NABF Newsletter #4

Feature #9

The Mid-America Bonsai Exhibit

By Scott Clark

Every year, for the last 25 years, the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Midwest Bonsai Society have hosted the Mid-America Bonsai Exhibit. The Exhibit features workshops by recognized masters such as Bill Valavanis, Sara Raynor, Tony and Frank Mahalic, Jim Doyle, Brussel Martin, Mike Hansen and others. Those are the regulars and vendors! Bill Valavanis and the Mahalics have been regular attendees since the very beginning of the exhibit in the 1970’s. The Exhibit is a judged show/exhibit. There are lectures and demonstrations by a special featured master/exhibit judge who has no interest in the vendor activities. Past presenters have been, in no particular order, John Naka, Ben Oki, Susumu Nakamura, Boon Manakitvipart, Hatsumi Tarakawa, Warren Hill, Kathy Shaner, Ernie Kuo and that’s just to name a few! One show during my presidency featured almost all of the above at one time! Admission to the exhibit is always free and the workshop fee prices never change. In addition to judging the exhibit, the masters also conduct workshops and demonstrations!

Money is no object where this exhibit is concerned. For example, the price for the H. Tarakawa demonstration was raised to $5.00! Outrageous, but well worth it. This year the price for Boon’s workshop was $50.00 but you had to supply your own tree! The other workshops were the same but materials were extra. What is the world coming to? The Garden did raise the parking fee to $8.00 per car which did not sit well with anyone but given the state of the economy everyone could understand. After all, the parking fee did entitle attendees to free access to the entire Garden and exhibit. With such an outrageous parking fee what else could the Midwest Society do?

Classic W. Hill

The people and tree watching is spectacular. Over 100 trees are always on display for judging or exhibit only. Novice to professional are invited to display their works of living art for exhibit or judging. The Garden also displays the best of its collection featuring the Susumu Nakamura donation in addition to artists’ donations in the display area outside of the exhibit hall. Inside the exhibit hall the trees are displayed with shoji screen backdrops, burlap covered tables and bamboo separators so each tree can be fully appreciated. Novice, Open, Professional or exhibit only all are treated equally. Soft music enhances the viewer’s experience. Outside, in the vendor area, it’s a whole different scene.

Classic Kuo

Want the best pot, tree, tool, stand, book, soil, whatever? Better be prepared to act like a trader in the pits. I’ve developed a special tactic. I bring my youngest daughter who is just under 4 feet. She wiggles her way to the vendor table and stakes out some space for me. Sneaky but effective. After all, I do have to get back to the workshop with more wire and that special branch cutter! The vendors bring their best and the prices are excellent, especially if you can haggle.

Mr/Ms Nakamura & Ben Oki

I’ve included some pictures for your enjoyment from the last exhibit as well as some from previous years.

The exhibit is always the third week in August at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Check the web sites of the Midwest Bonsai Society and the Chicago Botanic Garden for details and do plan to come. This exhibit is the most bonsai fun you can have and the price to fully participate will not leave you breathless.