Dear Members,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the beauty of summer with your trees.
At our August 6 general meeting, we were treated to a wonderful presentation on Kusamono by Young Choe. She shared the art of using tropical plants to create Kusamono, both as stand-alone displays and as accents to bonsai. To close, she created three elegant arrangements in record time, which were raffled off to delighted members. It was an inspiring and memorable program.
Our annual bonsai show, held in partnership with the Destination Asia Festival at the Morton Arboretum, was a tremendous success with a record turnout. The show was judged by one of our senior members, James Keith, who traveled from Louisville, KY to be with us. Demonstrations were given by James Keith, Jennifer Price, Phil Malhiot, Larry Magee, and Matt Mazza, who skillfully transformed raw material into refined bonsai before an appreciative audience.
We also thank Linda Camp, Phil Malhiot, James Keith, Jim Beck, Larry Magee, and their assistants Jason Davids, Kaitlin Mulligan, Nick DiBattista, and Matt Mazza, for conducting workshops on a variety of species. And of course, a heartfelt thank-you to all the members who volunteered before, during, and after the event. Your efforts made the show the success it was.
Looking ahead, we have several special events in addition to our monthly programs:
- Tapestry Multicultural Festival – Saturday, September 6, 2025, Fishel Park, Downers Grove
- Holiday Party – Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the home of Larry and Laree Magee, Wayne, IL
These gatherings give us the chance to share bonsai with the public, celebrate together, and strengthen our community. I encourage everyone to take part and help make them special.
Thank you, as always, for your enthusiasm and support. It is your passion that keeps the Prairie State Bonsai Society vibrant and welcoming. Let’s continue learning, growing, and sharing our love of bonsai throughout the rest of 2025.
Warm regards,
Badar Zulqarni
President, Prairie State Bonsai Society
