CAROLINA BONSAI EXPO
Saturday, October 10, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 11, 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM
The premier annual bonsai show in the Southeast is now in its 14th successful year!
The Expo features juried exhibits by bonsai enthusiasts from a 6-state region.
The 2-day event also features:
- An extensive display of ikebana flower arrangements (both days)
- Free demonstrations in bonsai (both days) and ikebana (Sat. morning)
- A special presentation by American bonsai artist Kathy Shaner (Sat. night)
- A comprehensive bonsai marketplace featuring tools, books, pots and plants (both days)
- Workshops in bonsai (both days) and ikebana (Sat. afternoon)
- A live auction of bonsai plants and related materials (Sat. afternoon)
- On-site food service (both days)
All in the setting of a fantastic public garden nestled in the heart of the Southern Appalachians, surrounded by the splendors of the autumn season!
(Normal parking fees apply; Free to NC Arboretum Society Members)
Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 10
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor
9:00 a.m. to Noon – Shimpaku Juniper Bonsai Styling Workshop with 2009 Expo guest artist Kathy Shaner, at the Greenhouse (pre-registration required, fee charged for this program)
11:00 a.m. to Noon – free ikebana demonstration, “Expression of Nature - The Ohara School of Ikebana” flower arranging by Sibbie Wilson, Certified Master Associate Second Degree of the Ohara School of Ikebana, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor
1:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Beginner’s Ikebana Workshop with Terri Todd of the Ichiyo School of Bonsai, at the Greenhouse (pre-registration required, fee charged for this program)
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. – free bonsai educational program, “Bonsai – Art in Nature”, by Harold Johnson, of the Triangle Bonsai Society, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor
3:00 to 4:30 p.m. – live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (pre-registration required, $1 fee charged for this event)
6:30 to 9:00 p.m. – main event lecture and demonstration program by 2009 Expo guest artist Kathy Shaner, “Bonsai Design With Mugo Pine”, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (pre-registration required, fee charged for this program)
Sunday, October 11
9:00 a.m. to Noon – “Shohin Showcase” Bonsai Workshop with Jim Doyle of Nature’s Way Nursery, at the Greenhouse (pre-registration required, fee charged for this program)
Noon to 4:00 p.m. - Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor
Noon – presentation of individual and group display awards, at the main bonsai exhibit in the Education Center, 1st floor.
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – free bonsai demonstration, "SWAMPED! A Restoration Project" by John Geanangel and Ken Duncan, of the RMBB Study Group, with Arthur Joura, NC Arboretum Bonsai Curator, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – ‘Bring Your Own’ Bonsai Refinement Workshop with 2009 Expo guest artist Kathy Shaner, at the Greenhouse (pre-registration required, fee charged for this program)
3:30 p.m. – raffle drawing and presentation of “People’s Choice” award, at the main bonsai exhibit, in the Education Center, 1st floor
Participating Bonsai Clubs
North Carolina
Blue Ridge Bonsai Club, Asheville
Bonsai Society of the Carolinas, Charlotte
Cape Fear Bonsai Society, Wilmington
Piedmont N.C. Bonsai Association, Winston-Salem
Triangle Bonsai Society, Raleigh
South Carolina
Onkochishin Bonsai Society, Florence
RMBB Study Group, Columbia
Upstate South Carolina Study Group, Greenville
Virginia
Hinoki Bonsai Club, Roanoke
Tennessee
Knoxville Bonsai Society, Knoxville
Mid-Appalachian Bonsai Kai, Johnson City
Nashville Bonsai Society, Nashville
Georgia
Atlanta Bonsai Society, Atlanta
Pennsylvania
Susquehanna Bonsai Club, Harrisburg
Bonsai Marketplace
Featuring the following vendors:
Bonsai by Kazan, Weaverville, NC
Bonsai Learning Center, Charlotte, NC
Campbell’s Greenhouse, Charlotte, NC
Cbi, Inc., Cantonment, FL
Matsu Momiji Nursery, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Meco Bonsai, Lancaster, PA
Meehan’s Miniatures, Rohrersville, MD
Nature's Way Nursery, Harrisburg, PA
Osiga Company, Ellicott City, MD
Richard Boggs Potter, Winston-Salem, NC
Tall Pines Bonsai, Columbia, SC
Wild Things Bonsai Studio, Hartville, OH
Special Educational Programs
These programs require registration and fee payment
(All programs listed take place in the classrooms on the 1st floor of the Education Center)
2009 CAROLINA BONSAI EXPO MAIN EVENT
“Bonsai Design with Mugo Pine”
Saturday, October 10th, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Internationally recognized bonsai authority and 2009 Carolina Bonsai Expo guest artist Kathy Shaner conducts a lesson in bonsai design.
There are many women who enjoy bonsai and produce reputable work, but few who are recognized as experts. Why is that? Is bonsai a pursuit that appeals more strongly to men? Is the relative absence of female authorities a throwback to the traditionally male-dominated culture of the country that is so closely associated with bonsai? Are women simply not as good at it? This program seeks to answer none of these intriguing questions. Instead, the NC Arboretum is proud to present one of the leading contemporary American bonsai artists demonstrating her styling techniques on an old, collected, and untrained Mugo Pine. If the question of gender issues in bonsai happens to be raised, perhaps Ms. Shaner will take a few moments to give her informed view. If not, those fortunate enough to attend this program will have to satisfy themselves with an excellent, educational bonsai experience from one of the very best in the business.
Kathy Shaner’s bonsai odyssey began in California back in 1983, and soon led her to Japan for an extended period of study with Yasuo Mitsuya. Back in the United States, she became a full-time bonsai professional, working on private collections, conducting seminars and establishing herself as one of the leading bonsai instructors in the country. Ms. Shaner is the curator of the Golden State Bonsai Collection in Oakland, CA, as well as the resident bonsai artist at the El Dorado Bonsai School in Placerville, CA. She was a featured speaker at the 5th World Bonsai Convention, and the 1st U.S. National Exhibition, and is a guest artist each year at the annual Rendezvous held by Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery. Her appearance as guest artist at the 14th Carolina Bonsai Expo is her first visit to the NC Arboretum.
The cost of this program is $10 for Arboretum members and $13 for non-members, and the 100 available spaces will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Reservations can be made by phone ((828) 665-2492) or in person at the Arboretum; Arboretum members may make reservations via the Internet. Reservations must be secured by payment.
2009 CAROLINA BONSAI EXPO WORKSHOPS
Dates and times have been announced for four workshops to be conducted in conjunction with the 2009 Carolina Bonsai Expo.
These educational programs will take place in the comfort of the Arboretum’s Greenhouse Support Facility, and will be open only to participants – no “observer” positions are available.
Saturday, October 10, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2009 Expo guest artist Kathy Shaner will conduct a workshop program on bonsai design, using Shimpaku Juniper.
Please note: this program is not for novice or beginner level students! Participants must have experience and a firm grasp of bonsai fundamentals.
Junipers are recognized as superior material for bonsai use, and Shimpaku Junipers are among the very best. This workshop features excellent plant material, expertly grown from cuttings struck 10 years ago by longtime NC bonsai professional Howard Kazan. Each plant stands 16” to 20” in height, is established in a plastic training pot, and has a trunk at least 1” in diameter, with movement and taper. The branching is compact and the roots have been pruned several times as part of the training. Combine this quality plant material with the exceptional knowledge and teaching skill of Kathy Shaner, and the result is an opportunity to not only increase your own bonsai knowledge, but also add a fine new tree to your collection!
Class size will be limited to only 8 (eight) participants in order to maximize the one-on-one time for each student with Ms. Shaner. Participants must provide their own tools and wire. Wiring will be an integral part of this workshop, so students need to be able to correctly apply wire and are advised to have an ample supply of copper or aluminum bonsai wire in a range of gauges. Plants will not be re-potted as part of this class.
The cost of this workshop is $90 for Arboretum members and $100 for non-members, and the 8 available spaces will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Reservations can be made by phone ((828) 665-2492 X317) or in person at the Arboretum; Arboretum members may make reservations via the Internet. Reservations must be secured by payment.
Saturday, October 10, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Terri Ellis Todd, a Master in the Ichiyo School of Ikebana and past president of the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International, will conduct an ikebana workshop for beginners.
Ikebana is a uniquely creative form of flower arranging, with roots in Japanese culture. Mrs. Todd is an active ikebana artist and teacher in the western North Carolina area, whose work has been featured for many years in the ikebana exhibits at the Carolina Bonsai Expo. She has presented excellent demonstrations and conducted numerous workshops at The NC Arboretum. Mrs. Todd will conduct a workshop for 12 (twelve) students, offering a comfortable introduction to this fascinating art. The plant material, container and kenzan needed for creating an attractive ikebana arrangement will be provided, and students will take their work home with them. Students are required to provide their own flower scissors or light pruners for use in the class. Mrs. Todd has offered a substantial discount rate for students who have previously taken her Expo workshop, if they still have the kenzan and container from the last class. Please inquire at the time of registration if you are eligible.
The cost of this workshop is $60 for Arboretum members and $65 for non-members, and the 12 available spaces will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Reservations can be made by phone ((828) 665-2492 X317) or in person at the Arboretum; Arboretum members may make reservations via the Internet. Reservations must be secured by payment.
Sunday, October 11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bonsai artist Jim Doyle will conduct a “Shohin Showcase” bonsai workshop for intermediate to advanced level bonsai students.
Please note: this program is not for novice or beginner level students! Participants must have experience and a firm grasp of bonsai fundamentals.
Mr. Doyle is the proprietor of Nature’s Way Nursery in Harrisburg, PA. He is well known for his horticultural and artistic skills, as well as his warmth and good humor. In this workshop participants will be immersed in the miniature world of shohin bonsai – bonsai that stand 6” or less in height. Each student will receive 4 plants – a collected Winged Spindle Tree in a bonsai pot; a Dwarf Mondo Grass planting in a bonsai pot; a ‘Jacqueline Verkade’ Chinese Elm in a training pot; and a ‘White Bud’ Dwarf Mugo Pine in a training pot. These plants combine to form a complete shohin display with year-round variety and interest. The class will focus on design, culture and display of shohin bonsai. Those who have taken workshops with Mr. Doyle in the past know to expect a comprehensive treatment of the subject, including examples for discussion.
Class size will be limited to only 8 (eight) participants in order to maximize the one-on-one time with this excellent and popular instructor, insuring an intimate learning experience. Students are required to supply their own tools and wire, and are encouraged to bring a notepad.
The cost of this workshop is $90 for Arboretum members and $95 for non-members, and the 8 available spaces will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Reservations can be made by phone ((828) 665-2492 X317) or in person at the Arboretum; Arboretum members may make reservations via the Internet. Reservations must be secured by payment.
Sunday, October 11, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
2009 Expo guest artist Kathy Shaner will conduct a workshop program on bonsai design and refinement.
Please note: this program is not for novice or beginner level students! Participants must have experience and a firm grasp of bonsai fundamentals.
In this exclusive workshop students will refine an established bonsai from their own collection, guided by one of the top bonsai instructors in the United States. Refinement occurs when a bonsai is elevated to a higher level of artistic development. An average specimen may become very good; a very good specimen may become excellent. Ms. Shaner’s vast experience working with some of the finest bonsai in this country and abroad makes her uniquely qualified to help a student bring out the very best in any tree. Plant material brought to this workshop should be well established, and not “raw” or in a preliminary stage of training. This workshop is intended for the most serious students of bonsai!
Class size will be limited to only 7 (seven) participants in order to maximize the one-on-one time for each student with Ms. Shaner. Participants must provide their own tree, tools and wire.
The cost of this workshop is $75 for Arboretum members and $80 for non-members, and the 7 available spaces will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Reservations can be made by phone ((828) 665-2492 X317) or in person at the Arboretum; Arboretum members may make reservations via the Internet. Reservations must be secured by payment.
Free Educational Programs
No registration required
(All programs listed take place in the classrooms on the 1st floor of the Education Center)
Saturday, October 10th:
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM – , “Expression of Nature - The Ohara School of Ikebana” flower arranging demonstration by Sibbie Wilson, Certified Master Associate Second Degree of the Ohara School of Ikebana. The Ohara School was founded in 1895 in Japan and is considered by many to be the first "modern" school of ikebana. It is also considered the most naturalistic school in the way seasonal materials are selected and arranged in realistic settings. Sibbie Wilson lives in Franklin, NC and teaches in Highlands, NC for The Stone Lantern Asian arts store in the summer and fall. She is a member of the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International. The Arboretum is proud to feature Mrs. Wilson’s presentation, and the work she creates will be on display in the upstairs lobby for the remainder of the Expo weekend.
1:00 to 2:00 PM – “Bonsai – Art in Nature”, lecture and PowerPoint presentation by Harold Johnson, of the Triangle Bonsai Society. Bonsai can be practiced on several different levels; it can be a simple hobby, it can be a refined craft, and at its highest level it can be living art. In this unique look at the topic of bonsai as art, Harold Johnson makes a comparison between paintings with nature themes and bonsai that are designed using artistic principles. Mr. Johnson is a familiar figure in bonsai in the Southeast. A past president of the Triangle Bonsai Society and a former Director of the American Bonsai Society, he has been a long time friend and supporter of bonsai at the NC Arboretum. As demand continues to grow for Mr. Johnson’s talents as a presenter of educational bonsai programs, the Arboretum is pleased to welcome him back as an Expo guest lecturer.
Sunday, October 11th:
1:00 to 3:00PM - "SWAMPED! A Restoration Project", bonsai demonstration by John Geanangel and Ken Duncan, of the RMBB Study Group, with Arthur Joura, NC Arboretum Bonsai Curator. Tray landscapes are miniature scenes from nature, presented in bonsai form. John Geanangel and Ken Duncan reside in central South Carolina, and the environment they know best, the nature that most influences their bonsai work, is that of the swamps and oxbow lakes of the South Carolina lowlands. Together they did a tray landscape demonstration at the 1998 Carolina Bonsai Expo, in which they created a bonsai that represented their beloved swampy world of Baldcypress and Water Elm. For several years this tray landscape prospered. However, unanticipated problems arose and over time the condition of the work declined. Eventually the planting was taken apart, but all the materials were saved and the idea of a bonsai representing the South Carolina lowlands persisted. Now, eleven years later, in a special multi-media presentation at the 2009 Expo, John and Ken will restore their unique tray landscape, rebuilding it in a new and improved form. They will be joined in their efforts by Arthur Joura, Arboretum Bonsai Curator. These three bonsai amigos have presented numerous programs at previous Expos, earning a reputation for excellent work and educational value, all wrapped up in a raucous presentation style that never fails to entertain. Come early to secure your seat for a most enjoyable bonsai experience!