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BCI Photo Contest

Each year, BCI sponsors a photograph contest for its members. All the photographs of the winning trees and stones are featured in the magazine and on the website. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your photos seen by a vast, appreciative audience. You must be a BCI member to enter. Entry criteria are available in our magazine and website. Join, enter and win!

Bonsai Stone & Appreciation Magazine

Membership includes subscription to our full color Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine. Published quarterly, it contains illustrated articles written by leading specialists informing you about current activities, techniques, and news from throughout the world. Learn of the upcoming BCI conventions, tours, and other benefits in each issue. Members have the choice of receiving a printed magazine or viewing it on line via our Members Only section of our website
 
https://www.bonsai-bci.com/images/mod_home/BCI-icon-events.png

BCI Convention & Tours

A major international convention is sponsored each year by BCI (Bonsai Clubs International) and the local host club. Conventions attract some of the best talent in tree styling and stone appreciation worldwide. Participants have the opportunity to learn from these artists and interact with people with shared interests. Visit different countries and participate in the conventions and tours while you learn. Combined with each convention are tours visiting spectacular sights, beautiful and historic venues, including China, Europe, Australia and the U.S. You get the opportunity to see some of the finest collections of trees and stones, public and private. Let BCI handle your bonsai travel tour.

BCI Awards

For over thirty years, BCI has recognized outstanding achievers and contributors to the world of bonsai and stone appreciation. Annual worldwide awards given to individuals by Bonsai Clubs International include the Artist, Writer and Photographer Award, and the Distinguished Service Award. More recently, BCI initiated a new level of awards, the Award of Excellence medal that is given by individual BCI board members. Presented primarily at local and regional meetings and exhibitions, they serve to recognize emerging talent, and excellent trees and stones.

Annual Meetings

 

BCI Board Members are volunteers and attend the Annual Meeting, usually held in conjunction with the BCI Annual Convention at their own expense. To ensure adequate representation by Board Members who cannot travel to distant conventions, regional meetings are held in various locations to allow their participation in the governance of BCI.

The minutes of the AGM (Annual General Meeting) are available by request. A summary of the business conducted at these meetings and decisions taken, are reported to the general membership periodically.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the BCI Board?

 

 

Go to the About BCI/Officers page for contact information.

 

Here are the supplementary committee groups and the individuals contributing to sustaining operations at BCI.

 

Finance Committee

Nominating Committee

Instructors Register

Promotions

Contracts & By-Laws 

Chen Chang (Ex-Officio)

China

Send a message

Roger Snipes (Chair)

USA

Send a message

Glenis Bebb (Chair)

Australia

Send a message

Sujata Bhat

India

Send a message

Min Hsuan Lo

Taiwan

Send a message

Les Dowdell (Secretary)

Canada

Send a message

Glenis Bebb

Australia

Send a message

Les Dowdell (Secretary)

Canada

Send a message

Helen Su

Taiwan 

Send a message

Bonnie Moore

Canada

Send a message

Vic Ceballos 

Philippines

Send a message

Min Hsuan Lo

Taiwan

Send a message

Helen Su

Taiwan 

Send a message

Min Hsuan Lo

Taiwan

Send a message

Sujata Bhat

India

Send a message

Glenis Bebb

Australia

Send a message

Sujata Bhat

India

Send a message

Sujata Bhat

India

Send a message

Budi Sulistyo

Indonesia

Send a message

Susan Lee

Philippines

Send a message

Min Hsuan Lo

Taiwan

Send a message

Larry Stephan

USA

Send a message

Massimo Bandera

Italy

Send a message

Glenis Bebb

Australia

Send a message

Larry Stephan

USA

Send a message

Sujata Bhat

India

Send a message

BCI Bylaws

 

BCI is governed according to the bylaws that are reviewed annually and revised as necessary to reflect changes and improvements to the way BCI is managed. 

If you are interested in reading the complete BCI Bylaws, they are available in PDF format that can be downloaded or read online by using the link below.

 

BCI Bylaws PDF

 

 

2016-2018 Candidates

Gudrun Benz

Gudrun Benz was born in 1940. She studied languages, Russian and French
at Heidelberg, Germany and Lyon, France. She worked as a teacher in a
secondary school for 25 years.
Already in the 1980 decade she is occupied with bonsai, and since the early
1990 decade with suiseki. She shared the love for both forms of art with her husband Willi and supported him in writing his books and articles on these subjects.
Together with Willi they extensively travelled around China and Japan to
learn about stone appreciation and bonsai/penjing. Gudrun and Willi
attended/participated in numerous conventions in Europe, Asia and America.
Gudrun Benz is a member of the German Suiseki Society board since 1993
and of the European Suiseki Association since 1994. She is editor of the newsletter of the German Suiseki Society and member of the editorial committee of the European Suiseki Association.  

She received a Certificate of Honor and was nominated as Penjing Ambassador of China Penjing Artists Association in September 2013.
Presently she is vice president of the German Suiseki Society and ambassador for Asian countries of the Bonsai Club Germany.

 

Sujata Bhat

Dr. Sujata Bhat is a Bonsai artist and teacher and has been in the field of Bonsai for the past 30 years.

Educational achievements

Sujata Bhat obtained her Master’s Degree in Biochemistry (1982-1984) from the Bangalore University, Karnataka State and was a Gold Medalist in Chemistry.

She obtained the degree of Doctorate 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 enthusiast.

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.

Sujata Bhat has been part of the 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 is also involved in promoting the group on various social media platforms and in various computer related activities such as preparation of presentations etc.

She had undergone a certified teachers 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.

Other Interests

SujataBhat is also an Ikebana artist and teacher having completed the 3rd Term Masters exam from the Ohara school of Ikebana, Japan.

She is also an accomplished sitar (a traditional Indian classical music instrument) artist with several public performances to her credit.

 

Poncevic M. Ceballos

Attorney-at-Law

Curriculum Vitae

FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION

Corporate

Litigation

Labor

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Laws, 1983

Ateneo de Manila School of Law, Makati, Metro Manila

Bachelor of Arts, major: History and Political Science, 1979

De la Salle College, Manila

Secondary, 1975

Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila

Grade School, 1971

San Beda College, Manila

CAREER EXPERIENCES

Professor:

1990-Present           Ateneo de Manila School of Law, Makati City

2010-2011           Liceo Law, Cagayan de Oro City

2011-12           Philippine Christian University Law School

           

Subjects taught: Corporate Practice; Corporation Law; Legal Forms; Proceedings; Provisional Remedies; Evidence; Remedial Law Review; Transportation Law; Intellectual Property Law; Corporate Practice; Commercial Law Review; Negotiable Instruments Law

Dean 2010-2011           

Liceo Law, Cagayan de Oro City

Associate Dean 2012-present           

Philippine Christian University

Pre-Bar Reviewer and Special Lecturer:

Ateneo School of Law

Aklan Catholic College

University of the East

Philippine Christian University

Lex Magnificus Bar Review Center (Cagayan De Oro, Naga)

University of the Philippines, College of Law

Lyceum of the Philippines

University of Cebu

University of Hong Kong

MCLE Lecturer

MCLE Providers: Ateneo School of Law, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, MORE Center for Legal Excellence Inc., Alternative Law Group

Topics on: Remedial Law, Legal Forms and Legal Writing, Legal Ethics

                       

Recipient of three (3) professorial chairs administered by the Ateneo School of Law

 

Managing Partner: 1995 to present, Ceballos Law Firm

Senior Partner: 1994-1995, Escueta Tan Acut and Madrid Law Offices

President, Ceballos Bar Trends, Inc. -mock bar exams provider in the following centers or venues:

University of the Philippines Law Center

San Beda College, College of Law

University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Civil Law

Philippine Christian University, College of Law

President (incumbent):

Bohol Enterprises, Inc.

Ceballos Iceworks, Inc.

Angels and Lemons Bistro Inc.

Baesa Summit Holdings, Inc.

Nikapro Realty, Inc.

Banahaw Solid Rock Corporation

Stars Trucks Logistics Corp.

(Past) Corporate Secretary and General Counsel           

Philippine Carpet Manufacturing Corp.

Capital Garments Corporation

PLLIM Investment, Inc.

P. L. Lim, Inc.

Peggy Mills, Inc.

Filsyn Techo-Systems Corp.

Universal Far East Corp.

Chemical Fibers Association, Inc.

Lipave Management Corp.

Philippine Woolen Spinning Corp.

John Nelson and Associates, Philippines, Inc.

Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc.

(Past) Assistant Corporate Secretary and General Counsel

Filsyn Corporation

Manila Peninsula Hotel, Inc.

(Past) Confidential Attorney, 1984

Office of Justice Juvenal K. Guerrero

Supreme Court of the Philippines           

(Past) Director

Luzon Apparel Corporation

Trans-Pacific Oriental Holding Co., Inc.

Trans-Pizza Vest Corp.

John Nelson and Associates Philippines, Inc.

Bohol Enterprises, Inc.

Legal Counsel

Dispophil, Inc.

Vazquez Group of Companies

DKG Corp.

DK Management Services Corp.

V8 Commercial Co., Inc.

Blooming Fields (Phils.) Inc.

Blooming Farms (Phils.) Inc.

Liceo de Cagayan de Oro University, Inc.

First Philippine Holdings Corp.

PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Married to Leila G. Capino with four (4) children, namely: Poncevic Jr., Robert Joseph, Katrina Abigail and Nicole Victoria.

Bonsai Artist, Lecturer and International Show Judge and president of Philippine Bonsai Society Inc. for ten (10) years

International Director, Bonsai Clubs International (incumbent)

 

Chen Chang

Mr. Chen Chang, the Chairman & CEO of Panyu Chu Kong Steel Pipe Co. Ltd., began his Penjing creation life since early 1960s. Mr. Chen has a special liking of Penjing. In his free time, Mr. Chen works on his trees with wholeheartedness to improve his techniques, and has published a paper on “The Source of ‘Clip and Grow’ Technique in Bonsai of Lingnan Style” in the 6th academic seminar of Chinese Penjing. By now, Mr. Chen Chang’s Jinlong Garden owns over 3,000 tress, many pieces of his works have displayed at major exhibitions, and has won a number of awards, such as the China Treasure Award of the 7th World Bonsai Friendship Federation Convention and the 12th Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention & Exhibition. For Mr. Chen’s great contributions, he was invited to serve on the board of directors of many Penjing organizations, and was appointed to be the General Director of Flower Bonsai & Suiseki Branch of Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture, the Vice-Chairman for the China Region of Bonsai Clubs International (BCI) and the Chairman for the China Region of World Bonsai Friendship Federation.

 

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. During that period I have attended a number of BCI conventions and events in various countries. I have tried to make positive contributions to the operation of BCI and look forward to assisting the organization in the future.

 

Frank J. Mihalic

Besides growing up under his father’s watchful eye and guidance for the last 51 years, He has traveled to the Far East over 25 times, working with many Bonsai Masters and Growers around the world. Refining and honing my skills, and learning new techniques and importing bonsai trees to the USA. Frank and his father Tony are co-owners of Wildwood (Bonsai) Gardens in Chardon, Ohio, USA www.wildwoodgardens.com

His father Tony Mihalic started in bonsai in 1946. He is one of pioneers of Bonsai in the USA. Tony is best known for his expertise in the forest planting and rock-planting style of bonsai in the USA. They were just featured in a book “Bonsai School” by Craig Cousins from Scotland this book was printed in 2004 in the UK & USA. Frank was just featured in Craig Cousins newest book that came out in 2007 “Bonsai Workshop” in the USA. Frank has written many Bonsai articles published worldwide, too numerous to mention.

Frank started teaching Bonsai in 1979 at Lakeland College and at their nursery Wildwood Gardens. Since there was not a good Bonsai Beginners book in the USA, he wrote his first Bonsai Beginners book “The Art of Bonsai- Made Easy” in 1979. This book has been used for his classes ever since.

In 1979 he started a small publishing Company “Ichiban Publishing”,   www.ichibanpublishing.com . This company was founded to publish Bonsai Instructional materials to further the knowledge and interest of Bonsai worldwide.

1979 He wrote & published “The Art of Bonsai –Made Easy” Bonsai Book, NOW in its 10th edition

1982 He wrote & published “The Art of Bonsai” VHS Video & in 2003 converted it into a DVD

1984 He wrote & published “The Art of Bonsai” Instructional computer CD ROM, Version 1.4

(The 1st Bonsai CD Rom in the world!) (Ver. 2.5 in the fall 2007)

2000 Japan Airlines & the Nippon Bonsai Association, Awarded their top 100 contest winners in the world a copy of Franks Bonsai Book “The Art of Bonsai” and a copy of his Bonsai Computer CD Rom.

2000 Frank was the 1st foreigner to be awarded a Special Membership into the Cheju Bonsai Association in Cheju, Korea.

2001 He founded & published “Bonsai Online Magazine” (The 1st Internet Bonsai magazine in the world!) He still continues as the publisher (for 10 years)

2004 He wrote & published “Bonsai for Kids” (The 1st Bonsai book for kids in the world!)

(Spanish version in 2005, French, Italian & Japanese in the summer of 2007)

2005 He wrote & published “Bonsai for Kids” Computer instructional CD Rom (The 1st Bonsai CD ROM for kids in the world!)

2005 Elected, 2009 re-elected to the Board of Directors of the American Bonsai Society ABS, in the USA

2006 Elected, 2010 re-elected 2014 re-elected to the Board of Directors of Bonsai Clubs International BCI

2007 Frank and excerpts of his book “Bonsai for Kids”, were featured in multiple issues of Bonsai World Magazine in Japan in preparation of the Japanese version coming out in the fall of 2007. This will be the 1st Bonsai book to be printed in Japan in Japanese (2007) by a non-Japanese author.

Member of the:           

Great Lakes Bonsai Club (Erie, PA),

Ohio Great Lakes Bonsai Club (Chardon, OH), Midwest Bonsai Society (Chicago, IL)

American Bonsai Society (USA) ABS, Bonsai Clubs International (Worldwide) BCI

Golden State Bonsai Federation (California) GSBF, Cheju Bonsai Growers Association (Cheju, Korea), and many more.

Three times had one of his Bonsai Tree’s in the top 100 in the world, in the Japanese World Bonsai Contest www.worldbonsaicontest.com (1999, 2003, 2006)

1st Runner up in the Worldwide Bonsai Contest BCI/Centre’- Italy 2006, (Honorable Mention 2003,)

www.bonsai-bci.com

1st Runner up in the John Naka (Best Bonsai in North America)Contest ABS in (2006)

www.absbonsai.org

 

Nikunj S. Parekh

Nikunj S. Parekh is a Bonsai Artist and teacher of this venerable Oriental Art for more than 35 years. He is Co-founder and Director of Bonsai Study Group of The Indo-Japanese Association, Mumbai, which is one of the largest and most active body of Bonsai lovers, hobbyists with 23 chapters affiliated across India and one chapter in Muscat, Oman.

Since 1989, he is founder, Chairman Emeritus of Bonsai Friendship Federation of India and a Director of World Bonsai Friendship Federation. He is also a director of the largest non-profit organization, Bonsai Clubs International, USA since the year 2000.

He is actively involved with multiple Bonsai Events in India since 1979. He has participated in many International and World level Bonsai Conventions in Japan, China, Taiwan, USA, Europe, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Sultanate of Oman, Kenya, Australia, and South Africa.

He has been Editor of Nichin Bonsai, magazine since 1985 and consistently handled this publication since 1985. He has contributed many articles, given TV shows on art of Bonsai, gardening and Terrariums in many National and International publications including Bonsai Magazine of BCI.

He has participated in many International Garden shows as judge including BCI and ASPAC events. Currently, he is the President of 61-year-old organization namely: The Indo-Japanese Association, Mumbai. He has won many awards, prizes for his photo entries at BCI, WBFF and other countries and a regular contributor as feature contributor.

He has developed a farm facility for growing Bonsai material with many indigenous trees and has made contribution to develop Potensai materials and additives needed for Bonsai at most affordable and reasonable prices in India. His contribution has been recognized, the last being Emperor of Japan's Award for promoting Oriental Art and Culture in India for last more than three decades.

Teaching and sharing knowledge on Bonsai is a mission with him. At one time or other, most of Indian Bonsai Hobbyists, artists or Professionals have undergone training with him. He prefers to delve deeper into the meanings of the meditative aspect of Bonsai and shares knowledge with everyone.He is a graduate, Bachelor of Science with Chemistry as Major and Botany as minor. He has co authored two books on Bonsai, namely, Wonder World of Tropical Bonsai and Wonder World of Bonsai & Saikei, in English & Hindi and thousands of copies have been sold since 1984 till today.

Developing Team of dedicated Bonsai artists and reaching Towns and Villages of India for improving standard of Bonsai in India and neighboring countries is his mission of life.

He is keen Nature lover, and listening to Healing Music for Peace of mind is his other passion.

 

Helen Su

Present:

Collector’s Choice, General Manager (Importer of Whiskey, Cognac and Wine)

Bonsai Clubs International, 1st Vice President

Education:

Chinese Culture University, College of Arts, Masters Degree

Experience in Bonsai and Stone Art:

1999 The Fifth Asia-Pacific Bonsai, Stone & Pots Expo, organizer

2004 International Bonsai and Stone Exhibition (BCI, Taiwan), Executive Office

2005 Washington Sackler Art Museum Antique Pots Exhibition, Coordinator

2010 International Bonsai Expo, Executive Committee Deputy Secretary

International Bonsai and Stones Magazine Chinese Edition, Chief Editor.

Experience in Art:

Member of 'Post Cubist" painters

Member of Shamao Mountain Art Association

National Palace Museum Taipei, Volunteer Tour Guide for 12 years

 

BCI Executive Committee

BCI Directors volunteer their services to BCI and are voted into office at the annual general meeting during the BCI Convention and serve a two-year term. They participate in BCI activities at their own expense. Our Directors on the Executive Committee are dedicated to improving BCI's services to our members. Please contact a member of the Executice Committee if you have any questions, concerns or comments and allow a few days for a reply. 

 

President

Chen Chang

China

Send a message

 

1st Vice President

Sujata Bhat

India

Send a message

2nd Vice President

Min Hsuan Lo

Taiwan

Send a message

Executive Director

Glenis Bebb

Australia

Send a message

 

Secretary

Les Dowdell 

Canada

Send a message

Treasurer

Roger Snipes 

USA

Send a message

 

PAST PRESIDENT

Frank Mihalic

USA

 

     

BCI Publications

BCI Publications are a major source of revenue for BCI and are essential to BCI's mandate to promote bonsai and viewing stone appreciation around the world.

BCI Bonsai and Stone Appreciation 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. Members have the choice of receiving a printed magazine or viewing it on line via our Members Only section of our website.

Photo Albums of Photo Contest Finalists

Hard cover, top-quality publications showcasing BCI members' best trees and stone are published by BCI and offered to our members at attractive pre-publishing rates. The photo albums also contain informative essays or articles that enrich our understanding of bonsai and viewing stones.

 

 

Membership in BCI

BCI is a not-for-profit organization totally funded by membership dues, revenue from the annual convention and generous donations from our members around the world.

BCI Board of Directors and the BCI Executive Directors are volunteer, non-paid positions. BCI Directors travelling to the annual convention pay their own expeses for travel, accommodation and convention registration fees.

The BCI website is for the private enjoyment of our members. There are no third-party ads that track your activities online and interrupt you with unwanted offers. The information you provide is for BCI internal use only and will not be sold to or shared with any other parties. 

Join BCI and benefit from an international perspective of Bonsai and Viewing Stone Appreciation. Find inspiration to help your practice and collection grow. Learn from our members and their achievements. Share your experiences, trees and stones with a growing and appreciative audience.

Free Registration

Follow the activities of BCI by registering to this website.

All you need is a valid e-mail address to register as a Guest. Create your personal profile and become part of BCI’s international community. You can choose to upgrade your membership BCI or unsubscribe to BCI messages at any time.

Paid Membership

BCI members have a choice of 4 paid membership plans. Online, Individual, Club and Life. Details and costs for each plans vary but all include a subscription to BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine. This glossy, high quality publication reports on bonsai and stone activities around the world, features stories on artists and collectors, as well as informative articles on bonsai methods, processes, and species. Stone collectors will enjoy coverage of stones from every geological area on earth.

BCI members are given first chance to register for the BCI Annual Convention held in different parts of the world and opportunities to participate in photo contests and online auctions of viewing stones. 

Compare Membership Plans

 

 

 

“Welcome to BCI. We work tirelessly to promote and educate the world on the art of Bonsai & Viewing Stones!"

- Chen Chang - President

 

BCI Directors volunteer their services to BCI.

We are voted into office at the annual general meeting during the BCI Convention and serve a two-year term. Terms are staggered to provide continuity for BCI programs and initiatives. Directors are responsible for their own expenses for travel, accommodations and convention registration fees. 

 

Our Head Honchos

These Fabulous Folks Run the Place

Chen Chang 360

Chen Chang, China
President
officers Sujata Bhat

Sujata Bhat (India)
1st Vice President
officers Min Hsuan Lo

Min Hsuan Lo (Taiwan)
2nd Vice President 

officers Frank Mihalic 1

Frank Mihalic  (USA)
Past President 

 

 

Our Administrative Team

 

officers Les Dowdell

Les Dowdell  
Secretary

Roger Snipes 
Treasurer 

officers Vic Ceballos

Vic Ceballos 
Philippines - Legal Advisor



 



 

 

Our Dedicated Team

Of Awesome Directors

officers Massimo Bandera

Massimo Bandera 
Italy

Enrique Castaño 
Mexico
officers Chen Chan

Chen Chan
PR China
 

 

Piotr Czerniachowski Poland

Piotr Czerniachowski
Poland
Dato 360

Dato’ Pui Khiang Khang

Maylasia
Sae Won Kim South Korea

Sae Won Kim 
South Korea
 

 

Susan Lee Philippines

Susan Lee 
Philippines
dave profile page

David Nguy 
USA
Václav Novák Czech Republic

Václav Novák 
Czech Republic
 

 

bhavna shah officer

Bhavna Shah 
India
officers Helen Su

Helen Su 
Taiwan 

officers Budi Sulistyo

Budi Sulistyo
Indonesia
 

 

Our Office Nerds

We do stuff from the backend 

officers Larry Stephan

Larry Stephan
Business Manager
officers Joe Grande

Joe Grande 
Magazine/Website Editor
me

Bonnie Moore
Webmaster
 



 



Our Mailing Address

BCI BUSINESS OFFICE: 
  BCI Office Manager
  PO Box 5068
  Woodridge IL 60517 USA
  Ph/Fax: 847-612-5133

 

Contact BCI

 

 

Presidents of Bonsai Clubs International

If you know a president that has been left off this list, please let us know. Use the contact form available at the bottom of this page.

 

Ransohoff, James B.,Jr., 1962-1963
Miller, Robert C.  1963-1964
Hinds, Horace 1964-1965
Luekins, Wes 1965-1966
Berryman, Frances 1966-1967
Johnstone, Jim 1967-1968
Bob Krohn, 1969-1970
Keith Scott, 1971-1972
Bev Oliver, 1973-1974
Jim Barrett, 1975-1976
Ray Boardman, 1977-1978
John Hinds, 1979-1980
Tom Heitkamp, 1981-1982
Wilma Swain, 1983-1984
Jean Smith, 1985-1986
Donna Banting, 1987-1988
Sig Dreillinger, 1989-1990
Sharon Muth, 1991-1992
Mike Hansen, 1993-1994
Jack Douthitt, 1995-1996
Mary Bloomer, 1997-1998
Solita Tafur Rosade, 1999-2002
Alan Walker, 2003-2004
Linda Brant, 2004-2006
I-Chi Su, 2006-2010
Robert Kempinski, 2011-2012
Tom Elias, 2012-2015
Glenis Bebb 2015 to 2021
Frank Mihalic 2021 to 2023
Chen, Chang 2023

President's Message

 

 

 

One of the great advantages of being involved with Bonsai Clubs International (BCI) is the opportunity to share information and to learn from a truly global community of people interested in this ancient art form of bonsai and its associated art forms. My wife and I have had the opportunity to be directly involved in bonsai conventions, meetings, and activities in many countries throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. All the people we encounter, from the leading artists, scholars, growers, collectors, to novices have been eager to share information with us. You too can be a part of the worldwide BCI community by joining our ranks and becoming a member of our organization. You have the opportunity to receive our quarterly print magazine, Bonsai and Stone Appreciation magazine or you can be an e-member and receive the magazine online in our members only section of this web site.  Many of our articles in our magazine are written by leading specialists throughout the world in the field of bonsai and stone appreciation.
 
Each year, BCI organizes a major convention in different regions of the world. In 2012, it was in Denver, Colorado and in 2013, it will be held in Yangzhou, China, one of the historically important cultural centers of China and home to the world famous Yangzhou Penjing Garden. You can participate in our conventions by becoming a member. As an added bonus, pre- and/or post-convention tours are organized in associated with the annual meeting.   Periodically, BCI organizes competitions such as our photographic contest for outstanding bonsai and stones. Become a member and participate in these competitions and, if you win, you will be recognized in our magazine and website.
 
BCI is a nonprofit educational organization that is dedicated to advancing information about bonsai and related art forms. As such, it is essential that we are providing our members with the information and services that they are seeking. Towards this end, we encourage you to contact us. Let us know what you are looking for. Contact me or one of our board members. Or, better yet, become a member and begin to participate in our activities. Click here for membership information.
 
Tom Elias, President
Bonsai Clubs International
      

Tom pic

   

 

 

 

President's MessageTom Elias

 

Welcome to our new updated BCI website. Websites and the Internet are rapidly becoming more important tools for learning about bonsai and stone appreciation, conducting business, and for communicating with others. We hope this site helps you to learn and connect with a truly global community. Each year, I have the opportunity to participate in bonsai conventions and exhibitions in various parts of the world. It is exciting to interact with the leading artists, scholars, growers, and collectors. The interest in bonsai and stones does not recognize political boundaries and it is an effective method of bring people together with a common interest. You can share in these wonderful opportunities by joining BCI. You can receive our quarterly print magazine, Bonsai and Stone Appreciation Magazine, or you can elect to become an e-member and receive our magazine online in the member’s only section of this web site. Many of our articles in our magazine are written by leading specialists throughout the world.

I encourage you to participate in one of our annual conventions that are held in various parts of the world. Conventions allow us to meet great artists from different regions of the world, see excellent trees, and also experience the sites and customs of different countries. In 2016, we will initiate regional BCI conventions realizing that many people cannot afford the cost to travel long distances to attend meetings. The Philippines is the first of our regional meetings. Consult this web site regularly for information about upcoming annual and regional conventions.

BCI is a nonprofit, educational organization that is dedicated to advancing information about bonsai and related art forms. As such, it is essential that we are providing our members with the information and services that they are seeking. Towards this end, we encourage you to contact us. Let us know what you are looking for and what you think of this site. Better yet, become a member of BCI and helps us to promote bonsai and stone appreciation worldwide.

Click here for membership information.

Tom Elias, President

Bonsai Clubs International

 

President's Message

BCI President, Glenis Bebb

BCI President, Glenis Bebb, Australia

 

As newly elected President of BCI, I find myself overwhelmed with the messages of support. I just hope that I can live up to your expectations.

I am well supported by Helen Su our new First Vice President, Nikunj Parekh Second Vice President, David DeGroot as Secretary and a team of dedicated volunteer Board Members. Our Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine improves with each issue thanks to the Editor Joe Grande and all of the contributing authors and advertisers. We are constantly looking for new authors, so if you feel you have something to offer please submit via the website or contact Joe direct.

The BCI website is being constantly updated with new features. Check out the resource section for tips on styling and judging bonsai, selecting and exhibiting stones and much more.
You can also enter your bonsai or stone for Tree or Stone of the Month. We have recently relaunched the International Instructors register and you can submit your application to be listed on the Website.  If English is your second language see if your country flag is displayed on the footer of every page and click on a flag for translation. Check this out and please give us some feedback.

Our next Convention, BCI Beyond Borders, followed by a post convention tour, will be held in Makati, Manila from the 17th to 20th March, 2016. You can find more information at: www.philbonsaisociety.org

I look forward to catching up with many of you there.

BCI is not about me, as President, it is about everyone who contributes to make BCI a truly great International Organization. This includes you as BCI Individual members or members of Member Clubs. Without your ongoing support we would not have an organization. Thank you one and all. Please let us know how we can improve our members’ services and what you want from BCI.

Please feel free to contact myself or any other BCI Director. You will find our contact information in Bonsai Magazine and listed on the website, About BCI/Officers.

Click here for membership information.

 

Glenis, President

Bonsai Clubs International

 

President's Website Message 

Chen Chang 360

BCI President, Chen Chang, China

 

Thank you for taking time to view our website. we have a dedicated team of bonsai lovers around the globe to help promote the art. Together, we are here to create friendship thru share interest and maintain the preservation of the art to pass along to future generation.

Personally, my love & passion for the Bonsai has been seeded into me since I was a small child. I have developed my love of nature at a young age, combine with my early training in painting, calligraphy and sculpture, my creativity concepts of my Bonsai Works have slowly come into shape throughout the years. Come to think of it, it’s been over 60 years already since my first exploration with Bonsai. I realized the importance of early education has created great impact for this passion of mine. Now, with my involvement with BCI, I hope to point out to everyone that how important education is in our mission of preservation of the Bonsai Art. At BCI, we are devoted to contributing real efforts in educating the younger generation to spark their interest in the art we all love.

I encourage all of you to stay in touch with BCI, learn about what we are doing, or even join BCI and be more involve with our efforts. Together, we can achieve great things; Remember, friendship by sharing, preservation by educating!

Thank you,

Chen Chang

President, Bonsai Clubs International

Please feel free to contact myself or any other BCI Director. You will find our contact information in Bonsai Magazine and listed on the website, About BCI/Officers.

Click here for membership information.