The Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission presents Kathy Barker and the Calligraphers Group exhibit starting Oct. 1 at the Mountlake Terrace Library.

The exhibit features the beautiful art of calligraphy. “Calligraphy is an art form that can be both expressive and informative, lyrical and lively, or heavy and dramatic,” said Kathy Barker. “It has rich historical roots, but can also be very contemporary and express current concerns and issues.”

From an early age, Barker had a passion for the art of beautiful writing. Combining this passion with her training as an artist at the University of Michigan Art School, she continues to create artwork that incorporates lettering and the creative arts.

Barker earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Masters Degrees with majors in fine art, English literature and teaching. She moved to the Seattle area with her husband and family in 1978. “I was delighted with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and also was excited to find a thriving calligraphic community in my new home,” Barker said. “I became involved in both Write on Calligraphers and The Society for Calligraphy and Handwriting and continued to further my skills in many workshops and master classes.”

Barker has been a working calligraphic artist for over 30 years, teaching classes at various institutions including the University of Washington Continuing Education, Bellevue College, as well as special art classes for area high schools and Bellevue Parks and Recreation.

Barker has had her calligraphic art shown in numerous juried art shows. Her published works include illustrations and calligraphy for several books of poetry, extensive chapters in calligraphic art journals, and illustrations and calligraphy for travel guidebooks.

The Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission oversees the library exhibits as part of its mission to promote cultural events in the community.

The show runs through Oct. 31 at the Mountlake Terrace Library (23300 58^th Ave. W.), Mondays through Thursdays,10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.