The inaugural crew of the North American Brown Pen Association, May 2025.
Back Row: Sam Haub, Mike Matteson, Chris Caruvana, Ian Schon
Front Row: Erick Gama, Katherine Palmisano
The North American Brown Pen Association
Similar to the Black Pen Society, the North American Brown Pen Association (NABPA) is not a secret association and welcomes any and all members who love brown pens. NABPA members may have many other colors in their pen collection, but they rejoice and celebrate in the beauty and variety of brown pens (and the inks that can go with brown pens!).
The North American Brown Pen Association
We're not here to follow trends—we're here to build something timeless. With a blend of creativity, strategy, and heart, we help ideas come to life.
Our Story
The NABPA started from conversation between friends at the Chicago Pen Show in 2025. Chris Caruvana purchased two beautiful brown pens during the show which sparked the conversation between Chris and Sam over the merits and beauty of brown pens. When discussing this with Ian Schon of Schon Design, he regaled us all with a story of one of his trips to Tokyo wherein he met a lovely Japanese man who excitedly asked him if he loved brown pens and brown ink. He did and he told the man so, which led to his induction into the Japanese Brown Pen Association. And thus led Sam to propose the creation of our own American Brown Pen Association, so named the North American Brown Pen Association to align with the Japanese nomenclature.
Honoring its founding, the NABPA returned to the Chicago Pen Show in 2026. This was the first year the Association actively promoted its existence and enrolled new members. Newly minted members could acquire their own Membership Cards to become Official Card Carrying Members of the NABPA as well as the inaugural enamel pin, two crossed brown pens. The Association met for its first social on Sunday morning of the show wherein members shared camaraderie and love for brown.