interpretation for attendees.
Topics will include:
• The history and cultural significance of urushi and maki-e
• Traditional materials, tools, and brushes used by artisans
• Design development
• Surface preparation and lacquer application
• Gold and silver maki-e powder techniques
• Raden (mother-of-pearl) application
• The differences between hira-maki-e, taka-maki-e, and togidashi maki-e
• Polishing, drying, and curing processes
The evening will conclude with a Q&A and a special maki-e fountain pen raffle.
Opportunities to learn directly from a practicing Japanese maki-e master are exceptionally rare in the United States. Admission is free with admission to the DC Pen Show. Space is limited. Sign up now to guarantee your spot before we turn on the waitlist! Due to limited capacity, we will need to cap the attendance for this event. If you decide later you will not be able to attend the DC Pen Show or this event, please send us an email at info@urushipen.com to cancel to open up your slot for another attendee.
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Shogo Hariya began mastering the art of urushi and maki-e at age 18 under his parents' guidance, both of whom are practicing artisans themselves. Driven by a desire to create meaningful hand-carved art, he blends traditional techniques with modern innovation, applying maki-e to everything from classic tea utensils to contemporary jewelry, fountain pens, and stone figurines.
His distinctive artistic voice draws deep inspiration from nature—particularly bird watching and gardening—as well as historic Meiji-period Japanese crafts. Hariya’s award-winning mastery has been showcased at prestigious venues in Japan nationwide, including the National Convention of the Japan Traditional Craftsmen Association, the Tokyo Dome Tableware Festival, and a solo exhibition titled “The World of Hariya Maki-e” at the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.​​
9 PM BLACK PEN SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING
THE BLACK PEN SOCIETY
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ANNUAL MEETING 9 PM
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Contact Grand Poobah Paul Erano for further information​​
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What is The Black Pen Society? Alexandra Richardson, Alexandra's Art Insanity, has a You Tube interview with Paul from the 2025 SUPERSHOW which explains it perfectly.
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Sunday, August 9
9 AM - 5 PM Weekend Traders 10 AM - 5 PM Public Admission
12 - 5 PM VANNESS Pen Lounge
5 PM SUPERSHOW CLOSES
​​ SEMINARS
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11 – 12 – Get the Point!, Laura from Pen Boutique & Bill from Pilot - registration required
1 – Fountain Pen Basics, Vanness Pen Lounge
1 – 2 – Let’s Talk About Traveler’s Notebooks, Jacqui Williams
2 – 3 – Junk Journaling, Penny Post
WORKSHOPS
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9 – 10:30 – The Analog Line – Scott Jones
9 – 12 – Calligraphic Style of Copperplate Script – Nik Pang
9:30 – 11 – How to Make Pop Up Cards (Advanced) – Link Tong
12 – 1:30 – Self Portraits Will Save Your Life – Tom Forsythe
12 – 1 – Advanced Book Binding – Alexandra Ozga
1 – 2 – Read More! Creative Reading Journal Exploration – Thien-Kim Lam
2 – 3 – Intro to Block Printing: Make a Stationary Stamp – Alexandra Ozga
Details for Admission, Exhibitors, Seminars, Special Events, Workshops at dcpenshow.com website
Seminars, Special Events, and Vanness Pen Lounge in Junior Ballroom on Lower Level
Ink Testing Tables on Lower Level outside of Junior Ballroom Thursday - Sunday
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"Share the Wealth" table sponsored by DC Metro Pen Crew and coordinated by Jesse Tanenblatt is located at Table #298 near Room 2. Ink samples and bottles, pens, paper, etc, are donated for everyone, especialy newbies to have free items to encourage them to enjoy the pen world. Donations may be given to Jesse at Table #299 or the SUPERSHOW Admission table.
Workshop locations: Langley & McLean rooms on the 2nd floor, Boardroom on the 10th floor, Junior Ballroom on Lower Level
VANNESS PEN LOUNGE
Hang out at the Vanness Pen Lounge ​​
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Open throughout the weekend, the Vanness Pen Lounge is your space to unwind, explore, and engage with the pen-loving community. Whether you’re taking a quiet break, attending a workshop, or sharing the joy of your latest writing instrument, this is your creative retreat within the show.
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On one side, the lounge will host engaging classes and demonstrations — perfect for deepening your knowledge. On the other, round tables invite you to rest, reflect, or connect with fellow attendees throughout the event.
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Experienced pen show veterans will be available to answer questions, offer tips, or simply celebrate your newest acquisition. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime collector, the lounge offers a comfortable, welcoming environment to enhance your DC Pen SUPERSHOW experience.
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FRIDAY, August 7​
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12:30 - Fountain Pen Basics
Learn how various types of filling systems work and how to clean pens as well as what nib might work best for you. Make this your first stop before you get overwhelmed in the show!
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Sponsored by Exaclair - rhodia notebook included
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​2 - Ink Swatching with Olive Octopus
Whether you've never swatched an ink before, already have cards or notebooks full of ink swatches, or anything in between, learn practical and creative strategies for ink swatching that can be a valuable resource, a creative expression, or both!
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3:30 - Notebook Systems Overview with the Gentleman Stationer
Join Joe Crace from the Gentleman Stationer for an overview of different notebook systems, including those from Traveler's Company, Lochby, Midori, Roterfaden, and many more! Joe will have samples available to handle in person and will be available to answer questions. Due to the number of options available in today's market, choosing a notebook system can feel intimidating, but it's all about matching the system to your needs. Joe will also be bringing a limited selection of organizers and notebook covers for purchase.
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4:30 - Fountain Pen Basics
Learn how various types of filling systems work and how to clean pens as well as what nib might work best for you.
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Sponsored by Exaclair - rhodia notebook included
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5 - Meet up/hang out
Want to test hard to find pens and paper?
Want to share and trade pens, paper and ink samples with fellow show attendees?
Coming to the show by yourself and simply want to socialize and meet other enthusiasts in person?
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SATURDAY, August 8
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Fountain Pen Basics
10:30 am
1:30 pm
Learn how various types of filling systems work and how to clean pens as well as what nib might work best for you.
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Sponsored by Exaclair - rhodia notebook included
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12 pm - Ink Swatching with Olive Octopus
Whether you've never swatched an ink before, already have cards or notebooks full of ink swatches, or anything in between, learn practical and creative strategies for ink swatching that can be a valuable resource, a creative expression, or both!
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2:30 pm - Notebook Systems Overview with the Gentleman Stationer
Join Joe Crace from the Gentleman Stationer for an overview of different notebook systems, including those from Traveler's Company, Lochby, Midori, Roterfaden, and many more! Joe will have samples available to handle in person and will be available to answer questions. Due to the number of options available in today's market, choosing a notebook system can feel intimidating, but it's all about matching the system to your needs. Joe will also be bringing a limited selection of organizers and notebook covers for purchase.
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SUNDAY, August 9
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1 - Fountain Pen Basics
Learn how various types of filling systems work and how to clean pens as well as what nib might work best for you.
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Sponsored by Exaclair - rhodia notebook included
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​Vanness Pen Lounge is located on the Lower Level in the Junior Ballroom - accessible by a staircase in the Foyer or elevators.​
Many thanks to Lisa Vanness who brought this idea to fruition and coordinated volunteers to have the classes and workshops.
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