February 21 & 22 | 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 for the second year. 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 1 & 2, 2026. Silhouette
Shows in 2024 and before were held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL.

Other attractions for the weekend:
This year we are adding a raffle of an Alberta Spruce bonsai as an extra added attraction. Tickets will be
$1 per chance to win and the winner need not be present for the drawing.

In addition to the usual number of visitors at the Arboretum, simultaneously, the Arb has Juniper Junction,
its annual model train show, in the Firefly Pavilion. The model train show begins on February 14th and
ends on the 22nd. 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. Some members may have additional stands for loan to members
who do not have one. Accent plants and stones are not needed.

Vendors:
Currently we have two vendors lined up for the show. BC Bonsai will be selling bonsai trees, pots, wire
and tools. Bubba’s Backyard Bonsai will be selling bonsai trees. Both are vendors you may have visited
at our Destination Asia show last August or at the Midwest Bonsai show at Chicago Botanic Garden.

Our schedule:
Friday, February 20th: After Noon – We will have access to set up tables. Vendors will also be setting up
in the Sycamore Room.
Saturday, February 21st: 8 AM – 10 AM – Register and set up trees, 10 AM – 4 PM – Show
Sunday, February 22nd: 9 AM – 4 PM – Show, After 4 PM – Teardown
Sunday, February 23rd: 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.

Members can sign up at the February General Membership meeting. Please email or call Craig to pre-
register your tree(s) so we can correctly allocate space.