The annual Iron Bonsai event — one of the most entertaining meetings of the year! Inspired by the TV cooking show format, experienced bonsai artists compete head-to-head, each styling raw material into a finished bonsai within a limited time while the audience watches. Come watch the drama unfold and vote for your favorite creation.

This year’s competitors are Larry Magee, Matt Mazza, and Elle Nieto-Brodnick, each working on a juniper.

Meet the Competitors

Larry Magee is a student of Mauro Stemberger and a regular presence in PSBS programming — he leads the club’s July show-prep sessions and recently presented the club’s Japan bonsai tour, including the 100th Kokufu-ten exhibition, alongside Badar Zulqarni. His Kishu Shimpaku Juniper took Third Place at this year’s Destination Asia show.

Matt Mazza is a former PSBS president who hosts a weekly Bonsai Study Group at his home and has served as show chair for the Midwest Bonsai Society’s show.

Elle Nieto-Brodnick is assistant curator of the bonsai collection at the Chicago Botanic Garden and a student of Mauro Stemberger. She runs Bonsai Journey, teaching beginner-to-intermediate classes in Northbrook, and earned an Honorable Mention at this year’s Destination Asia show.