The ABQwerty Type Writer Society is comprised of writers, artists, and tinkerers dedicated to promoting the use of typewriters for creative purposes within this digital age. Founded in 2017 by Kevin Kittle and Joe Van Cleave, the Society sponsors public typewriter-themed events (aka Type-Ins) within the Albuquerque, NM area.
Our focus is twofold. First, we collect and/or repair and restore early- to mid-20th century typewriters. Second, we promote their use not only as tools for creative expression, but also as gateways of discovery into the written arts.
The Society maintains a wide variety of typewriters available for use by those interested in these miniature finger-operated printing presses. We host public Type-In events throughout the year.
Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and website.
Society Leadership
Joe Van Cleave is an Albuquerque native who enjoyed a career in high-technology, while also pursuing writing, photography, video production and other creative interests. A married family man with three grandchildren, Joe is a blogger and YouTube creator well-recognized for his Typewriter Video Series. He is a founding member of the ABQwerty Type Writer Society and has a vision for bringing the typewriter into the workflow of twenty-first century creatives.
Woz Flint is originally from the Midwest and now calls Albuquerque home. By day she is the Director of Operations for a company that helps people write and publish books. In addition to loving all things typewriters, she is a snail-mail enthusiast and a collage artist. Woz is a writer and the author of The Distraction-Free First Draft.
Matthew Bouchard is a Western New York native living in Albuquerque who—in recent years—has rekindled a passion for creative writing. Starting with pen on paper, then moving to devices such as the AlphaSmart Neo, Matthew discovered Joe Van Cleave's YouTube channel and developed an interest-turned-passion for typewriters. He is currently writing his first novel.
Kevin Kittle is from the Eastern (almost Nevada) California town of Bishop. He grew up using typewriters in his parents’ print shop. He still has the first typewriter he ever used — an Olympia SM3. Kevin actively collected typewriters when he moved to Albuquerque more than 30 years ago. As Chairman of the Society, he hopes to spread the typewritten word.
