Page 69 - BSAM 2016 Q4

free to circulate around the islands, each of which ac- commodated up to eight trees. In addition, there were also a series of draped circular tables to accommodate single trees that were visible from all sides.
e net impact of the design was that of a contem- porary art installation, in which attendees could view the trees in whatever sequence they chose. In spite of the generous oor area dedicated to circulation, the exhibit was able to comfortably accommodate over 90 trees. e change in show dates had the additional bene t of providing more time for coniferous bon- sai to develop during the summer, thus presenting in their best form.
As current RMBS president, I am probably biased, but I think that this show presented the highest quality of bonsai that I have seen our club produce. I believe that there are several reasons for this:
Senior bonsai artists
First, we obviously have a number of senior bonsai artists who have honed their skills and their creativity over the years. ese members not only have some great trees to exhibit, they now also function as men- tors to newer members.
Priority on education
Second, we place a high priority on education, both through formal classes such as our Bonsai Basics pro- gram, and through presentations by our accomplished members at our monthly meetings and informal Sat- urday workshops that are targeted to speci c topics or tree species.
Yamadori in our back yard
ird, we are extremely fortunate, in Colorado, to have access to some of the most fantastic yamadori available anywhere in the world. And we have club members who are skilled at successfully collecting these trees from the mountains and keeping them alive.
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