Page 17 - BSAM 2015 Q1

The successful 2014 Fourth U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, having come and gone, is now a pleasant memory. Bonsai from around our great country were displayed next to each other, showing viewers the di-
versity of forms and plant material trained for bonsai as well as the high level of refinement we have devel- oped during the past seventy odd years the art has been practiced in the United States.
The resounding success of the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition is due to the long hours of hard work of my “crew,” a dedicated group of bonsai hobbyists who want to see the art of bonsai flourish in the United States. In addition to set up and take down, many days were spent preparing, sewing, ironing and fab- ric cutting. New folding backgrounds were designed, constructed and painted (twice) for the Invitational Suiseki Exhibition and over 100 wooden posts were re stained. A beautiful welcome garden greeted visitors and featured the logo bonsai of Chinese quince, full of large fruit.
Our new venue, the Total Sports Experience, also served as a spectacular, spacious and clean environ- ment to showcase some of the finest bonsai in our country. The padded green artificial grass was a wel- come treat to our feet for those of us who stood for five days setting up, answering questions and taking down the exhibition. The green coloring had a calming and quiet feeling. The tall ceiling and wide open area with tables and chairs offered a friendly location to meet with fellow bonsai hobbyists to discuss the bonsai on display. The wide aisles allowed visitors to easily see and study the bonsai. The wide and open areas were appreciated by everyone.
At the Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony proc- lamations from New York State Governor Cuomo, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Mayor Lovely of Rochester proclaiming National Bonsai Ex- hibition Day in New York State were read. This out- standing publicity, plus print coverage brought in the public as well as bonsai hobbyists. The 400 car parking lot was completely filled on Saturday and Sunday.
The successful US National Bonsai Exhibition was created by 107 exhibitors from 27 states: California to Virginia and from Florida to Vermont. Plus, we had three special exhibitor groups from two provinces of Canada. The leading botanical gardens and arbo- reta with significant bonsai collections in the United States also brought trees for special exhibits. One of the earliest bonsai to enter the Untied States in 1935 was on display, which was started from a cutting taken in 1802.
The successful US National Bonsai Exhibition was created by 107 exhibitors from 27 states: California to Virginia and from Florida to Vermont. Plus,
we had three special exhibitor groups from two provinces of Canada.
Top, left to right: Dignitaries: Hatsuji Kato, Advisor to WBFF, 4th generation of Mansei-en Bonsai Garden; Jiro Fukuda, Chairman WBFF, Chairman Nippon Bonsai Association
Yuji Tamura, Editor and photographer of Bonsai Shunju magazine of Nippon Bonsai Association; Naemi Iwasaki, Vice Chairman of WBFF; Keiko Matsuge, Translator
Middle; The “Crew”
Bottom; exhibit space, Total
Sports Experience
April/May/June 2015 | BCI | 15