2011 ABS/BCI LEARNING SEMINAR

[catalystman]

June 16 – June 19, 2011 is the date of “Bonsai in the Bluegrass” – 4 days in which bonsai and suiseki masters will come together to give demonstrations, lectures and workshops on all aspects of the hobby.

Some highlights are:

Ryan Neil will hold a workshop using personally collected Rocky Mountain Junipers. In this all day workshop, the main focus will be in establishing a proper branch framework on which to build a tree that will only improve with time. In Ryan’s unique style each Participants’ trees will be dealt with one at a time from start to finish in front of the class with everyone having multiple opportunities to help so that all participants are exposed to a variety of styling situations and can learn how to properly deal with them.

Ryan will also hold a moderated discussion on the future of bonsai in the United States - Based on Ryan's lengthy experience working within the Japanese bonsai world, he will hold an interactive seminar to discuss where the US bonsai hobby is headed. He will present his beliefs on both the wrong and right way to develop the US bonsai culture.

Doug Philips (Kentucky) holds two workshops using collected olives then gives a presentation on a technique he developed using a wire frame to make sumo bonsai.

Chiara Padrini (Italy) will hold 4 sessions on Suiseki, covering the basics of classifications, collection, stones from around the world, and will critique stones brought into one of the sessions.

In Min Hsuan Lo’s (Taiwan) sessions, he will discuss development of his personal “Lo Style” of rapid development of trees, and hold a workshop using these techniques to design a raw shimpaku into a promising bonsai.

Dr. Enrique Castano (Mexico) discusses the various aspects of plant botany and physiology. Want to learn how a plant “operates”, these are the sessions to take.

Boon Manakitivipart (California) shares his knowledge on repotting, Japanese black pines, azaleas, and Japanese Maples.

With 30+ years in bonsai, Jim Doyle (Pennsylvania) has sessions on maples, collecting trees, philosophy of literati style, and Japanese Gardens

Bill Valavanis (New York) will conduct workshops on deciduous, evergreen, flowering and forest style shohin bonsai.

Rob Kempinski (Florida) has a workshop on making your own exhibit stand, photographing trees, Japanese black pines, and will hold a mini study group

Ed Trout (Florida) has two sessions on weeping style bonsai, and two on tropical style shohin bonsai
John Thompson (California) covers both beginning and advanced wiring techniques, styling techniques and a session titled ‘soil, fertilizing and watering’

Andy Smith (South Dakota) discusses the environmental effects on tree growth, and then holds three workshops using trees he personally collected – read 50+ year old trees.

Martin Schmalenberg gives us his techniques on rock planting and root over rock, then using his artistic talents has a dual session on how to develop a bonsai design eye

Jonathan Maples (Utah) will hold a full day workshop on making your own scrolls. This is a one of a kind workshop and a first for ABS/BCI seminars.

In addition, there will be a juried bonsai and suiseki exhibit with a first prize of $500, two demonstrations, vendors, vendors and vendors, raffles, auctions, and silent auctions. Included in the registration package are two lunches and two dinners.

Complete details can be found at http://www.bonsaiinthebluegrass.com.

Come join us in this feature packed learning experience and enjoy some southern hospitality!

[centaura]

I just want to put a note out there that the Louisville folks did a FANTASTIC job of hosting the ABS/BCI Learning Seminar. Many kudos to everyone who worked the make the event a success.

-Cat

[ED TROUT]

I also would like to thank the Louisville folks, and congratulate everyone involved for putting on such a wonderful event . I had a great time, saw some old friends, met some new ones, saw some incredible trees, and also learned a few things ! That's what it's all about.

Ed Trout