About BCI Magazine

About BCI Magazine

Digital Magazine

A digital version of BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation magazine is available with all paid membership plans. The magazine can be viewed online in a Flip Book format by logging in to your account. 

Members can also request a link to download a PDF version for viewing offline.

An Online membership plan is available for members who do not wish to pay the additional costs of printing and mailing.

Online issues starting with Q1 2011 are available to all members with a subscription.

Print Magazine

Our full color Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine, published quarterly, contains illustrated articles written by leading specialists informing you about current activities, techniques, and news from throughout the world. Learn about public and private collections of stones and trees, upcoming BCI conventions, tours, and more in each issue. The printed magazine is mailed to all members except Online Members and Registered Guests.

Past issues starting with Q1 2011 are available for all members with a subscription to view online.

Past issues of the printed magazines are also available to purchase. Check with the BCI Business Office for availability.

Compare Membership Plans

 

Advertising Rates

 

BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine is the official publication of BONSAI CLUBS INTERNATIONAL.
The first English language periodical on the art of bonsai, BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine is featured in BCI Member Club libraries around the world, enjoys a large individual membership and can get your message to a receptive international bonsai audience. 

 

Display Advertising Rates
Ad Dimensions In Inches
Black & White
Black + one color
Full Color
Horizontal
Vertical
1/8 Page
$ 60
$ 70
$ 80
3.625 x 2.375
n/a
1/6 Page
$ 70
$ 85
$100
3.625 x 3.125
2.375 x 4.875
1/4 Page
$100
$120
$140
7.5 x 2.375
3.625 x 4.875
1/3 Page
$130
$155
$180
7.5 x 3.125
2.375 x 10
1/2 Page
$175
$200
$230
7.5 x 5
3.625 x 10
Full Page
$300
$335
$370
n/a
8.5 x 11
Inside Front Cover
n/a
$405
$450
n/a
8.5 x 11
Back Inside Cover
n/a
$360
$400
n/a
8.5 x 11
Back Cover
n/a
$405
$450
n/a
8.5 x 11

Add 1/8th inch to all edges of full page ads. Keep critical information or images at least half inch from all edges.

 

Contractual Prepaid Discounts:

Run 3 x in year  10%
Run 4 x in year  15%

 

Closing Dates:

Issue

Deadline

Q1  (J/F/M) December 1
Q2 (A/M/J) March 1 
Q3 (J/A/S) June 1
Q4 (O/N/D) September 1

 

For Information, Space Reservations and to Send ready to print ad files:
Joe Grande, editor
Bonsai and Stone Appreciation Magazine
41110 MUN 53 N, Ste. Genevieve, MB, R5J 0B3 Canada
Send an Email


Send Payments to:
Larry Stephan,
Business Manager
BCI Business Office

P.O.Box 639
Prospect Heights, IL 60070-0639 USA

Send an Email

 

Click below to download the Advertising Contract that you can fill in and send to us.

 

Advertising Contract and ad specifications in PDF

BCI Invites Authors

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Authors who wish to help BCI in our mandate to promote bonsai and stone appreciation everywhere, are invited to submit articles to the magazine.

Subjects vary from reports on tours, exhibits and conventions; stories on people and collections; reviews of books and films, and write-ups of interest to our readers for the news section. Feature articles cover specific subjects on bonsai and viewing stones such as how-to articles, case studies on trees and stones, commentary, interviews and more.

Digital images must be provided at 300 dpi resolution for an 8 x 5 inch size minimum. JPG or TIF files are acceptable, so are Camera Raw files.

The Magazine reserves the right to edit all materials accepted for publication. Articles requiring extensive editing will be returned to the author with suggestions from the editorial staff. Manuscripts, drawings and photographs, with clearly identified captions for photos and drawings, should be provided in digital format, on disk, or by email. Files too large to email, can be sent by Drop Box, We Transfer, Hightail or similar services.

If authors prefer to submit an outline or describe the scope of the proposed article before investing the time to write the full article, we can provide some preliminary comments and suggestions.

Articles are edited for grammar and spelling. In consideration of our readers around the world, authors are requested to avoid slang or colloquialisms that are difficult to translate from English using electronic translators.

Authors are requested not to submit articles simultaneously to other publications.

 

Ask the editorial staff a question or propose an article.

 

BCI Directors volunteer their services to serve on the Editorial Committee.
Contact the committee chair for volunteer opportunities.

 

Chen Chang (Chair)

China

Send a message

Glenis Bebb

Australia

Send a message

Sujata Bhat (Education)

India

Send a message

Joe Grande (Editor)

Canada

Send a message

Les Dowdell (Secretary)

Canada

Send a message

Massimo Bandera

Italy

Send a message

Digital Magazine

 

A digital version of BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation magazine is available with all paid membership plans. The magazine can be viewed online in a Flip Book format by logging in to your account. 

A Online membership plan is available for members who do not wish to pay the additional costs of printing and mailing.

Online issues starting with Q1 2011 are also available to members with a subscription.

 

Compare Membership Plans

 

Click the images to view the magazines in Flip Book format.
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2011-Q3
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2011-Q4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FREE PREVIEW OF BCI BONSAI & STONE APPRECIATION MAGAZINE: 

1Click here to view the magazine in Flip Book format.

 
BCI's Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine is a glossy, full color quarterly publication with an international focus. 
 
Articles cover many subjects from important international and national conferences, tours and exhibits to showcasing the work and collections of noted artists and collectors. We strive to inform and educate our readers with articles that expand and enrich our knowledge of bonsai, penjing, viewing stones, bonsai pottery, companion plants, formal presentation of trees and stones, and much more. Book reviews, News and Events help our readers stay in touch with the international world of bonsai and related arts. 
 
Members are invited to submit articles and photos on any subject our readers may find of interest. Learn how bonsai enthusiasts adapt the art of bonsai to local growing conditions and the many different species they use to create beautiful bonsai. Stone collectors are exposed to the many different cultures that appreciate stones, their history, their aesthetic and the places where beautiful viewing stones can be found.
 
The magazine is also available in electronic format for members who enjoy reading magazines online and don't want to wait for the mail.
 
Join your fellow bonsai and stone enthusiasts by joining BCI today to get your Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine.
 
 
View Magazine Previews

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Message from the Editor

The true beauty of bonsai as an industry, is that it attracts hobbyists, artists and professionals alike. It attracts not only those who areinterested in plants, but also people who pursue collateral hobbies and artforms such as viewing stones, pottery and carpentry. It attracts people from many different parts of the world and from every walk of life.

While some of these pursuits require solitary work,there is a huge social component to Bonsai and Stone appreciation. It is at the annual exhibit, expo or convention, where bonsai hermits become social, gregarious, fun-loving people eager to share their experiences with one another.

These events, made possible by volunteer organizers and workers, allow many of us to exhibit our work and enjoy a moment of recognition for a tree or stone we proudly present. Whether the event is a local club show or an international convention that attracts the best of the best, this issue is a celebration of the exhibits and conventions that feature the bestwork of hobbyists and artists.

The 8th World Bonsai Convention, the prestigious quadrennial organized by WBFF (World Bonsai Friendship Federation),exceeded all expectations.

If you weren’t there, we have three reports for you. Nikunj Parekh, Jyoti Parekh and Sujata Bhat report on the convention and present some of the bonsaion exhibit. Gudrun Benz reports on the Nippon Suiseki Association’sviewing stones exhibit held at the same time. For Alan Jabsfrom Australia, the convention was the highlight of his once-in-a-lifetime tour of Japan. I think you’ll enjoy his point of view and enthusiasm.

BCI Director Massimo Bandera, devoted supporter of BCI, faithfully awards the BCI Excellence Awards at the preeminent Arcobonsai and Arcofiori in Italy where this award has become a tradition. Gudrun Benz s report on the 2017 Bonsai Triennale an event staged by Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic is a great example of how many countries are creating world quality bonsai and viewing stones. As a BCI Director, she too awards BCI Excellence medals to deserving artists.

Budi Sulistyo, BCI Director, was invited to demonstrate at the 2017 ABS Convention hosted by the Bonsai Societies of Florida. ABS (American Bonsai Society) is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the quality of trees exhibited by their members is proof of this organization s success in promoting bonsai in the USA. Our most northerly event was held on the Laurentian Plateau where there are just a scant 114 days to the growing season. Organized by four societies in Quebec and one in Ontario to display their best, Joan Greenway went there to represent BCI and report on the event. Joan s article includes husband Brian s expert photos.

Our BCI Member Spotlight, presented by BCI Director IS Ng, is on Chee Peng Tan who successfully cultivates ancient-looking bonsai in a matter of years. Speaking of a short bonsai time frame, be sure to read how Budi Sulistyo transforms a Bucida spinosa to make it his own creation.

Joe Grande, Canada (editor@bonsai-bci.com)Zoom outComment on specific areas

 

Message from the Editor

 

mag 2025Q2 cover 360

About Q2 2025

As we explore the ever-evolving world of bonsai and suiseki, this issue takes us on a journey that highlights tradition, innovation, and the growing global exchange of ideas. In particular, we turn our attention to South America, where bonsai artistry is flourishing in unique and exciting ways.

Brazil stands out in this issue, offering a glimpse into its dynamic bonsai culture. Carlos Tramujas introduces us to Bonsai do Campo, showcasing its scope of products, services and forward-looking vision in producing high-quality plants at affordable prices. Meanwhile, Marcelo Gallep presents the smallest bonsai in Brazil, proving that artistry knows no size limits, even if it means acquiring micro bonsai tools. Check out the QR codes that link to his provocative videos! Across continents, bonsai remains a practice of patience and passion, and the voices from South America enrich our understanding of its evolution worldwide.

In Europe, The Trophy 2025 in Belgium marks a milestone, celebrating its Silver Jubilee with an ever-evolving standard of excellence. Christian Vos, Public Relation Manager, BAB. (Bonsai Association Belgium) reports on the exhibit and Gudrun Benz writes about her passion: the outstanding suiseki display at The Trophy.

In the Second Edition of the Kifu Bonsai Awards, Gaetano Conte guides us through the competition’s highlights, introducing the Super Jury, award categories, and winners.

From Taiwan, Min Hsuan Lo and Andrew Lo share the poetic beauty of Severinia buxifolia, reflecting on the pursuit of beauty, experimentation, and the joy of bonsai—a passion that continues to unite people worldwide.

Marco Mei, a recent BCI Life Member, meditates on the Breath of Leaves with his love of words, reminding us that bonsai is about aesthetics, endurance, creation, and harmony with nature.

In an exclusive interview, BCI Contributing Editor and Director Massimo Bandera speaks with Emanuele Cappellano about his deeply personal journey in cultivating a bonsai forest from seed—a story of patience, growth, and connection.

This issue also brings comparative perspectives, with Budi Sulistyo and José L. Rodriguez Macias discussing the differences between ASPAC and ABFF, while Sebastiano Villante traces the journey of an Olea europaea from collection to exhibition. In every story, we see bonsai as a bridge between cultures, generations, and artistic interpretations.

We conclude with a review of Bonsai Empire’s Kimura Techniques Masterclass 2, which showcases Kimura’s extraordinary ability to transform massive trees through extreme bending, radical redesign, and intricate refinement.

Wherever you are in your bonsai journey, we hope these stories inspire you to grow, learn, and connect—perhaps even looking southward for fresh perspectives.

—Joe Grande, Canada

 

 

Print Magazine

 

Our full color Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine, published quarterly, contains illustrated articles written by leading specialists informing you about current activities, techniques, and news from throughout the world. Learn about public and private collections of stones and trees, upcoming BCI conventions, tours, and other benefits in each issue. The printed magazine is mailed to all members except Online Members and Registered Guests.

A digital version of BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation magazine is available with all paid membership plans. The magazine can be viewed online in a Flip Book format by logging in to your account. Once logged in, you can also download a PDF version for viewing offline.

Past issues starting with Q1 2011 are also available for members with a subscription to view online.

Past issues of the printed magazines are also available to purchase. Check with the BCI Business Office for availability.

 

Compare Membership Plans