Page 57 - BSAM 2018 Q4

formed free-standing islands between major segments of the bonsai display. The third component of the exhibit was the use of seven, circular cabaret tables, draped with black spandex, on which featured trees and viewing stones were shown.
At the main entrance to the tent, a welcoming display of Ikebana greeted visitors. The Ikebana was created by club member and Ikebana artist Diana Lee, and she arrived on both mornings of the show to refresh the arrangement because of low humidity and high temperatures. As always, the focal point of visitor arrival is the club tokonoma, which contains a formal display by the Bonsai Artist of the Year. This year that individual was Les Sirocky, who specializes in shohin bonsai and created an outstanding multi-tree shohin display for the show.
We were very pleased that three members of our club from Wyoming, who represent Backcountry Bonsai, brought excellent trees for the show. They are experi- enced and ethical collectors of yamadori, which are now finding expression in very artful and carefully crafted bonsai. In fact, the level of quality throughout the show was very high, probably the best it has ever been. That is very gratifying as I complete my final year as president.
A show of this magnitude cannot be accomplished without the active and coordinated involvement of many people. I have extended my gratitude to the many members, some of whom are relatively new to bonsai, who gave of their time and effort to make this exhibition successful. Our annual show is a time when we come together as a community to celebrate the great art of bonsai.
In 2019 we will commemorate our 50th anniver- sary as a bonsai society in the Rocky Mountains. We have already booked this same venue for the weekend immediately after Labor Day. Of course, with that major milestone will come some very special celebratory events, and we are already beginning to plan for what promises to be a great show next year!
Top: Tomorrow’s bonsai enthusiasts enjoying a guided tour of the exhibit.
Middle right: Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) – Stephen Lee
Bottom left: Tiger Bark Ficus (Ficus Retusa) – Andrew Berry
Bottom right: Lantana (Lantana Camara) – Mike Horine
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