Holly V. Monroe is a third generation calligrapher with a deep appreciation for beautiful lettering and fine art. Tutored by her mother in art classes and her father (Cliff Mansley, who attended The Zanerian College of Penmanship) in calligraphy, she has since studied under some of the world’s finest calligraphy instructors. After graduating from Miami of Ohio, Holly opened her studio (1980) in Cincinnati under the family name, Heirloom Artists. In 2015, she moved her studio to Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Holly’s motivation is “to feed the soul by making meaningful words beautiful.” She captures inspirational texts with flourishes, florals, illustrations and colorful hand lettering. Her specialties include lettering on calfskin and illuminating.

Private commissions comprise much of Holly’s work, but her creative lettering and design is found in commercial, corporate, university, church and several presidential collections. Family Trees, one-off-books, framed broadsides, lettering on walls, you name it. You will find her in the pages of the 22nd and 23rd Editions of the Speedball Textbook as well as several articles in the Bound & Lettered journal. She teaches a variety of workshops and conference topics, even on cruises!

Holly has raised a delightfully creative son and daughter, both married. The precious gift of 5 grand-children, bring joy. When not at the drawing board, Holly loves to dance, golf, ski, hike, and study Scripture. It’s my family, friends and clients who make life special!