Learn by Doing Conference
August 3-6, 2023
Cathy Koos
Nestled in the hills just 15 minutes from Avila Beach and the famed Morro Rock and 7 minutes from Amtrak, let’s meet up at our annual CNCH conference on the picturesque Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo. Whether you fly, drive or ride the rails, you can expect a weekend filled with fiber-y goodness!
Run as a retreat-style conference with 16 diverse classes taught by world-class textile artists, You may have a difficult time deciding which workshop to choose. Whether you spin, weave, dye or make baskets, there is a class that will whet your whistle. While this is a retreat-style conference without a vendor marketplace, we will have the Eugene Textile Center filling your last-minute material and tool needs.
Our Area 2 conference committee has been hard at work, defying pandemic lockdowns and more to plan and bring you this stellar conference. Partnering with the staff at Cal Poly, the committee has been able to swing us a great package of accommodations meals, and well-lit classrooms.
Fun events include a Friday night barbecue on the scenic Cal Poly campus and a workshop walkabout/reception/and informal fashion show on Saturday evening.
During your workshop breaks, take a refreshing stroll through the Leaning Pine Arboretum and enjoy thoughtfully designed gardens showcasing 
Mediterranean plant communities from throughout the world https://aeps.calpoly.edu/leaning-pine-arboretum. You can rest on the benches and picnic in the gazebos. Be sure to check out the greenhouse, too.
If you want to really stretch your legs, a short hike will take you to the Poly Canyon Design Village, where students have designed and built unique structures over the decades. https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/cal-poly-canyon-design-village-hike-san-luis-obispo/ Off campus, hiking and mountain biking trails abound. Find them here: http://www.alltrails.com
Sightseeing opportunities abound in the SLO area. Must see on everyone’s list is the 
venerable Hearst Castle, just up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Marvel at the world class 16th and 17th century tapestries, eclectic art and furniture collections as well as the exotic animals surrounding the castle. https://hearstcastle.org/
Closer to San Luis Obispo, the region has some spectacular wineries featuring lighter wines such as Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs to robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
If dinner out sounds fun, explore downtown San Luis Obispo, the Embarcadero in 
Morro Bay, and the funky community of Cambria for offerings to suit every taste.
Grab your camera, pack your bag and join me at Cal Poly SLO!
For more information click here for classes and instructors, and here for registration and housing