DATE: Focus on Book Arts Conference June 19-23, 2024
NEW LOCATION: Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon
Big news – Focus on Book Arts is moving! FOBA’s next conference will be held at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon. At this new location, almost all classrooms have air conditioning – a key concern for Oregon summers and we’ll also have access to a very nice printmaking classroom, allowing us to expand FOBA’s workshop offerings to include various forms of printmaking.
ABOUT MONMOUTH
The city of Monmouth was founded in 1856 and is located 20 minutes west of Salem, the state capitol. The Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains are an hour’s drive from the city. Monmouth is a charming Willamette Valley town and home to Western Oregon University. The beautiful campus boasts the distinction of having one of the largest Christmas trees in the United States. Established in 1856, the University has had several names throughout the years and is currently the oldest public university in Oregon and on the West Coast.
Less than 3 miles away is Monmouth’s sister city, Independence. This historic town is situated on the bank of the Willamette River and has wonderful galleries, restaurants, and wine bars. The convenient M.I. Trolley now connects the two cities. Together, Monmouth and Independence are home to a vibrant art scene, centered in the heart of the Willamette Valley’s beautiful rolling hills and wineries.
About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University is accessible by car and public transit, and Monmouth is a little over an hour by car from Portland International Airport (PDX). We’re confident that you – and your art and bookmaking supplies – can get to Monmouth without too much hassle. We can’t wait to see you in June 2024, and we’re excited to explore FOBA’s new conference location together!
Traveling to the Campus
Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361
503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593
Drive times: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Portland International Airport (PDX); or 1 hour and 10 minutes from the Eugene Airport (EUG). Salem is only 20 mins from campus, and in under 10 minutes you can be in the center of either Dallas or Independence.
Transit: Take the Oregon Express Shuttle from the Portland Airport to Salem (takes about 2 hours, with 16 trips per a day, $43-48 pp), and then transfer to the local bus service (Cherriots, bus route #40), from the Salem transit center to Monmouth.
Cherriots – Ticket information – 1 (503) 588-2877
Groome Transportation – 1 (877) 693-3785
Note: There is no commercial air service connecting to the Salem Airport (SLE), although there may be in the near future.
AIRLINE INFORMATION
Airlines with flight service into Portland (PDX) include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Boutique Air, British Airways, Condor, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, Hawaiian, Icelandair, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit, Sun Country, United Airlines, Volaris, and Westjet.
Airlines with flight service into Eugene (EUG) include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Where to Stay
We will be offering onsite campus housing for the duration of the conference. More information about on-campus housing options and rates will be added here soon!
For now, please visit these sites to learn more about hotel, dining, and points of interest near Western Oregon University: