2026 Events – Focus on Book Arts

Art Exhibit Honoring Patty Grass

During the 2026 FOBA Conference we will honor the late Patty Grass with an exhibit of her work. Patty planted the roots of the Pacific Northwest book arts community. For almost four decades, she taught, shared, and created access to…

Welcome Reception

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, and welcome first-time attendees.

Trade Show

Come browse from the professionals! This year we’re curating a Trade Show that highlights specialty, handmade, and niche vendors to complement our On-Site Supplier, who will be offering basic book arts materials. The Trade Show, which runs Wednesday through Saturday, will be located in the same building as many of the workshops. You’ll be able to discover treasures you didn’t know you needed, find that elusive tool you’ve been looking for, or supplement your stash with something special.

On-Site Supplies

John Neal Books of Nashville, Tennessee, will provide supplies for preorder and for sale on-site during the conference.

Peer Show & Share

Here’s an opportunity to show your work to a small group: 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?

Keynote Speaker

The Focus on Book Arts Conference is delighted to welcome renowned artist, curator, and educator Jennie Hinchcliff as the keynote speaker for its 2026 conference.

Fundraising Raffle and Silent Auction

FOBA will hold a Raffle and Silent Auction at the 2026 conference. Proceeds will support the Colleen Cavin Fellowship and Internship 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.

Conference Showcase & Social

Join us for the Conference Showcase & Social, the final evening of FOBA 2026! This lively closing-night gathering is your chance to share what you have created in workshops, connect with fellow attendees, and spark future book art collaborations. Explore the final night of the Raffle and browse the Silent Auction. Final bids will be accepted until 8 pm.

Flash Exhibit

We will be holding a flash exhibit on Saturday evening during the Conference Showcase & Social. 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!

First Timers Club

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.

Faculty/Staff Exhibit

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.

Challenge Book—re:book

You are invited to explore the theme of “re:book” in book form for this year’s Challenge Book exhibit. Challenge Books will be displayed anonymously and artists revealed at the Conference Showcase & Social. Conference participants will judge the entries and, in addition to the approbation of your peers, you could win a prize!

Faculty/Staff Exhibit: Open Book Event

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.

Artists’ Fair

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.