NABF Newsletter
#1
Feature #6
Nanpu-Kai 2002 Annual Bonsai Exhibit
By Ann Erb
View of the 2002 Show (Photo by Ann Erb)
Although we think of our bonsai as works of art, it is very
seldom that we actually are able to enjoy them displayed as
such in a museum. During the annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival
in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, the Japanese American Cultural
& Community Center (JACCC) devotes its main gallery to
bonsai for two days, and every year the members of Nanpu-Kai
have been honored to display their trees in this setting.
Nanpu-Kai Members at the 2001 Show (Photo
by Carl Morimoto)
This year, 37 members gathered on August 16,
2002 to turn their creations over to the curators of the JACCC
for staging. For this exhibit, the trees are displayed on
simple white pedestals. No stands or accents are used. The
bonsai are enjoyed as individual sculptures. During the weekend
as the festivities unfolded outside, the crowds flowed into
the gallery, a center of peace and beauty amid all the vendors,
dancing and music.
A shohin Crabapple by Larry Ragle
(Photo by Ann Erb)
Nanpu-Kai is John Naka's club. All of its members are former
students of Naka-san and if he is happy with your work he
will invite you into this special group. It has evolved from
one of John's early classes and the membership reads like
a who's who of bonsai in southern California: Marybel Balendonck,
Frank Goya, Harry Hirao, Mel Ikeda, Ernie Kuo, Ted Matson,
Ben Oki, Richard Ota, Larry Ragle, … and the list goes
on, 43 of the sensei's hand picked successors. It is no accident
that these artists are known nationally and internationally.
John Naka wants his work to continue. He has sent this group
out to teach as he has cut back on his travels.
The trees in this exhibit live up to their pedigree,
they are spectacular. Members show only their best here. This
truly is a special show, not only do you see some of the finest
bonsai in the country, the members of Nanpu-Kai are all there
as well, ready to talk about their trees and share their insights
with fellow bonsai lovers.
Japanese Black Pine by John Naka (Photo by Ann Erb)
California Juniper by Kaz Yoneda (Photo by Ann Erb)
California Juniper by Ernie Kuo (Photo by Ann Erb)
California Juniper by Frank Goya (Photo by Ann Erb)
California Juniper by Mas Moriguchi (Photo by Ann Erb)
Cork Oak by Paul DeRose (Photo by Ann Erb)
Crape Myrtle by Bruce Hisayasu (Photo by Ann Erb)
Foemina Juniper by Marybel Balendonck (Photo by Ann Erb)
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