MBS Bonsai Workshops
Workshops give bonsai enthusiast the opportunity to participate, learn and refine their bonsai skills. The educational workshops and demonstrations at MBS are substantive and interesting.
The programs are varied in location, content and skill level. You can participate in one or more workshops geared for beginner, intermediate, or advanced ability. Some workshops include bonsai material. Workshop participants are a group of people who have a passion for bonsai, learning and a sense of adventure. Programs and participants promote a friendly and social atmosphere, you'll be surprised how quickly you make new friends..
Workshops are usually held on weekends and consist of a small groups usually around 8 and the instructor. The workshop fee is determined by the cost of the room, material if provided and the visiting instructor. Workshop enrollment is limited and is filled on a first come first served basis. Each student provides his/her own tools, wire, potting materials and, unless it is a material-provided workshop, which includes a plant or tree to work on.
The picture right above is Suthin Sokolvisit working on a member's juniper outdoors as others look on. The picture on the top is of one of our members working with Guy Guidry and just below is a recent literati workshop with Jim Doyle. Click on the images to see larger images.
Consider joining your best choice for bonsai fun, education, and community service, Join MBS, and let the fun begin.
Tom got his start in bonsai studying with Ivan Watters at Yasakunai Bonsai Nursery. He eventually became an instructor and started teaching at the nursery. Tom is a member of Sosunu Nakumura’s Chicago-based study group and has studied with Walter Pall. He continues to work with Ivan Watters at the Chicago Botanic Garden when his schedule permits.
Suthin has been a bonsai artist since 1970 and has won various
national and international awards for his work. He lectures all around the
world, and has lectured at some of the biggest bonsai conventions in the United
States. He is one of the most highly regarded speakers in the country and we are
privileged to have him in August and returning in September.
Jack has been a bonsai enthusiast for over thirty years.
The former president of Bonsai Clubs International, he has served as a judge at bonsai exhibits and exhibited his own award winning bonsai at various shows. Jack’s bonsai appear in both the National Arboretum Collection of American Bonsai in Washington D.C. and the Weyerhaeuser Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection in Tacoma, Washington. In 1987, he was named “One of America’s Outstanding Bonsai Artists” by the National Bonsai Foundation.
His book, Bonsai: The Art of Living Sculpture approaches bonsai as art, exploring how the traditional fine arts apply to bonsai. He focuses on the specific design elements of the bonsai - the roots, trunk, branches, foliage, and container - and discusses how bonsai artists manipulate elements for a specific effect. Unlike traditional arts, bonsai requires working with material that is alive and ever changing, presenting unique challenges and rewards.
MBS starts the new year with an open workshop in February followed by another open workshop for transplanting your trees in April.
Several experienced members and new members together to repot and work on trees.
For the schedule see What's New