NABF Newsletter #9

Feature #1

General Update on the 5th World Bonsai Convention

By Jack Sustic

The dates May 28-31, 2005 are very important for bonsai enthusiasts from around the world. The 5th World Bonsai Convention (5th WBC) will be held in Washington, DC at the Hilton Washington. Please mark these dates on your 2005 calendar and start making plans to attend.

Host/Sponsors. This major event, which is held every four years, is hosted next year by the North American Bonsai Federation (NABF) representing the World Bonsai Friendship Federation (WBFF), and it is sponsored by the American Bonsai Society, Bonsai Clubs International, National Bonsai Foundation, Potomac Bonsai Association and the U.S. National Arboretum.

Overview. The opening ceremonies will honor Saburo Kato of Japan and the late John Y. Naka of the United States for their outstanding contributions to the art of bonsai throughout the world. Drawing on an international constituency the four-day program will feature renowned speakers and workshop leaders from six continents as well as demonstrations by bonsai masters from around the world. Lectures on suiseki, scholar's rocks, bonsai pots, bonsai history, bonsai display and native species for bonsai will be presented by scholars from these fields of study. Workshops will be offered on bonsai, penjing and grass plantings and there will also be a very special workshop for children. There will also be ample opportunity to socialize with your fellow attendees with an opening reception on Saturday and a banquet on Monday.

Exhibitions. Exhibits of fine North American bonsai, outstanding viewing stones and exceptional new and collected bonsai containers will be on display for registrants as well as day visitors.

I.C. Su Antique Pot Exhibition at the Sackler Gallery. A very special exhibition of traditional Chinese pots will be on view at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution. The opening of the Sackler exhibition will coincide with the opening of the 5th WBC.

WBFF Bonsai Contest. The top 3 winners of the WBFF Bonsai Contest inaugurated by Japan Airlines will be announced at the U.S. National Arboretum Banquet (mentioned below), and the top 100 winning photos will on display during the 5th WBC at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. See separate feature in this issue on this Contest.

U.S. National Arboretum Banquet. On Sunday evening, the U.S. National Arboretum will host a fantastic evening banquet for the convention. Guests can tour the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum where the winning photos from the WBFF Bonsai Contest will be exhibited, and the winners of this contest will be announced during the course of the banquet program. And, of course, 150 specimens from our own collection of some of the finest bonsai and penjing in the world will be ready for your inspection!

Vendors. With nearly an acre of space for vendors the convention will tantalize convention registrants with unusual treasures as well as bonsai essentials.

Benefit Drawings. For those who like to play the odds and are looking for bargains a huge raffle and benefit auction will be held every day of the convention and many unique items will be offered for your bid.

Joshua Roth New Talent Contest. The Joshua Roth New Talent Contest will highlight the creativity of young artists and the work of the lucky winner will be shown.

"Bringing the World Together Through Bonsai" is our goal and it is our sincerest wish that everyone interested in the art of potted plants and viewing stones will join us for this very special occasion. For more information on the 5th WBC, please log onto www.bonsai-wbff.org/wbc5/main.htm or contact me at susticj@usna.ars.usda.gov or my Co-Chair, Glenn Reusch, at ghreusch@aol.com. I look forward to seeing you in May!