Potomac Bonsai Festival 2012
Workshops and Demonstrations
Workshops
New Talent Competition
Friday, May 4, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Program Tent
Challenge your skills and creativity at the 3rd annual New Talent Competition. Work on specially selected plant material from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 pm, when guest judge Suthin Sukosolvisit will critique the trees and choose the top three entries. The plant material will be junipers, field-grown and pruned for use as bonsai. All trees will become property of the entrants.
The first place winner will win an automatic berth in the 2012 Joshua Roth New Talent Competition administered by the American Bonsai Society, should they choose to participate. Each of the three winners will receive a prize and be invited to attend the National Bonsai Foundation reception Friday evening at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. The winning trees will be on display for the duration of the festival.
Note: The winner of the Potomac Bonsai Festival’s first annual New Talent Competition went on to win the Joshua Roth Competition!
Entry Guidelines: Any resident of the mid-Atlantic region who has been practicing the art of bonsai for less than ten years is eligible. He or she must not have been a winner or runner-up in the Joshua Roth New Talent Contest. Entrant provides tools, wire, and turn table. Fee: $129 ($103 FONA/NBF members) Registration required.
Intermediate/Advanced Shohin Workshop with Suthin
Saturday, May 5, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture Demonstration Center
Do you have a good tree and want to make it a great one? Bring your established tree to this workshop and get guidance and inspiration from award-winning artist and shohin specialist Suthin Sukosolvisit. The group size is limited to ensure that every participant and every tree gets individual attention. Bring one large or two small trees to work on, tools, and wire. Though Suthin is known for his work with shohin, he is also an expert in other bonsai forms and welcomes trees of all types. For more information, see Suthin Sukosolvisit bio. Fee: $79 ($63 FONA/NBF members) Registration required. This workshop is not for beginners.
Advanced Workshop with Harry Hirao
Saturday, May 5, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture Demonstration Center
Work with honored bonsai artist and revered teacher, Harry Hirao. Harry rarely travels outside his home state of California, so this is a special opportunity to take advantage of his talent and experience. The class size is limited to ensure that every participant and every tree gets individual attention. Bring one tree to work on, tools, and wire. Fee: $79 ($63 FONA/NBF members) Registration required. This workshop is not for beginners.
Intermediate/ Advanced Workshop with Suthin
Sunday, May 6, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture Demonstration Center
Work with exceptional plant material and internationally known bonsai artist Suthin Sukosolvisit at this workshop designed for the individual with intermediate to advanced bonsai skills. Suthin, one of the festival’s visiting guest artists and a renowned teacher, will guide you in the process of transforming your tree. Plant material will be a Juniperus chinensis var. Shimpaku, approximately 2 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall. Please bring tools and wire. Fee: $299 ($239 FONA/NBF members) Registration required. This workshop is not for beginners. Lunch on your own. Food vendor on site.
Beginners Workshops will be held May 19 & May 20, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. See Bonsai Basics Workshopfor more information.
Demonstrations
“Getting Started” Tent
May 4, 5, & 6, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Visit the Potomac Bonsai Association’s “Getting Started” tent each day for free, ongoing demonstrations and individualized assistance for getting started with bonsai. Provided by members of the Potomac Bonsai Association. Free.
Demonstration: Harry Hirao
Saturday, May 5, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Program Tent
Watch, listen, and learn as renowned California bonsai artist Harry Hirao demonstrates techniques needed to improve the overall condition of a mature tree. This is an excellent opportunity to see a master at work. See Harry Hirao bio for information on Mr. Hirao. Free.
Demonstration: Suthin Sukosolvisit
Saturday, May 5, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Program Tent
Visiting guest artist Suthin Sukosolvisit performs the steps needed to transform a mature collected juniper from its rough, untrained form into a bonsai. He will explain his vision and techniques as he works and answer questions. See Suthin Sukosolvisit bio for more information. Free.
Demonstration: Potomac Bonsai Association Members
Sunday, May 6, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, May 6, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Members of the Potomac Bonsai Association share their skills and creativity at these informal drop-in demonstrations. Ask questions and pick up tips and techniques from accomplished local bonsai artists. Free.
FONA/NBF refers to members of the Friends of the National Arboretum or the National Bonsai Foundation, who receive a discount on many programs. See the website for the National Bonsai Foundation (NBF) or the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) for complete information on memberships.
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Last Updated February 15, 2012 2:34 PM
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