February 22 & 23 | Sat 10AM – 4PM | Sun 9AM- 4PM | Morton Arboretum | Lisle, IL

A Silhouette exhibit displays the bonsai without leaves, which may seem strange, but it is a great time to see the trees’ structure, especially the ramification.

The show will be held in the Sycamore Room at The Morton Arboretum.  The Sycamore Room is part of the Visitor Center building at the Arboretum.  It is the same location as our Destination Asia festival bonsai show each year, scheduled this year for August 2 & 3, 2025.  As many of you know, previous Silhouette Shows have been held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL.  This year Cantigny re-designed its Visitor Center, using for other purposes the space we previously used for the show.

Other attractions for the weekend:

In addition to the usual number of visitors at the Arboretum, simultaneously, the Arb has its annual model train show in the Firefly Pavilion.  The model train show begins on February 15th and ends on the 23rd.  The model train show should increase foot traffic beyond the usual number of people at the Arboretum on a February weekend.  Attendees for the train show will be parking in the main parking lot and will need to pass through the Visitor Center to get to the Firefly Pavilion.

What trees to enter:

As always, the Silhouette Show focuses on deciduous trees, allowing a clear view of the structure of the tree and its ramification without leaves.  In addition, we are encouraging members to show some coniferous trees, particularly if the structure of the tree is clearly visible, staying within the spirit of a silhouette show.  Trees are not expected to be “perfect.”  Just as with the August show, we will have a Trees in Training display for those trees in development so the viewers can understand the process of developing a bonsai.  Ceramic pots and stands will be used for most trees in the main part of the show but are not essential for Trees in Training.  The club and members have additional stands for loan to members who may not have one.  Accent plants and stones are not needed, although we do plan to include a display of accent stones for the attendees.

Vendors:

Currently we have three vendors lined up for the show.  BC Bonsai will be selling bonsai trees and related material.  A Windowsill Paradise sells succulents.  Fred Follansbee Ceramics sells small pottery and some tools.  All three are vendors you may have visited at the Midwest Bonsai Show at Chicago Botanic Garden.

Our schedule:

Friday, February 21st:  After Noon – We will have access to set up tables.  Vendors will also be setting up in the Sycamore Room.

Saturday, February 22nd: 8 AM – 10 AM – Register and set up trees 10 AM – 4 PM – Show

Sunday, February 23rd: 9 AM – 4 PM – Show  After 4 PM – Teardown

Monday, February 24th: 9 AM-Noon – Additional teardown time (if needed)

Pre-registration and questions:

We are asking members to sign up in advance for their trees to be displayed at the Silhouette Show.  Several members signed up at the November General Membership meeting.  Please email or call Craig to pre-register your tree(s) so we can correctly allocate space.  He may be reached at (630)244-0155 or craig_cronquist@yahoo.com.