About the Milwaukee Bonsai Society
Who are we? The Milwaukee Bonsai Society, Inc. (MBS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals in their efforts to increase their knowledge and skills in the art of bonsai. We are unpaid volunteers who are dedicated to spreading the word about this wonderful, satisfying and challenging hobby. Our executive committe meets the third Tuesday of each month. Elected officers of the committee are the president, first vice-president, second vice president, secretary, treasurer, and three directors at large.
Brief History
The origins of the Milwaukee Bonsai Society go back to the summer of 1969. Two individuals, one a seasoned bonsai grower from Chicago, the other a young floriculturist, play the key roles. For that year's summer show at the Mitchell Park Domes, Japanese theme was chosen, and a garden designed and built. It was recognized that bonsai would give that extra touch of authenticy, but the Conservatory possessed only one specimen, an old Atlas cedar purchased for a Japanese show a few years before.
Enter Harol Lenz. A landscape architect by trade, Harold graciously agreed to loan several of his trees for a few weeks that summer.
Richard Risch has started with the County Park System three years earlier and as the Conservatory needed someone to care for Harold's trees, Richard welcomed the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating art. And so it began.
Expanding our horizons
MBS has hosted several conventions through the following years. The first one with the Mid America Bonsai Alliance in 1995 and more recently hosting the American Bonsai Society's convention in 2002. These conventions were both financial successes as well as ground breakers for fresh ideas. One notable idea was the development and sponsorship of the New Talent Competition by MBS member Jack Douthitt.
Copyright
The obligatory pseudo-legalese: The various works, images, and text found on this site are copyright Milwaukee Bonsai Society unless otherwise noted.