2021-2023 BCI Board Candidates

Dr. Sujata Bhat

Dr. Sujata Bhat is a Bonsai artist and teacher and has been in the field of Bonsai for the past 32 years.

Educational achievements

Sujata Bhat obtained a Master’s degree in Biochemistry (1982-1984) from the Bangalore University, Karnataka State, India and was a Gold Medalist in Chemistry.
She obtained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the field of Biochemistry (1985-1990) from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, and has several publications to her credit. During her PhD program she became well versed with handling various aspects of the computer which involved computer simulations relating to molecular modeling of proteins and other small molecules. She worked as a researcher and consultant till 1995 following which she became a full-time bonsai practitioner.

Achievements in the field of Bonsai

Sujata Bhat did her first Basic Bonsai training under the tutelage of Mrs. Santosh Arora in the year 1986, followed by an advanced training course in the year 1992.
She has done several training courses involving various techniques employed in Bonsai under Mr. Nikunj and Mrs. Jyoti Parekh, directors of the Bonsai Study Group of the Indo-Japanese Association, Mumbai.
She has been a Director in BCI since 2016.
She is also a committee member of the Indo-Japanese Association, Mumbai, an organization that promote Japanese culture in India and liaisons with Japanese companies in India.
Sujata Bhat has been part of the core Committee of the Bonsai Study Group of the Indo-Japanese Association since 2006.
She is also a part of the editorial team of the quarterly magazine ‘Nichin Bonsai’ published by the Bonsai Study Group of the Indo-Japanese Association and is actively involved in writing articles for the magazine.
She has given online demonstrations for her club for a pan-India audience.
She is also involved in promoting the group on various social media platforms and in various computer related activities such as preparation of presentations, videos etc.
She had undergone a certified teacher training course and is involved in training students with the basic knowledge of Bonsai. She has also given demonstrations and has conducted workshops in bonsai in different cities all over India. She has also assisted in demonstrations by Headliners in International Conventions the latest being at the BCI convention in Taiwan.
She has started a Bonsai training school for beginners and also conducts workshops as part of the activities of the Bonsai Study Group of the Indo-Japanese Association, thus contributing to the spread of the art of bonsai.
Sujata is a recipient of the BCI Artist, Writer and Photographer Award in 2017 for her excellent photographs that she has contributed for articles in BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine over the last few years. She has also contributed articles for the above magazine.

Other Interests

Sujata Bhat is also an Ikebana artist and teacher having been awarded the 2nd masters degree by the Ohara school of Ikebana, Japan. She is continuing her progress as a student of the Ohara school of Ikebana. She has also started teaching Ikebana to new students.
She is also an accomplished sitar (a traditional Indian classical music instrument) artist with several public performances to her credit.

陈昌 Chen Chang

陈昌，男，1946年生于广州番禺，荣誉博士，中国盆景艺术大师，BCI国际盆景大师，中国焊管领域权威专家，中国金属学会轧钢分会焊管学术委员会委员，现任中国风景园林学会花卉盆景赏石分会理事长、国际盆景协会（BCI）中国地区委员会主席、世界盆景友好联盟（WBFF）中国地区委员会主席、中国钢结构协会钢管分会副理事长、中国钢结构协会冷弯型钢分会副理事长、广州市书法协会名誉会长。先后荣获“中国优秀民营科技企业家”、“中国特色社会主义事业建设者”、“中国发明创业奖”、“全国优秀企业家”、“中国钢铁工业优秀科技工作者”、“广东省科技一等奖”、“广州市科技突出贡献奖”、“广东十大经济风云人物”、“全国劳动模范”、“世界杰出华人奖”、“中国乡镇企业30年功勋企业家”等荣誉及中共中央、国务院、中央军委共同颁发的庆祝中华人民共和国成立70周年纪念章。

Mr. Chen Chang, who was born in 1946 and grew up in Panyu District, Guangzhou City, is known as China Penjing Maestro, BCI Bonsai Instructor, leading expert and member of the academic committee on welded pipe. He was appointed to be the General Director of Flower Bonsai & Suiseki Branch of Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture, the Director of China Region of Bonsai Clubs International (BCI) and the Director of China Region of World Bonsai Friendship Federation, as well as Vice Chairman for the Sub-association for Cold Formed Steel industry and Sub-association for Steel Tube and Pipe Products, China Steel Construction Society, Honorary Chairman of Calligraphy Association of Guangzhou City. He owns lots of honors such as Honorary doctorate, Outstanding private science and technology entrepreneurs in China, A builder of socialism with Chinese characteristics, China Invention Entrepreneurship Award, National Excellent Entrepreneur, Excellent scientific and technological worker in China's iron and steel industry, First Prize of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou Science and Technology Outstanding Contribution Award, Guangdong Top Ten Economic Man, National Model Worker, World Outstanding Chinese Award, Meritorious Entrepreneur of China's Township Enterprises for 30 years, Souvenir Medal of 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

陈昌先生喜爱诗词歌赋，擅于书法，文学底蕴深厚。曾于第六届中国盆景学术研讨会发表论文《岭南盆景截干蓄枝探源》，于西蜀园林杂志发表《树王三叠冠》，引起盆景界重视；利用闲暇时间将创作盆景技巧及心得体会等整理结集成册，出版专著《盛景其昌·陈昌盆景艺术》，广获业界赞誉与好评。

Mr Chen Chang loves poetry, and he is good at calligraphy as well as his deep literary background. He has published the paper on "The Source of 'Clip and Grow' Technique in Bonsai of Lingnan Style" in the 6th academic seminar of Chinese Penjing. An article named "The tree that takes the crown three times" was published in Xishu Landscape Journal. Both of the papers were brought to the forefront of public attention of Chinese bonsai world. He made good use of his leisure time to make a book of his skills, feelings and experiences in penjing art. The book was named Shengjingqichang·Penjing art of Chen Chang and won wide recognition and praise.

陈昌先生精心研究、巧妙构思，以“树不惊人誓不休”和“理论结合实践”为理念创立了宝文园盆景园；园内盆景达5000多株，其管养团队理论基础扎实、创作理念先进、护养周到细致、写作能力强。园内作品斩获众多荣誉：首届、第二届《中国杯》全国盆景大赛全场总冠军、第十届粤·港·澳·台盆景艺术博览会总揽大会金奖前六名（1-6名）、2015年国际盆景大会暨亚太盆景赏石大会全场总冠军、第九届中国盆景展览暨首届国际盆景协会（BCI）中国地区盆景展览树王称号、2019年北京世园会盆景国际竞赛全场总冠军及最佳作品奖等。

By now Mr.Chen Chang's Baowen Garden has kept over 5000 trees. By Mr Chen’s careful study and clever conception, the garden was founded with the concept of "the creation is endless if the tree is not amazing " and "Combine theory with practice”. His maintenance team have a solid theoretical foundation, advanced creative ideas, thoughtful and meticulous care and strong writing ability. Many pieces of his works have displayed at major exhibitions, and has won a number of awards, such as Grand Champion of the first and second China Cup National Penjing competition, The best six Gold award of the 10th Canton, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Bonsai Art Fair, Grand Champion of International bonsai convention and Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention & Exhibition in 2015, Champion of China Penjing Exhibition and the first BCI China Group Bonsai Convention, Grand Champion and Best piece of 2019 International bonsai competition of World Horticultural Exposition in Beijing, and so on.

Piotr Czerniachowski

Piotr Czerniachowski was born in 1972 in Wałbrzych. One of the first bonsai creators in Poland. Owner of AKiNA Bonsai Centrum, founder of Bonsai Polska Club and leader of Sudety Bonsai Group. He has won many prestigious awards at home and abroad. He is a demonstrator of many foreign exhibitions, author of films and articles, participated in various television programs. In addition, Peter is a specialist in the design of oriental gardens. He was the first Pole invited by bonsai champion Salvatore Liporace to school at Studio Botanico in Milan in 2001, and the first Polish demonstrator at the largest exhibition in Europe, trophy 2021.

Mr. David De Groot

David De Groot is Curator Emeritus of the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way, Washington, United States, where he served as managing curator for 25 years. He is an award-winning designer and author, who has been studying and practicing bonsai since 1972.

His formal study in bonsai was with Yasuo Mitsuya at Tokai-en in Toyohashi, Japan, and in formal bonsai display with Uhaku Sudo. at Chikufu-en in Shimozuke, Japan.

His educational journal articles have been published throughout the U.S. and abroad, and he is author of the books Basic Bonsai Design and Principles of Bonsai Design

David travels widely to lecture, and has presented programs on five continents. He has served on the boards of directors for the Greater New Orleans Bonsai Society, the American Bonsai Society, and the Puget Sound Bonsai Association, and currently serves as Secretary for Bonsai Clubs International.

Mr. Les Dowdell

I started my first bonsai in 1974 and then helped to found the Bonsai Society of Edmonton in 1981. I have been the main instructor and president of the Society since the beginning. We used mainly local and native species as raw material for our trees. I now grow and train over 150 bonsai in my back yard. Since 1986 I have been teaching bonsai to members of the public at the regional botanic garden.
I have been a Director of Bonsai Clubs International from 2000 until 2014 when I took a break from the duties of being a Director. In 2016 I resumed my duties as Director. During my service as Director, I have attended a number of BCI conventions and events in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. By serving on various committees, I have tried to make positive contributions to the operation of BCI and look forward to assisting the organization in the future.

Mr. Frank Mihalic

1979 Frank Mihalic founded “Ichiban Publishing” a publishing company dedicated to bonsai related materials. He Wrote & Published “The art of Bonsai-CD ROM” (The FIRST CD on Bonsai in the World!), “The art of Bonsai-VHS Video & DVD”, “The art of Bonsai-Book”, “Bonsai Screen Saver Computer CD ROM”, “Bonsai Online Magazine-Internet Magazine & Back Issue CD ROM” (The FIRST internet Bonsai Magazine in the World!), “Bonsai for Kids-Children's Instructional Bonsai Book, in English, Spanish, French, & Japanese” (The FIRST Bonsai book for Children in the World!), “Bonsai for Kids– Computer CD ROM”( The FIRST CD on Bonsai for Children in the World!)

1999 & 2001 & 2006, Frank had his tree selected as one of the top one hundred Bonsai trees in the world. by Japan Airlines & the Nippon Bonsai Associations, BCI, WBFF, world wide Bonsai contest, held in Japan.
2000 Japan Airlines & the Nippon Bonsai Association, Awarded the Top One Hundred winners a copy of Franks Bonsai Book and CD ROM!
2000 Frank was the First and Only Foreigner to be awarded a Special Membership in the Cheju Bonsai Growers Association, In Cheju Korea !
2001 Frank founded the First Bonsai Magazine on the Internet. www.bonsaionlinemagazine.com
2004 Frank Published the FIRST Bonsai Book for Children “Bonsai For Kids”
2005 He published the FIRST computer CD ROM for Children “Bonsai for Kids”
2005 Frank Translated Bonsai for kids into Spanish “Bonsai Para Los Ninos”
2005 Frank was elected to the Board of Directors of American Bonsai Society (ABS)
2006 Bonsai for kids will be published in Japanese in Japan, and French in Europe.
2006 one of his trees was First runner up in the North American “John Naka Award “ Presented By the American Bonsai Society (ABS)
2006 one of his trees was First runner up in the World, in the Bonsai Clubs International & Centre’ sponsored, world wide contest in Italy.
2010 - 2021 Bonsai Clubs International (BCI) Board of Directors
2020 Bonsai for kids, published in German
2019 USA Ambassador to the ABFF
2018 USA Ambassador to the Shanghai Botanical garden
2019 one of my bronze sculptures was chosen to be in the Chinese Bonsai Museum

Ms Pauline F Muth

Experience in Bonsai Organization and activities:

40+ year member of Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society in the capital district area of New York State

On the Board of Directors of above society since 2nd year in club serving as

Director at large (2 years)
Secretary (1 year)
Newsletter Editor (15 years)
Program Chair (12 years)
Show Chair (20 years)
Vice President (8 years)
President (9 years)

On Board of Directors of Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies since 2001

Coordinator of speaker needs throughout membership until 2011
Chair for vendors and registration materials
Past President

On Board of Directors of American Bonsai Society (ABS)

(secretary) 2001 –05
Vice-president 2005-6 and
President 2007-2010)
Supervisor of ABS Book and Boutique Service 2004 -07
Chair person for ABS Learning Seminars 2006 In Saratoga Springs NY and 2007 in Virginia Beach VA Registrar and co chair for 2008 San Antonio and registrar for 2009 Boise, Chair for 2013 Saratoga Springs, Co Chair for 2014 Sacramento CA.
Current coordinator of Learning Seminars 2006 on
Chairperson Global Seminars in DC. 2020
Chairperson for ABS Seminars 2021-2024

On Board of Directors for Bonsai Clubs International (BCI) Corresponding secretary for 2002-8, Secretary 2008-2009, Executive Director 2009=2013, Treasurer 2013-2014. Received BCI’s Meritorious Service Award 2014. Currently on board to chair global seminars

Designed and set up bonsai displays at Capital District garden show for 20 years

Own and operate a bonsai teaching studio for 30 years See photographs on page 2

Frequent bonsai speaker at various garden and bonsai clubs and conventions

Contributing bonsai article writer for local newsletter and Bonsai On Line Magazine, and ABS Journal. Author of some bonsai books and keynote presentations.

Recipient of local, regional and international bonsai awards Non-Bonsai Experience

Mother of three great adults and grandmother of seven

As of June 2001 retired from 35 great years of teaching junior high school science.

Experienced in computer work of many types

Long time gardener

Bonsai Background

Began studies with a college background in botany
Studying, learning and practicing bonsai for 40+ years
Maintain a collection of hardy and non hardy trees set in a large garden
Attended numerous workshops and conferences
Traveled nationally and internationally teaching bonsai
Spreading the joy of bonsai whenever I get the chance

Vaclav Novak

Václav Novák

Václav Novák was born on the 27th January 1952. He completed his studies at the technical college (subject of study-water transport). After finishing school he worked as machine operator on boat on Labe river. Then he worked in the glass factory in Libochovice and later on the boat again. In 1990 he established Bonsai centrum in his native town Libochovice. He and his partner Karel Kalouš were setting up gardens, carrying on nursery and, of course, growing bonsai. Since 1999 he devoted himself only to bonsai growing. He organizes seminaries, demos and exhibits his bonsai trees in Czech republic and abroad (for example: in England, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, Slowakia, Mexico, South Afric, Brazil, USA, Vietnam, China etc.).

His interest in bonsai growing arose after the lecture of Mr. Hideo Kato (Japan) which was held in Prague in 1982. At first bonsai growing was only his hobby but later it became also his job. He is also co-founder of Bonsai Club Libochovice. It was founded in 1990. The Czech Bonsai Association was founded in 1997on his initiative. He was elected its president on the establishing convention of CBA. CBA was accepted 1998 into EBA. CBA was charged with the arranging of the 19. EBA-ESA congress in 2003. This congress was held in Jihlava.
In May 2004 in of 20th EBA Congress in San Marino was elected as EBA board member as technical adviser. He is BCI instructor now.

officers Bhavna Shah

Ms Bhavna Shah

Bhavna Shah is a passionate bonsai artist and ornamental plant stylist  who is driven by her quest for learning and creative innovation. Over the last 34 years, her journey in the world of bonsai has seen several milestones. She believes in holistic living and making the most of each day.

Bonsai Expertise

Training and experience in the art of bonsai since the past 34 years
Committee board member of Bonsai Study Group of Indo Japanese Association
Member of the Bonsai Study Group since 24 years
Bonsai basic and Advance course
Bonsai teacher’s training course
Founder of the bonsai & ornamental plants retail brand, Green Ivy
Successful participation at the Indian Merchant’s Chamber annual exhibitions 2016 & 2017 [under the brand Green Ivy]

Gardening Expertise

Gardening & landscaping course
Penjing - wall mural course
Participated in Manoj Kumar workshop
Promoter of the concept ‘gift a plant’
Stylist of indoor plants specializing in colourful arrangements

Skills & Interests

Culinary Specialization & Baking
Completed several cooking courses across varied international cuisines as well as bread making/baking.
Spirituality
Foundation course in Access Consciousness, spiritual healing and several other courses within this school of thought
Music
Pursuing vocal training in Indian classical music at the Shagota Academy

Hobbies

Travel
Trekking
Yoga
Cooking

Educational Status

Bachelors of Commerce, Sydenham College

officers Roger Snipes

Roger Snipes

Spokane, Washington, USA

Roger has been actively involved with bonsai for over 30 years. He is a founding member, past President and current Treasurer of the Inland Empire Bonsai Society in Spokane, Washington. Roger is also the current BCI Treasurer and the current Treasurer of the Pacific Northwest Bonsai Clubs Association (PNBCA) as well as being a past PNBCA Regional Director. He has organized two successful regional PNBCA Bonsai Conventions, serving as Convention Chairman for both. Roger maintains a large personal bonsai collection, and has exhibited his trees at regional bonsai conventions, the National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, New York, and at the Artisan’s Cup in Portland, Oregon. Professionally Roger worked in the construction industry as an accountant for over 35 years, and is presently retired.

officers Helen Su

Helen Su

Present:

Collector’s Choice, General Manager (Importer for Whisky, Cognac and Wine)
Bonsai Clubs International, 1st Vice President

Education:
Chinese Culture University, College of Arts, Master Degree

Experience in Bonsai and Stone Art:
1999 The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bonsai, Stone and Pots Expo, Organizer
2004 International Bonsai and Stone Exhibition (BCI, Taiwan) Executive Office
2005 Washington Sackler Art Museum Antique Pots Exhibition, Coordinator
2010 InternationalBonsai Expo, Executive Committee, Deputy Secretary

Experience in Art:
Member of “Post-Cubist” Painters
Member of Shamao Mountain Art Association
National Palace Museum Taipei, Volunteer Tour Guide for 12 years.

Sae Won Kim

Sae Won, Kim

• born-1952

• major-floriculture, A master's degree

• teaching genetics, bonsai, floriculture, wild flower, indoor landscape at university from 1979-1997

• succeed father's bonsai business from 1988, and started to export bonsai from 1989 till now.

• export bonsai to Europe (U.K, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, Swiss, Czech etc) Japan and Taiwan

• former chairman of Korea Shohin Bonsai Association

• former chairman of Asia pacific Bonsai Friendship Federation

• president of Sun You Won

• vice president of Korea Bonsai Growers Cooperative

• director of World Bonsai Friendship Federation

• international consultant of Shanghai Botanical Garden

• international consultant of Penjing branch of China Flower Association

• international activity

-honorary ambassador of Shanghai Botanical Garden

-international consultant of Goyang international flower foundation

-international consultant of 2015 BCI Guangzhou

-international consultant of 2017 BCI Taiwan

-chairman of organizing committee of 2017 ABFF Exhibition and Convention Korea

• book-6 volumes

-5 volumes are for bonsai

-1 volume is for wild orchid