The Colleen Cavin Fellowship and Internship Program
FOBA has an ongoing commitment to support a diverse range of book artists and to enhance the depth, breadth, and quality of the book arts.
For the first time, we will award two internships to book artists who would benefit from assisting an instructor in their workshop. Duties will include assisting in class for up to three days and setting up and taking down the class. Interns and Instructors will work together to determine exact assignments. While we will strive to pair Interns with Instructors and workshops in their areas of interest, Interns may assist in classes with unfamiliar materials or methods. An openness to media investigation and learning new processes is ideal for taking advantage of this program’s many benefits.
Interns will earn on-site lodging, meals, up to $500 travel assistance, one day of class tuition, and early registration. Materials fees are the Intern’s responsibility.
We continue to offer two fellowships to aid book artists who are interested in supporting the conference and the book arts community.
Fellows will work alongside the Board, the Instructors, and the Volunteers to create an exciting event for our book arts community. Work will include the setup and take-down of the physical event. It is important to engage with staff and participants as Fellows help where needed. The opportunity is ideal for applicants interested in developing skills and relationships on campus as they take workshops, network with industry professionals, and interact with like-minded artists from all over the country.
In exchange, they will receive on-site lodging, meals, up to $500 travel assistance, and three days of class tuition. Materials fees are the Fellows’ responsibility.
Recipients will be expected to arrive in Monmouth, Oregon, on June 22, 2026, then stay through the five-day conference, leaving on June 29.
Selection will be based on the applicant’s commitment to book arts, proven ability to collaborate, and enthusiasm for contributing to the FOBA community. The application review committee values applicants who demonstrate a willingness to learn and share their experiences with others. We encourage artists of all backgrounds and levels of experience to apply.
Every voice adds something new to the story and new to our creative community. We are committed to increasing the diversity of voices we hear. FOBA seeks to increase access and artistic opportunities for students who have historically been underrepresented in the book arts and at our conference in particular. At least one of the four positions will be awarded to an artist from a traditionally underrepresented group. This includes but is not limited to BIPOC, LGBTQ, and male book artists.
To apply, submit the application by December 30, 2025. If you have not received an application receipt within three days, please contact Jeri Oswalt at volunteers@focusonbookarts.com. After a review of all applications, interviews with top candidates will be held virtually.
FOBA’s 2026 Colleen Cavin Fellows and Interns will be announced on March 1, 2026.