The Welcome Reception is held on Tuesday night before workshops begin on Wednesday morning. It is a time to hear more about the events and activities that will take place during the conference. More importantly, it is a chance to get to know some of your fellow conference attendees. Meet new people, catch up with previous conference attendees, welcome first-time attendees, and participate in a fun creative activity.
Continue Reading
Come browse from the professionals! This year we’re expanding the trade show to have a cadre of book arts-related suppliers present all five days of the conference. Located in the same building as many of the workshops, you’ll be able to pick up supplies you may have forgotten, discover treasures you didn’t know you needed, find that elusive tool you’ve been looking for, or supplement your stash with something special.
Continue Reading
For FOBA 2024, we’d like to have some fun with our conference carry-all bag. We will be holding a snag-a-bag swap and sale.
Grab one of those bags from your conference tote collection and up-cycle it! You can repurpose one you already have by marbling, painting, dyeing, printing, collaging, embroidering or generally embellishing the bag into a new, one-of-a-kind collector’s item.
Continue Reading
Artist books can be difficult to photograph, especially when they involve many pages or moving parts. To help with this tricky task, we will be offering a photo booth set up for participants to document their artwork, along with handouts containing detailed instructions on the best ways to photograph your artwork and artist books in particular.
Continue Reading
Green Heron Book Arts from Forest Grove, OR will be providing supplies for preorder and for sale on-site during the conference.
Continue Reading
Show your support for FOBA! For the 2024 conference, we have t-shirts, aprons, and tote bags for sale at BLUE FOX PRINTS
A portion of the proceeds benefits FOBA.
Continue Reading
Here’s an opportunity for your moment in the limelight: bring a piece of artwork that you want to share with your peers, and what better group of peers than your fellow participants at a book arts conference? Present a finished work of which you are particularly proud and tell us about it. Talk about recent work in a new mode or medium. Present an incomplete project that has reached an impasse. Tell us how you achieved a recent commission or brought an idea from conception to fruition.
Continue Reading
Our featured speaker for the conference is Sarah Maker who describes book art as “when an artist gives you something and says, ‘This is a book,’ and you let that inform the way you interact with it.” She started the #AreYouBookEnough challenge on Instagram to educate the world about the book arts and foster meaningful bonds between book artists.
Continue Reading
FOBA will hold a Raffle and Silent Auction at the 2024 conference. Proceeds will support the Colleen Cavin Fellowship program as well as support the running of FOBA’s biennial conference. Raffle tickets will be available from volunteer sellers every day of the conference. You can participate in the Raffle and Silent Auction by donating items before the conference and/or bidding on them during the in-person conference.
Continue Reading
Hospitality Night is a time to share what you have done in your workshops. In addition, we will be holding the Silent Auction, announcing the Challenge Book winner, BiblioBingo prizes, and holding the Flash Exhibit. Please note that there is no selling at this event.
Continue Reading
We will be holding a flash exhibit on Saturday evening during Hospitality Night. Be sure to bring what you’ve created during the conference to share, fill out your entry form, and you’ll immediately be entered into a drawing for one of the evening’s prizes!
Continue Reading
New to FOBA? You’re not alone! Join the First Timers Club and you can learn what to expect at the conference, make new friends, and get your questions answered.
Continue Reading
The Faculty-Staff Exhibit is a great chance to see some works of art by your FOBA Conference workshop instructors and conference staff. It will be located on the first floor of the Richard Woodcock Education Center, just follow the signs once you enter the lobby. This exhibit will also be open to the public during the course of the conference.
Continue Reading
You are invited to explore the theme of “Interaction” in book or box form for this year’s Challenge Book exhibit. Challenge Books will be displayed anonymously and artists revealed at Hospitality Night. Conference participants will judge the entries and, in addition to the approbation of your peers, you could win a prize!
Continue Reading
How many times have you gone to a book arts exhibit and wondered, “What’s on the next page?” or “Why did the creator decide to do that?”? Come to the Book-Mingle and satisfy your curiosity. Instructors and staff will be on hand to turn the pages (or let you do it yourself) and answer your questions during this informal gathering at the faculty/staff exhibit.
Continue Reading
Part treasure hunt, part trivia quest, part bingo daubing, this game will put you in pursuit of information and people. Everyone will receive game sheets in their welcome bag and there will be prizes for finishing a row or column (or all!) of the spaces. You’ll complete a square by finding a specific person (like someone from Arizona or instructor whose name begins with D) or item (like an artist’s book with a blue cover or a tool made of wood) or vendor (like someone selling something purple or who traveled from out of state) or fill in a little-known fact.
Continue Reading
The Artists’ Fair will be open on Thursday and Friday evenings, and it is an opportunity for book artists to personally sell their fine crafts.
Continue Reading
Workshop Description: Have you wondered what to do with that orphaned chopstick or a paintbrush that has seen better days? Are you looking for a technique to offer additional aesthetic variations to a pamphlet binding or even a medieval long…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: This workshop will explore a variety of options for rubbings to create art for artist’s books, collage art, and cyanotypes. On the first day we will embark on a journey of exploration, experimentation, and discovery, as we apply…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: The workshop will explore the panel book structure composed of double boards glued to book cloth hinges to form stacked double-sided panels that sit on a small, lidded box to house small objects. Workshop participants will learn how…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: This adhesive structure introduces a simple movement to the text block that is activated when the book is opened with the pages forming stepped fore edges that can be used for indexing or to build an image. Individual…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: In the 1960’s, Bronx-based Child Guidance Books published a series that exploits a unique mechanical approach to animation: a self-pulling mechanism— integrated into the binding—that causes figures to dance on the page without apparent means. Wouldn’t you like…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: Think back to the last time you picked up a movable card. You moved the mechanism back and forth, soothed and satisfied by the movement. You wished there was a collective noun for movable cards. Well, there is!…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: In this workshop we will create and use an indigo dye vat, and learn to create beautiful patterns by folding and binding fabric. There are infinite ways to manipulate fabric to create unique designs and everything necessary to…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: This class is for anyone who has wondered what to put inside their beautiful, yet blank, book and who wants to jumpstart their writing. Through generative writing exercises, students will be exposed to poetic forms such as the…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: The Sewn Board Binding is one of the most versatile and user friendly structures in the book arts field, both for binders and the book’s end users. In this class students will learn the basics the binding, then…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: We’ll explore at least 10 deceptively simple book arts projects, many of which begin with one sheet of paper transformed into multi-faceted structures, that can become the basis for artist’s books or engaging classroom content. We’ll approach each…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: We will explore the structural properties of woven and interlocked paper through the construction of 3 to 4 non-adhesive binding structures including a multisignature structure sewn on paper straps woven into a slotted paper cover, Carmencho Arregui’s and…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: How do those super-creative individuals that come up with new book structures do it? This workshop will help you understand the thought process. We will examine—through demonstration, discussion, and construction—the evolution of “families” of book structures. Evolution of…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: The woodland journal is rugged enough to take on walks in the woods, and suitably elegant for coffee table display. Its cover features a framed composition of stones and twigs sewn onto a panel using Japanese-inspired techniques. Inside…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: This 3-dimensional book structure requires the artist to imagine how the book will be experienced in the hands of its viewer – from unlatching the cover, to opening the box by unfolding the hinged panels outward in all…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: This journal combines Coptic stitch and Cross-stitch in an elegant and stunning binding. The Coptic stitch is a two-needle across the spine sewing, while the Cross stitch is sewn along the binding simultaneously as the Coptic stitches progress…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: We will focus on a unique combination of Collagraph (a form of collage) printmaking, relief block prints, and book structures. Produce printing plates with collage shapes and hot glue to create free flowing designs. Experiment with textures with…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: This workshop will focus on 2 extraordinary multiple signature book structures. Work with the principles of watermedia surface design in the form of watermedia monotypes, dropped-in watercolor techniques, acrylic ink line symbolism, and collage imagery for development of…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: The class will be a combination design and bookbinding class. The first day students focus on design. We will study a collection of design examples and sketch thumbnails bringing final designs up to full size. Final designs will…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: Students will make several miniature books with beaded spines. We will cut small pages and fold into signatures. Then a miniature case will be created by covering small boards with decorative paper and book cloth spines. Students will…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: Embroidering the surface of paper creates an alluringly tactile effect that can enhance any design. During the first half of the workshop, students will experiment with a range of surface design techniques including embroidery by making a series…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: Introduction to Artist Books explores a variety of methods and materials that will be used to create a series of artist books. Over the course of 3 days, students will learn and practice different bookbinding structures, the art…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: Learn to draw! Build confidence or brush up on your skills through drawing and lettering exercises. Learn how to create drawings and add unique drawn letters. These techniques can be used later to enhance your own blank books.…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: Create cyanotypes; those lovely indigo images made from nature or from film negatives on rusted and tea stained papers resulting in unique pages. Day 1, participants will be learning techniques as well as compiling notes on our experiments.…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: If you’ve ever wanted to bind prints, digital photos, or paintings that are on single sheets, we will learn both non-adhesive, folded bindings and sewn bindings. We’ll create a simple album following Hedi Kyle’s crown and Claire Van…
Continue ReadingWe are sorry to announce that this class is now cancelled. Please contact Fran McReynolds at workshopchair@focusonbookarts.org if you have any questions. Workshop Description: Never lose an idea again! Make two single-needle Coptic stitch books in this class to keep…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: The secretary box features one large bottom drawer, two recessed diagonal drawers, and three niches within a hatch top opening. The box is entirely covered with marbled fabric, dimensions: 10 inches wide, 7 inches deep, and 6 inches…
Continue ReadingWorkshop Description: All that you need to know about marbling on paper and fabric (silk and cotton). Also we’ll talk about working with metallic paint (on paper) and how to create your own book cloth. We’ll discuss color theory and…
Continue Reading
We are pleased to give you a peek at the classes we’ll be offering at the 2024 conference.
Continue Reading
Artist: Sirlei Caetano Title: Dreams Techniques & Materials: Monotipia, bordado, costura de bulas sobre tecido. Monotype, embroidery, stitching of medicine leaflet on tissue. Artist Statement: Nascida em Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brasil. Participa de Exposições nacionais e internacionais de…
Continue Reading
Artist: Mary Kritz Title: Dreams Of World Travel Techniques & Materials: I created this book using Fabriano hot press and cold press water colour papers. I coloured eight 4 x 6 inch hot press paper panels with water colours. Thinking…
Continue Reading
Artist: Marjon MUDDE Title: It is better to give Techniques & Materials: Techniques: paper cut outs, letterpress on monotypes done by children 30 years ago during one of my workshops. Materials: Rives etching paper, Ingres d’Arches, cotton fabric, string, magnet.…
Continue Reading
Artist: Maria do Carmo Toniolo Kuhn Title: My dreams Techniques & Materials: colagem sobre tecido, costuras coloridas e escritos. Artist Statement: Nascida em Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brasil..Formada em História Natural, dedica-se ás artes visuais desde 2000, participando de exposições de…
Continue Reading
Artist: Mara Caruso Title: Of Heavenly Things Techniques & Materials: Drawing, painting, cutting and collage. Canson paper. Artist Statement: Colored pencil, black pen, brush, drawing on tissue paper and collage. Born in Erechim, RS, Brazil, she resides in Porto Alegre.…
Continue Reading
Artist: Magdéleine Ferru Title: Bleu comme le chat, l’oiseau et plus encore (Blue like the cat, the bird and even more) Techniques & Materials: Wool covered flat rock, with little cardboard book on the front of the rock; cyanotype base…
Continue Reading
Artist: Leigh Blom Title: 3 AM Techniques & Materials: This book is an accordion book with pop up features using scrap book paper to create the images within. The four pages of the book allow the book to either be…
Continue Reading
Artist: Luiza G P Gutierrez Title: Dreams, softs and sweets Techniques & Materials: Desenho, recorte e dobradura. Artist Statement: Nascida em Cruz Alta, RS, Brasil. Formada em Artes Visuais, no Instituto de Artes da UFRGS. Dedica-se ao Livro de Artista…
Continue Reading
Artist: Laurel Rogers Title: Fleeting Transparent Images from the Night Techniques & Materials: The technique started with making wood block rubbings and then coating the paper with beeswax. This created a transparency with each image. Each image was placed in…
Continue Reading
Artist: Kristi Galbraith Title: Montana Dreamin’ Techniques & Materials: Photo Art, Marbled paper, paper weaving, triaxial weaving, wooden covers with Dremel lettering, leather straps, long stitch binding over leather straps, thread woven into some page, beads and charms added to…
Continue Reading
Artist: Kazumi Seki Title: bittersweet Techniques & Materials: This is a Coptic accordion book. Hand drawing images with matcha are applied on hand made cotton paper. Matcha is one of my favorite teas which has bittersweet taste and scents. Bitterness…
Continue Reading
Artist: Jussara Leite Kronbauer Title: FENIX, NOTRE DAME Techniques & Materials: Papel canson, vegetal, pintura, desenho e dobradura Artist Statement: Nascida em Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Formada em arquitetura. Dedica-se às artes visuais desde 2004, participando de exposições nacionais e…
Continue Reading
Artist: Jane S Balconi Title: Livre para voar – Free to fly Techniques & Materials: canson paper 300gr, drawing of birds clipped and glued. Artist Statement: Nascida em Caxias do Sul, RS, Brasil. Dedica-se às Artes Visuais desde os anos…
Continue Reading
Artist: Insiya Dhatt Title: Dreams Techniques & Materials: All the materials to build the mobile are enclosed in a box shaped like a book adding an element of anticipation and storytelling to the experience. One gets to weave their own…
Continue Reading
Artist: Erminia Marasca Soccol Title: Navegar (Navigate) Techniques & Materials: carimbo, dobradura sobre tecido.Ruber stamp, folding upon tissue Artist Statement: Nascida em Garibaldi, RS, Brasil. Dedica-se às artes visuais desde o ano 1998. Participa de exposições nacionais e internacionais de…
Continue Reading
Artist: Angela Batchelor Title: Joseph: Dreamer and Interpreter of Dreams Techniques & Materials: Watercolor, pen, ink, wax, acrylic, Mod Podge Artist Statement: Dreams are one of the ways that God chooses to reveal himself throughout the Old and New Testaments.…
Continue Reading
Artist: Angela Batchelor Title: Jacob’s Dream & God’s Promise Techniques & Materials: paper, hand decorated paper collage, ink, mod podge, book cloth, leather, magnet, vellum Artist Statement: Jacob is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament, being the son of…
Continue Reading
Artist: Amy Siedenstrang Title: Perchance Techniques & Materials: I gutted an old clock and coiled lights inside, creating the night sky by embellishing velvet paper with ink and punching holes for the constellations. Various papers and fabric complete the other…
Continue Reading
Artist: Adrienne Momi Title: Dreaming I was the sea Techniques & Materials: Letterpress, gilded relief printing, inkjet prints of original art with haiku. Artist Statement: When I look at the sea, I feel swept into its gente caressing arms. I…
Continue ReadingView Challenge Book Gallery
Continue Reading
SAVE THE DATE!!
Continue Reading
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon
Continue ReadingWe are sorry to announce that this class is now cancelled. Please contact Fran McReynolds at workshopchair@focusonbookarts.org if you have any questions. Workshop Description: Nengajo is a traditional custom in Japan, making and sending New Year’s postcards to friends and…
Continue ReadingWe are sorry to announce that this class is now cancelled. Please contact Fran McReynolds at workshopchair@focusonbookarts.org if you have any questions. Workshop Description: Join us for an immersive three days, discovering the captivating fusion of block printing and bookbinding.…
Continue ReadingWe are sorry to announce that this class is now cancelled. Please contact Fran McReynolds at workshopchair@focusonbookarts.org if you have any questions. Workshop Description: Why have one tunnel in your artist’s book when you can have four? Learn to make…
Continue ReadingWe are sorry to announce that this class is now cancelled. Please contact Fran McReynolds at workshopchair@focusonbookarts.org if you have any questions. Workshop Description: Altering books allows us to begin with a canvas of ideas which we may combine, remove,…
Continue Reading
The exhibit opens at the Valley Art Association gallery in Forest Grove on July 1st and will remain on display through August 27th
Continue Reading
Artist Statement I think that the Root of the Wind is Water speaks to the inherent interconnection of environmental elements. Today, as our planet experiences increasing climate instability, Dickinson’s message is a relevant reminder to honor and protect our environment.…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement Typically, paper-engineered structures are built into books that require total collapse. In A Meeting of Mutualists the structures are built into shallow boxes that DON’T require total collapse and therefore allow for novel exploration of engineering parameters. The…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement I’ve been thinking a lot about appropriation, and how materials, techniques, and imagery hold cultural weight. I’m fascinated by the New Age to white supremacy pipeline, and how casual appropriation can push our boundaries. Tapping into my own…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement: Ul’nigid’ is a poetic narrative and visual representation of memories about my maternal Grandmother; she was a medicine-woman, a basket-weaver, and a fluent speaker of the Cherokee language. Ul’nigid’ was uniquely designed to represent her being, and each…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement The imagery in Vanishing revolves around insects currently considered threatened or endangered. They are part of the insect apocalypse. Threats to their survival include habitat loss and fragmentation, invasion of non-native species, pesticide application, and global warming.The poems…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement My artist books portray the reality of change rather than a romanticized idea of the past, and display the economic, technological, and social changes that reshape urban and rural landscapes. Many of my books portray the world of…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement One reading the text could interpret it to be the mocking cry of a child saying “Catch me if you can.” But in another reading one could find undertones social justice concerns. We used the colophon to provide…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement We Never Must Quit is a letterpress print in an edition of 14 created with handmade paper and ink. This print was created for 2022, the 50th anniversary of Title IX in honor of Patsy Takemoto Mink and…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement Rust as a metaphor for aging. Book text:Coarse, pitted spikes, cables,chains welded, water-logged,changing, deteriorating, weakenedpulled from the sea barnacle-bound.Iron-red burnt sienna patina,intricate textures exposed,torn joints, corroded bones,oxidized, ossified, brittle break,out of practice forgotten stepsthe stage no longer welcomes.…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement During an artist residency in the French Alps, invited by the Public library of the Département des Hautes-Alpes in 2013, I spend three months studying landscape, costume, architecture, animals, plants, history of the region. I did many sketches…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement Preserving Humanity is a tribute to the art of book conservation – the preservation of books as physical objects and as vessels of the human record. The title is inspired by the lecture that opened the 1988 exhibition…
Continue Reading
Artist Statement Cora is an artist book that focuses on themes of identity, ancestry, generational trauma, and personal narrative. It was born from two years of chronicling family history and processing family archives. The artist uses these materials and stories…
Continue Reading