Mar
3
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

March General Meeting

Program: Linda Camp, A bonsai enthusiast of 27 years and partner in B.C. Bonsai for 21 years, Linda will be leading us through repotting forest plantings as a follow up to the forest building workshop from two years ago. Bring your forests for guidance and assistance repotting them.

Following the repotting instruction, Linda will be demoing forest planting.

Ceramic containers will be available to purchase for anyone who wants to repot out of plastic.

There will also be supplies and guidance available for those who are interested in building a new forest, please call Linda at B.C. Bonsai some days ahead of the meeting to ensure sufficient supplies are available if you want to build a forest.
Location: Pullman Room, Regenstein Center

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Apr
7
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

April General Meeting

Program: Victor Zurczak, proprietor of Morning Sun Bonsai and one of the best bonsai artists in the Chicagoland area will be demonstrating rock planting.

The demonstration material will be auctioned to the highest bidder at the end of the night.

Bonsai 101: Victor will discuss container selection prior to the main demonstration.
Location: Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center

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May
5
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

May General Meeting

Program: Mark Fields, nationally recognized bonsai artist and owner of Bonsai by Fields will be presenting methods for propagation, grafting (scion and thread), air layering, and cuttings.

During the afternoon, from 1pm to 4pm, the Society will be hosting Mark at a bring-your-own-tree workshop for up to 10 participants, cost will be $40 per participant.
Location: Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center

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Jun
2
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

June General Meeting

Program: Iron Bonsai Competition, Three artists will face off styling nursery stock into new bonsai. Come witness the initial consideration, primary styling, and transformation of raw stock into early stage bonsai in just two hours. Members will vote on the best composition.

The finished trees will be auctioned off to the highest bidders at the end of the competition.
Location: Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center

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Jul
7
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

July General Meeting

Program: Mike Lane, tropical bonsai expert of Kitsune Bonsai will answer your questions on all things tropical. Mike will be bringing some of his stock from Florida for purchase, both tropical and hardy.

In addition, the Society will be hosting a workshop with Mike before the general meeting, from 1pm to 4pm, for up to 10 participants. Cost will be $40 per participant.
Location: Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center

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Aug
4
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

August General Meeting

Program: Young Choe, a master of the art of kusamono will demonstrate the art of kusamono planting and lead up to 6 of our members in the creation of their own kusamono arrangement. Participating members will need to supply their own pots and plants for the arrangement. Cost will be $40 per participant.

Young Choes demonstration planting will be auctioned at the end of the meeting.
Location: Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center

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Sep
8
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

September General Meeting

Program: Victor Zurczak returns to cover fall care and needle pruning of pines, this technique is necessary to maintain the health of your tree and creating your desired style. If you are raising pines or considering adding them to your collection don’t miss this program.
Location: Classroom #2, Learning Campus

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Nov
3
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

November General Meeting

Program: Victor Zurczak will close out our year with a presentation on overwintering bonsai and the best work to do on your hardy bonsai during the cold season. This program is essential to fully allow your tree to rest comfortably during the winter months and respond vigorously come springtime.

This will also be our annual membership sale/swap meet, so bring anything you might like to trade or sell.
Location: Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center

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Feb
3
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

February General Meeting

Program: Don Lindstom is our visiting artist for the February 3rd meeting and will be discussing Bonsai Pots.

Don Lindstrom is a 30 year veteran of Bonsai art. After 6 yrs, he was able to spend time working at Brussels Bonsai Nursery in Mississippi as well as visiting artist at Nature's Way in Pennsylvania with Jim Doyle.  After that he returned to his Chicago suburban home and achieved professional awards at The Midwest show and also BCI conferences along with 2 Joshua Roth New Talent competitions.

He has continued to grow bonsai material and specializes in taxus/yew.    With a lifelong pursuit in the arts and experience in ceramics, he began filling the niche for stone textured pots after many years of contemplation. Having first focused on forest slabs and crescent pots, he is now pushing his work to incorporate hybrid forms of traditional and natural stone textures. Along with that is his Wabi Sabi approach to further incorporate and blend technique with freeform design.
Location: Burnstein Hall, Regenstein Center

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September General Meeting
Sep
9
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

September General Meeting

Please note the change of date due to the Labor Day holiday. Additionally, the meeting will be held at the Garden’s Learning Campus, instead of our normal space. Please see the attached map if you are unfamiliar with the Learning Campus.

Location: Learning Campus, Classroom #2
7:00 PM - Bonsai 101
7:30 PM - Main program, Guest Artist Elle Nieto-Brodnick

Elle Nieto-Brodnick discovered her passion for bonsai appreciation and cultivation during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic while working in the healthcare industry.

She started educating herself via online videos and literature.  Her voracious quest for learning led her to attend workshops and classes with Todd Schlafer, Andy Smith, Owen Reich, Will Baddeley, and Julian Tsai. Within her four years of practice, and under the tutelage of Bjorn Bjorholm and Mauro Stemberger, she remains a motivated student who reveals an exceptional perception of bonsai creativity. She goes to great lengths to further her study, improve her skills, and develop the character traits reflective of a disciplined and committed bonsai practitioner.

Teaching basic to intermediate bonsai at The Hidden Gardens and working with private clients has pivoted her from being a serious student into an upcoming bonsai professional/artist.  She has recently demonstrated and conducted workshops for the Springfield Bonsai Society and the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society, and has additional upcoming events scheduled.

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Aug
18
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops, August Exhibit Demos

Kristy Majeske of Asian Artique - Pairing Scrolls with Bonsai (Sunday)

Description: Questions on pairing scrolls with bonsai? Join this presentation from Kristy Majeske of Asian Artique to discuss a series of questions to ask yourself when choosing a scroll for a particular tree. After the presentation, join Kristy as she leads the group through the Exhibition to work through ideas. Handouts of checklists and symbolism will be provided.
Registration Fee: Free
Location: Regenstein Center, Alsdorf Auditorium
No registration required!

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Aug
18
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Golden Arrow Bonsai Bring Your Own Tree Workshop

Description: Bring your own collected or unstyled nursery conifer (no deciduous or tropical), or one that you want to refine further, to this workshop to start it on its path to bonsai. Students should bring their own wire and tools.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: None
Skill Level: Intermediate to Expert
Maximum Participants: 10
Location: Design Studio
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Kusa-Farm Premna Japonica Bonsai Workshop
Aug
18
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Kusa-Farm Premna Japonica Bonsai Workshop

Description: Premna Japonica (Musk Maple) in 6” bulb pan. Movement has already been established in the trunks, the workshop will focus on branch placement and cut-back to continue styling the materials. Participants should bring tools and wire.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $95, payable directly to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Maximum Participants: 6
Location: Regenstein Center, Linnaeus Room
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Aug
18
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Children's Bonsai Workshop (Sunday)

Description: Your child, with the help of our experienced Society members, will learn how to pot a bonsai, which they can take home at the end of the workshop. The registration fee covers the cost of the materials as well.
Registration Fee: $16
Materials Cost: none
Skill Level: Children 5-17
Location: Regenstein Center, Burnstein Hall
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Dasu Raft Dwarf Arborvitae Bonsai Workshop
Aug
18
9:00 AM09:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Dasu Raft Dwarf Arborvitae Bonsai Workshop

Description: Raft dwarf Arborvite workshop - wire a tree into forest form from a single tree for you to plant next spring. Plant in your pot or rockscape - appropriate pot and rockscape options are available for purchase by contacting 515-769-2446 ahead of the workshop. Students should bring wire cutters, basic concave cutters, or powerful scissors, as well as 2.5 mm, 3 mm and 3.5 mm aluminum wire.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $38, payable directly to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop. Pot and rockscape options available separately for purchase by calling 515-769-2446 ahead of time.
Skill Level: All
Maximum Participants: 8
Location: Regenstein Center, Linnaeus Room
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BC Bonsai Narrow Leaf Buttonwood Bonsai Workshop
Aug
18
9:00 AM09:00
August Exhibit Workshops

BC Bonsai Narrow Leaf Buttonwood Bonsai Workshop

Description: Narrow leaf Buttonwood produces lovey very narrow foliage, great wood for carving, and is a hardy Florida native. Tropical favorite! Buttonwood likes full sun, and moderate water and fertilizer. Tropical tree, keep away from freezing temperatures. Tools and wire will be provided.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $30, payable directly to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop.
Skill Level: All
Maximum Participants: 8
Location: Regenstein Center, Plant Science Lab
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Aug
18
9:00 AM09:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Bring your own Bonsai Workshop with Guest Master Jack Sustic (Sunday)

Description: A unique opportunity! Bring your own bonsai to this workshop to gain styling and care insights from our Guest Master Jack Sustic. This workshop has no materials fee.
Registration Fee: $80
Materials Cost: none
Skill Level: All Skills
Maximum Participants: 8
Location: Regenstein Center, Design Studio
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Aug
17
5:00 PM17:00
August Exhibit Workshops, August Exhibit Banquet

Informal Dinner and Auction at Heller Nature Center

Description: Drinks, complementary wine and beer and soft drinks start at 5:00.  The dinner is informal and will consist of ordered-in food.  An amazing silent auction and raffle will be held during the dinner.  The raffle will be for the tree styled by guest judge Jack Sustic in the Saturday afternoon demonstration.  The silent auction will be for items donated by our fabulous vendors and club members. Note that the dinner is open to members and non-members alike!
Location: Heller Nature Center in Highland Park (just minutes from the Garden)
Cost: $18
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Aug
17
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Children's Bonsai Workshop (Saturday)

Description: Your child, with the help of our experienced Society members, will learn how to pot a bonsai, which they can take home at the end of the workshop. The registration fee covers the cost of the materials cost well.
Registration Fee: $16
Materials Cost: none
Skill Level: Children 5-17
Location: Regenstein Center, Burnstein Hall
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Kawa No Oka Tiger Bark Ficus Bonsai Workshop
Aug
17
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Kawa No Oka Tiger Bark Ficus Bonsai Workshop

Description: A hands-on workshop designed for intermediate bonsai enthusiasts where we will focus on the Tiger Bark Ficus, a species renowned for its striking, well-developed trunk and resilient nature. Learn intermediate pruning, wiring, and styling methods tailored specifically to the Tiger Bark Ficus. Explore techniques to further develop and refine the impressive trunk structure of your Ficus. Gain information into the care routines required to maintain a healthy and thriving Ficus. From watering schedules to pest management. This workshop is ideal for intermediate participants who have basic bonsai experience. We will not be repotting, so you will receive one tree ready for styling. Participants will need to bring their own basic tools and wire of chice from 1mm/18 gauge through 4mm/10 gauge. Aluminum wire will be available for purchase.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $60, payable to instructor at the beginning of the workshop.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Maximum Participants: 8
Location: Regenstein Center, Design Studio
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Bring your own Bonsai Workshop with Guest Master Jack Sustic (Saturday)

Description: A unique opportunity! Bring your own bonsai to this workshop to gain styling and care insights from our Guest Master Jack Sustic. This workshop has no materials fee.
Registration Fee: $80
Materials Cost: none
Skill Level: All Skills
Maximum Participants: 8
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Visitor’s Center
Register securely via EventBrite!

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BC Bonsai Water Jasmine Bonsai Workshop
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00
August Exhibit Workshops

BC Bonsai Water Jasmine Bonsai Workshop

Description: Water Jasmine is a flowering tree that produces fragrant white flowers that hang down below the foliage. They bloom in spring and in fall. Jasmine likes full sun, and moderate water and fertilizer. Tropical tree, keep away from freezing temperatures. Tools and wire will be provided.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $30, payable directly to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop.
Skill Level: All
Maximum Participants: 8
Location: Regenstein Center, Design Studio
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00
August Exhibit Workshops, August Exhibit Demos

Kristy Majeske of Asian Artique - Pairing Scrolls with Bonsai (Saturday)

Description: Questions on pairing scrolls with bonsai? Join this presentation from Kristy Majeske of Asian Artique to discuss a series of questions to ask yourself when choosing a scroll for a particular tree. After the presentation, join Kristy as she leads the group through the Exhibition to work through ideas. Handouts of checklists and symbolism will be provided.
Registration Fee: Free
Location: Regenstein Center, Alsdorf Auditorium
No registration required!

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Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00
August Exhibit Demos, August Exhibit Workshops

Tour the Chicago Botanic Garden's Bonsai Collection with Chris Baker, Curator

Description: Tour the Chicago Botanic Garden’s bonsai collection with Chris Baker, curator as he leads a walking tour around the two display courtyards and shares insights for the trees on display.
Registration Fee: Free
Maximum Participants: 12
Location: Regenstein Center Courtyards
No registration required!

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Bonsai by Fields Itoigawa Juniper Bonsai Workshop
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Bonsai by Fields Itoigawa Juniper Bonsai Workshop

Description: Learn with Mark Fields to style an Itoigawa Juniper, grown in a one-gallon pot. Participants should bring their own copper wire and tools.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $125, payable to instructor at the beginning of the workshop.
Skill Level: Intermediate and up
Maximum Participants: 7
Location: Regenstein Center, Plant Science Lab
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Aug
16
5:00 PM17:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Exhibition Critique with Guest Master Jack Sustic

Description: Follow our guest master, Jack Sustic, through the exhibition as he provides commentary and critique of the entered trees. A popular and unique opportunity to understand the inner-thinking of the guest master as they judged and scored all the entries.
Registration Fee: $25
Materials Cost: none
Skill Level: All levels
Location: Regenstein Center, Nichols Hall
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Aug
16
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops, August Exhibit Demos

Kristy Majeske of Asian Artique - Pairing Scrolls with Bonsai (Friday)

Description: Questions on pairing scrolls with bonsai? Join this presentation from Kristy Majeske of Asian Artique to discuss a series of questions to ask yourself when choosing a scroll for a particular tree. After the presentation, join Kristy as she leads the group through the Exhibition to work through ideas. Handouts of checklists and symbolism will be provided.
Registration Fee: Free
Location: Regenstein Center, Alsdorf Auditorium
No registration required!

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Yume-En Bonsai Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Workshop
Aug
16
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops

Yume-En Bonsai Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Workshop

Description: Learn about care and styling of a Japanese Black Pine. Participants should bring their own tools and copper wire, as well as a notebook and pencil for taking notes.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $100, payable directly to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Maximum Participants: 10
Location: Regenstein Center, Design Studio
Register securely via EventBrite!

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BC Bonsai Chinese Elm Workshop
Aug
16
1:00 PM13:00
August Exhibit Workshops

BC Bonsai Chinese Elm Workshop

Description: Chinese Elm is a deciduous tree that is cold hardy. Nice fall interest and lovey serrated foliage, it likes full/partial sun and moderate water and fertilizer. Water as needed and don’t let the soil dry out. Choose either a twisted or straight trunk in this workshop.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $50, payable directly to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop.
Skill Level: All levels
Maximum Participants: 8
Location: Regenstein Center, Plant Science Lab
Register securely via EventBrite!

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Aug
5
7:00 PM19:00
Society Meetings

August General Meeting

Location: Regenstein Center, Burnstein Hall
As our August Exhibition fast-approaches, the programs will focus on preparing for the show!
7:00 PM: Bonsai 101 Program: “Volunteer Roles for August Exhibit" presented by Robert Wright.
7:30 PM General Program: “Preparing Your Tree for Displaying at the August Exhibit” presented by Victor Zurczak.

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May
19
1:00 PM13:00
May Exhibit Workshops

Children's Bonsai Styling Workshop (Sunday)

Description: Your child, with the help of our experienced Society members, will learn how to pot a bonsai, which they can take home at the end of the workshop. The registration fee covers the cost of the materials cost as well.
Registration Fee: $16
Materials Cost: Included
Skill Level: Children, 5-17
Location: Regenstein Center, Greenhouse Gallery East (note, please enter the Greenhouse Gallery via either of the courtyards at the Regenstein Center)
Register securely at Eventbrite

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BC Bonsai Texas Ebony Workshop
May
19
9:00 AM09:00
May Exhibit Workshops

BC Bonsai Texas Ebony Workshop

Description: Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn all about caring for and styling beautiful Texas Ebony bonsai. Tools and wire will be provided during the workshop. Texas Ebony make great tropical bonsai with short branches, tiny dark leaves, and barky trunk. Trees should be outdoors in summer, and indoors under lights in winter.
Registration Fee: $40
Materials Cost: $40, payable directly to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop
Skill Level: All
Location: Regenstein Center, Design Studio
Register securely via Eventbrite!

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May
18
1:00 PM13:00
May Exhibit Workshops

Children's Bonsai Styling Workshop (Saturday)

Description: Your child, with the help of our experienced Society members, will learn how to pot a bonsai, which they can take home at the end of the workshop. The registration fee covers the cost of the materials cost as well.
Registration Fee: $16
Materials Cost: Included
Skill Level: Children, 5-17
Location: Regenstein Center, Greenhouse Gallery East (note, please enter the Greenhouse Gallery via either of the courtyards at the Regenstein Center)
Register securely at Eventbrite

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