Book your spot at Newport’s paper fest

Don’t miss your chance to book a spot when registration for the Newport Paper and Book Arts Festival opens at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Presented by the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, this year’s festival runs from April 23 through 25.

Now in its 29th year, the festival celebrates papermaking, surface design, book arts, collage, nature printing and mixed media. Artists, educators and hobbyists gather for hands-on workshops while coastal scenery provides inspiration just outside the classroom.

Offerings range from origata book binding and beginning papermaking to marbling, hand-carved stamp work, storage books, structural boot camp sessions and an in-depth exploration of collage.

Skill levels from first-time makers to experienced artists are welcome.

Participants also gather for an opening reception that highlights the sense of community the festival has fostered.

“For nearly 30 years, this festival has served as a cornerstone of the Newport art scene,” said Christina Carlsen, arts engagement manager for Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. “It’s more than just a series of classes; it’s a retreat where the crashing waves of the Oregon Coast provide the perfect backdrop for artistic breakthrough and technical mastery.”

Workshops take place at several sites including the Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport and Toledo public libraries and the Toledo Fire Station.

Because class sizes are limited, sessions typically fill quickly. Prospective students can preview the schedule and instructor information online before enrollment opens.

For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.