Charles Skaggs, recognized as a major calligrapher and designer of book jackets, has created a body of work remarkable for both its innate artistry and the valuable chronicle it provides of an important era in American calligraphic and design history. Now, in his 90s and a resident of Franke Tobey Jones, he continues to create art, an extension of letters into the abstract.

Mr. Skaggs is one of a handfull of calligraphers who worked with major publishing houses in the middle of the last century designing their book jackets and interior lettering. He began as a teenager and learned the art of calligraphy by working with established artists. Through his extensive career he designed hundreds of book jackets, first absorbing the substance of the authors writing in order to best convey through his design, the essence of their books.

The show, which will open May 8th and continue through August 3rd, highlights many of his book jackets, examples of his outstanding calligraphy, the computer fonts he designed as well as his abstract works. It is open to the public.

Franke Tobey Jones is located near Point Defiance Park at 5340 North Bristol in Tacoma. For more information call 253-752-6621