Subtexts

Massimo Polello lectures on “Rhythm and Blues: The Art and Color of Calligraphy” at the New Mexico History Museum; a discussion on the state of adult literacy in New Mexico takes place at Collected Works

The pen is mightier

In decades past, penmanship was taught in school as a distinct subject. Students copied lines of poetry into workbooks in order to perfect their cursive handwriting and strengthen the muscles in their dominant hand. With the proliferation of computers, penmanship is no longer emphasized as an important skill, but Massimo Polello believes the act of handwriting, especially calligraphy, has meditative power and creative applications for both children and adults. Polello, who lives in Turin, Italy, makes a living in commercial and artistic calligraphy in addition to his work as a fresco painter. Calligraphy is similar to drawing, he believes, but more accessible to a wider range of people looking for an artistic outlet. He speaks about his work and the history of the craft in “Rhythm and Blues: The Art and Color of Calligraphy” at 6 p.m. Friday, June 26, at the New Mexico History Museum (113 Lincoln Ave.) in a lecture sponsored by the Palace Press. Museum admission is free on Friday evenings. For information, call 505-476-5200.

Heather Heunermund, executive director of the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy, and Braden Anderson, a member of the coalition’s board of directors, speak about the state of adult literacy in New Mexico on Sunday, June 28, at 11 a.m. at Collected Works Bookstore (202 Galisteo St., 505-988-4226). Part of Journey Santa Fe’s Community Conversations series, the talk is moderated by Bill DuPuy, the former news director of KSFR 101.1 FM. The group will discuss the adverse impact illiteracy has on the local economy and provide information about the programs that exist statewide — which are able to help just a fraction of the more than 700,000 New Mexican adults in need of literacy services. Anyone interested in assisting with these efforts is encouraged to attend to learn how to get involved. — Jennifer Levin