Zaner-Bloser Cultivates History and Art of Handwriting With Appointment of Michael Sull as Master Penman

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Zaner-Bloser has appointed renowned author and handwriting expert Michael Sull as Zaner-Bloser Master Penman. Sull begins a yearlong tour on Nov. 20 with demonstrations of traditional and ornamental handwriting styles at the Zaner-Bloser booth at the National Council of Teachers of English 2010 Convention, to be held November 18-20 in Orlando, Fla.  Visitors to the booth on Nov. 20 will receive a hand-lettered nameplate.

"Adding a penman who studied with a graduate of the Zanerian College of Penmanship to our team of handwriting experts enables Zaner-Bloser to honor the heritage of our company even as we bring 21st century technology and teaching methods to the classroom," said Zaner-Bloser President Bob Page.

While studying calligraphy in the late 1970s, Sull learned that most 19th Century masters of the art had either taught or studied at Zanerian College in Columbus, Ohio. Founded by Charles Paxton Zaner in 1888, the school was the predecessor of Zaner-Bloser.

Sull then sought training with Paul O'Hara, a 1909 Zanerian College graduate who was the last known penman to study directly under Charles Zaner. "Mr. O'Hara taught me that I was not just mastering an alphabet but learning an American tradition passed down from teacher to teacher and a part of our history," Sull said. "I am honored to work with a company of Zaner-Bloser's stature to inspire a renewed appreciation for the art and utility of handwriting."

After studying with O'Hara, Sull became a lettering artist for Hallmark Cards, owner of an ornamental penmanship and commercial lettering design studio and a calligrapher for former President Ronald Reagan.

Sull has taught handwriting in the U.S. and abroad for more than 30 years. A past president of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting, he serves as director of IAMPETH's Master Penman program.

About Zaner-Bloser (www.zaner-bloser.com)

Zaner-Bloser, a division of Highlights for Children with more than 120 years of experience in education, is one of the premier publishers of research-based reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and handwriting programs. The Zaner-Bloser mission is to create and sell dynamic, appealing, and effective educational programs and services. Zaner-Bloser focuses on distinctive programs that inspire all students to become engaged, literate participants in the global society. PW-ZB-111810.

SOURCE Zaner-Bloser