Page 32 - BSAM 2015 Q4

THE ARTISANS CUP
Advancing the American Bonsai Identity
By Paul Pikel, USA
PThotographs by Paul Pikel, Louise Leister and Rhys Lynn
he inaugural Artisans Cup was held at the Portland Art Museum in Portland, Oregon from September 25-27, 2015, and I was fortunate enough to be included as an exhibitor for this event. is was a show like I’ve never experienced before and I’m not sure it could ever be du-
plicated; though, I am sure many will try.
e build up to the show continually grew, as many of us have
been waiting since its rst mention in 2011. e three months prior to the show, the energy and anticipation amongst the bonsai com- munity had swelled to nothing short of a child’s joy on Christmas eve. is was the show to take bonsai in America in a new direction, and we have been waiting for this for a long time.
e amount of thought and planning that went into this show was impressive. Ryan and Chelsea Neil produced a cohesive and polished event by directing a professional team of architectural de- signers, photographers, graphic designers, marketers and fabrica- tors. e undertaking was huge and the pressure was immense but you would never see it on their faces. e Neils o ered only smiles, warm handshakes and sometimes a hug as they greeted each guest to the show.
Ryan Neil Collection, Engelmann spruce, Picea engelmannii. This large tree made an indelible impression on visitors leaving the main display area. This massive composition measured over two meters in width.
30 | BCI | October/November/December 2015