General Meeting - November 2023
2023-11-01 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
General Meeting – November 1, 2023

Wiring demonstration by Larry Magee and Linda Camp
Larry will also show his PowerPoint of his trip to Japan.

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the 2nd Wednesday if immediately preceded by a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in the TEC 1038b.
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

Christmas - Holiday Party 2023
2023-12-06 19:00 - 20:30
PSBS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Date: December 6, 2023
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Place: The Magee Estate in Wayne, Illinois
Please park in the driveway if possible and head to the back doors
We will have our annual Christmas Party this year on December 6 ( our regular Wednesday meeting days ) at Larry Magee’s house. Directions to follow. This is a fun get-together celebrating the holidays with our bonsai friends and colleagues.
Please bring food to share. It can be an appetizer, dessert, or homemade dish. The club will provide pop, water, ice, plates, cups, and utensils.
As usual, there will be a door prize or maybe two. Everyone attending will be given a ticket for a chance to win it.
Also, we will be having a White Elephant gift exchange. Bring something bonsai-related if you want to play in the White Elephant exchange. You don’t get to play if you don’t bring a gift. Gifts are typically inexpensive ( around $10 ) and can be humorous, new, or used, but they must be related to bonsai and usable, not junk. It can be a pot or tool you don’t need anymore, a book you have read, or whatever, but remember it must be bonsai related. Wrap it well, put it in the gift pile when you arrive, and you might get something helpful when it’s your turn to snag a gift from the heap. We will draw numbers from a hat to determine the gift-choice play order. Starting with #1, the first person picks a gift from the pile, unwraps it, and displays it for all to see. The second and all subsequent people can steal or take a gift from the pile. If they steal, the person who just had their gift stolen can take a gift from the pile OR steal any other gift (EXCEPT the one just stolen from them). There is no limit on how many times a gift can be stolen. When all the gifts have been opened, the first player who started the game (who, by the way, never had the option of stealing a gift, to begin with) gets to either keep or exchange his gift with anyone playing, thus ending the game. It is an enjoyable event; bring a gift and participate.
Please remember to keep the date open for our Christmas party. We always have a good time, so even if you don’t usually make it to our regular meetings, do plan on coming to this.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Bonsai tour to Japan - Eisei-en
2024-02-06 - 2024-02-15
BRING YOUR DREAM TO LIFE!
Do you want to travel to Japan? Would you like to see the best bonsai in the world? Are you worried about the language barrier, confusing train system, and gaining access to certain famous bonsai gardens?
Book a Japan Bonsai Tour with us, and we’ll handle all of the hotel bookings, food reservations, and domestic travel arrangements, as well as guide you through Japan, providing translation services along the way.
All you have to do is sign up, sit back, and enjoy the trip!

Click here to view Eisei-en KOKUFU-TEN TOUR 2024

General Meeting
2024-02-07 19:00 - 20:30
General Meeting – February 7, 2024
Please note that our next four general meetings will be held in ROOM HEC #1020, in the HOMELAND SECURITY EDUCATION CENTER (see aerial map below) from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the following Wednesdays:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH 2024, 7 PM – 9 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6th 2024, 7 PM – 9 PM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3rd 2024, 7 PM – 9 PM
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1st 2024, 7 PM – 9 PM
For the first four meetings of the year, our General Membership meetings will move from our typical location in the TEC Building to the Homeland Security Education Center (HEC) next door to the north. The college has scheduled a class in our usual meeting room for the spring semester. We will be in HEC 1020, located in the northeast part of the building. You can park in the Fawell D parking lot (where many of us park for the TEC building), but stay in the northwest part of the lot and cross Lambert Road with the stoplight at Fawell Boulevard. Enter the building at the HEC 2 or HEC 3 entrances.
Stay to the right of the staircase, and the meeting room is right ahead of you, behind the staircase. If you decide to park in the lot west of the HEC building, enter at the northwest corner of the building and walk straight ahead. Room 1020 will be on your right. We plan to post signs and a member at our usual meeting location for a month to help guide everyone to the new meeting place.

We will view the video of Mark Fields’ critique of the Destination Asia Show bonsai exhibition.

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the 2nd Wednesday if immediately preceded by a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in ROOM HEC #1020, in the HOMELAND SECURITY EDUCATION CENTER (see aerial map below).
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

For ease of reference, here is the Google Maps link for the COD Homeland Security Education Building – Room # HEC1020.
Google Maps Link – Click Here

Meeting of the Board
2024-02-13 19:00 - 20:30
Meeting of the Board

February 13, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

To join, log into your account and navigate to Board Meetings under the Members Section.

Winter Silhouette Exhibit - Cantigny Park
2024-02-24 10:00 - 16:00
The 4th annual PSBS Winter Silhouette Bonsai Exhibit is at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL.

A Silhouette exhibit displays the bonsai without leaves, which may seem a little strange, but it is a great time to see the trees’ structure, especially the ramification.
The exhibit will last one day on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. Both members and non-members are welcome to display their deciduous trees in the natural winter stage of development. Everyone is welcome to visit the exhibit at no charge if you let the gate attendant know that you are there for the Bonsai Show; otherwise, there is a $5.00 charge for parking collected at the gate.
The setup for the event will begin on Friday, February 23, 2024. Contact Nick DiBattista with the number of trees you wish to display or how many tables you wish to reserve if you consider vending at the exhibit. You may also email prairiestatebonsai@gmail.com with ‘Winter Silhouette‘ in the subject line.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PROMOTE THE SILHOUETTE SHOW.
Click the link below to download a copy of the flyer displayed below.
Print a couple of copies and post them in your local establishments to advertise our event.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

General Meeting - Forest Planting Workshop & Board Elections
2024-03-06 07:00 - 21:00
General Meeting – March 6, 2024
Forest Planting Hands-on Workshop
Board Elections

Jim Beck and Linda Camp of BC Bonsai lead a hands-on forest planting workshop for our March 2024 General Meeting.
The workshop costs $70 for a five-tree planting and $90 for a seven-tree planting. Additional trees will be available for $10 each.
Species available are Ginko and Aspen (more species possible)
Pot, soil, and wire are included.
If you have a forest you worked on last year and would like some help improving it, bring it to the meeting.
Observers are welcome at no charge.

It’s that time of year to elect members of the board. All members in attendance at the March 2024 meeting are eligible to vote.
Click here to view candidates.

Please note that our next two general meetings will be held in ROOM HEC #1020, in the HOMELAND SECURITY EDUCATION CENTER (see aerial map below) from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the following Wednesdays:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6th 2024, 7 PM – 9 PM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3rd 2024, 7 PM – 9 PM

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the 2nd Wednesday if immediately preceded by a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in ROOM HEC #1020, in the HOMELAND SECURITY EDUCATION CENTER (see aerial map below).
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

For ease of reference, here is the Google Maps link for the COD Homeland Security Education Building – Room # HEC1020.
Google Maps Link – Click Here

Dig This Weekend
2024-03-16 10:00 - 2024-03-17 17:00
BC Bonsai will be digging up trees this weekend. Saturday from 10 am to 5pm we will be in Wheaton digging up 6 nice size Scotts pines and some young junipers and spruce trees. Then on Sunday we will be out at the nursery in Paw Paw where there are hundreds of trees to pick from. Prices are marked down on many of the trees.
Please call us at 630-386-7585 for more details.
Jim Beck
BC Bonsai

General Meeting - Tree Repotting
2024-04-03 19:00 - 21:00
General Meeting – April 3, 2024
Tree Repotting Demonstration
Bring a tree that is in need of repotting to the meeting. Bring tools, soil, and wire.

Please note that our April general meeting will be held in ROOM HEC #1020, in the HOMELAND SECURITY EDUCATION CENTER (see aerial map below) from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the 2nd Wednesday if immediately preceded by a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in ROOM HEC #1020, in the HOMELAND SECURITY EDUCATION CENTER (see aerial map below).
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

For ease of reference, here is the Google Maps link for the COD Homeland Security Education Building – Room # HEC1020.
Google Maps Link – Click Here

Yamadori Dig with MBS
2024-04-06 12:00 - 15:00 | Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners, WI, 53130, United States
Bryan Lorentzen, a member of the Milwaukee Bonsai Society, is hosting a Yamadori dig on April 6th, 2023, and has invited our club to attend.
He walked in the woods near the Boerner Botanical Garden four years ago. The Milwaukee Public Schools own the woods. He came across a large group of burning bushes, which are considered an invasive species in many places. When I contacted and met the caretaker of these woods, he permitted me to dig up as many of these trees as I would like.
We have been there for three springs and are not making a dent. We dug maybe 50 last spring. They make great bonsai. Some were 4″ in diameter. You can dig up trees for an upright, slant style. My plan for next spring is to make forests. The trees flower in the spring, get red berries, bud back, and ramify easily, and, of course, the leaves turn red in fall. This last fall, when the leaves were changing color, we were there. They stood out in the woods, and there were more than a thousand of them. I will make some oval pots that you can buy for the forest at a reasonable price, and I have some other pots for sale.
If you choose a large tree, you will need branch cutters, shovels, bags, a saw, and maybe a cart because the woods are a couple hundred yards from the parking lot. Also, be prepared with soil and pots for when you get home.
The event starts after their Saturday meeting on April 1st, 2023. The meeting is from 9 to 12 noon at the Boerner Botanical Visitor building on the lower level. Come to the meeting if you want, or you can wait in the parking lot for us to come out. There will likely be a good spring educational program.
https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Boerner-Botanical-Gardens
Here is a story that he wrote a few years ago about Yamadori.
MBS Yamadori Article 2018
Here is an article Phil Malhiot wrote.
Collecting Bonsai (Yamadori)

Bonsai Open House & Sale at Phil Malhiot’s
2024-04-19 - 2024-04-20
Bonsai
Open House & Sale
at Phil Malhiot’s
Stop by and visit my new bonsai garden and studio!
Friday and Saturday, April 19 & 20
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2908 S. 10th Ave.
Broadview, IL

We downsized and moved last summer, but I still have way too many trees! I’ll be selling a wide variety of species, from newer cuttings to established finished bonsai. There will also be LOTS of pots for sale, including my own wood-fired bonsai pots and pots from other bonsai enthusiasts and artists. I also have Arlene Knapp’s tools, pots, soil, and wire.
(Proceeds from Arlene’s items will go to PSBS)

Stop by anytime and check out the collection, new benches, the art studio, and our garden. It would be great to see you!

Call Phil Malhiot with questions: 708-705-7768

Bonsai Central Convention in Saint Louis
2024-05-03 08:00 - 2024-05-05 19:00
Convention in Saint Louis
Bonsai Central 2024 will be held at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, Illinois. Just a short drive across the river from Saint Louis, the hospitality district in Collinsville accommodates events at Gateway Convention Center with 9 hotels and over 900 hotel rooms in a variety of hotel properties, approximately 20 restaurants ranging from casual family dining to fine dining, and several exciting attractions.
Gateway Convention Center
1 Gateway Dr.
Collinsville, IL 62234

Program and Schedule
Click Here for more information and pricing.

ABS Learning Seminar Grand Rapids 2024
2024-05-09 - 2024-05-12
Welcome To The

American Bonsai Society
Learning Seminars 2024

May 9-12,2024
Grand Rapids, MI

Register Now!

MEIJER GARDENS MICHIGAN ALL-STATE BONSAI SHOW
2024-05-10 09:00 - 2024-05-12 17:00
Friday, May 10: Vendors and Displays, 9 am–5 pm
Saturday, May 11: Vendors and Displays 9 am-5 pm
Sunday, May 12: Vendors and Displays, 11 am-5 pm
Fee: Bonsai Show admission is complimentary.
Preregistration is required for Bonsai in the Garden Learning Seminars.
This year’s Bonsai Show will be larger, more inspiring, and more exciting than ever before! During our show, the American Bonsai Society joins us to present Bonsai in the Garden Learning Seminars. This national gathering will attract bonsai artists, enthusiasts, and some of the nation’s top presenters. Many stunning bonsai will be displayed in the Huizenga Grand Room, Friday through Sunday. On Friday only: A New-Talent Contest will feature a special display by emerging bonsai artists.
READ MORE

General Meeting - Mauro Stemberger Demo
2024-05-15 19:00 - 21:00
General Meeting – May 15, 2024
Styling demonstration by Mauro Stemberger
NOTE: Room change for this demonstration; see below.

Mauro Stemberg was born in Feltre, Italy, and works as an architect and Bonsai artist. At the age of 14, he became fascinated with the art of Bonsai and started his passion with the local Bonsai club.
Read his full biography here
Join the club member meeting for an exceptional presentation and Q&A with Mauro! Mauro is a world-renowned bonsai artist who has given lectures, workshops, and demos throughout the EU and here in the States.
Please prepare and feel free to ask any questions during the Q&A session of this presentation.
Learn more about Mauro on his website.
RAFFLE
Come to the meeting for a chance to purchase raffle tickets and win trees and other bonsai goods!
BOOK SALE!
Mauro will be selling copies of his book! Be sure to bring extra cash to purchase a copy and ask him to sign it!
Note: Room change for Mauro Stemberger Demo Lecture Hall (HSC-1234) in the Health and Science Building off Tallgrass Road. See the Google aerial map and diagram below:

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in
Lecture Hall (HSC-1234) in the Health and Science Building
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

Here is the link for this map

Midwest Bonsai Society 18th Annual May Bonsai Exhibit - Chicago Botanic Garden
2024-05-18 - 2024-05-19
Midwest Bonsai Society 18th Annual May Bonsai Exhibit
Coming May 2024
Burnstein Hall of the Regenstein Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Bonsai Exhibit – Chicago Botanic Garden

Illinois Tree Climbing Championship
2024-05-18 08:00 - 15:00 | St James Farm – 2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville, Illinois 60555, 2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville, IL, 60555, United States
Competitive tree climbing and fun at the IAA Tree Climbing Championship. The 2024 IAA Tree Climbing Championship will be held on May 18th & 19th.
Tree climbing competitions are designed to simulate the working conditions of production arborists in the field. Utilizing the highest level of professional skills and safety, the events provide a competitive learning environment for industry professionals.
~ Aerial Rescue ~ Ascent Event ~ Belayed Speed Climb Event ~ Work Climb Event ~ Throwline Event

Date & Time:
May 18th: 8:00am
May 19th: 8:00am
Location:
St James Farm – 2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville, Illinois 60555
Get Directions

General Meeting - Root-Over-Rock Demonstration
2024-06-05 19:00 - 21:00
General Meeting – June 5, 2024
Root over Rock Demonstration

Please note that our June general meeting will be held back in our old Room: 1038B in the TEC Building from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the 2nd Wednesday if immediately preceded by a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in the TEC 1038b.
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

Add to calendar

PSBS Annual Club Picnic 2024
2024-06-30 11:00 - 15:00
This year’s summer picnic will be held on Sunday, June 30, from 11 to 3, at Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189.
The parking fee at Cantigny on the 30th is $20, but if you tell the gate attendant that they are there to attend the Prairie State Bonsai Society picnic, the fee will be waived.

Chris Baker, Chicago Botanic Garden curator of the bonsai collection, will be our guest and will be available to give advice regarding your problem tree.

Cantigny is a beautiful park with gardens, the Robert R. McCormick House, and the First Division Museum.
Our club picnic is the perfect time to come together and enjoy bonsai. We should take this opportunity to bring a tree to show others and bring trees that we would like advice on. It is a great time to hang out together and work on trees. Nothing beats a summer day talking bonsai and wiring trees.
Our picnic will take place under the shelter just on the left as you enter the park. Lunch will take place around noon. The club will provide burgers, hot dogs, and drinks; members are asked to bring their sides and share.
Members, please plan on bringing a dish to pass and a tree or two to work on. The club will have our wire box available if people need wire for their trees.
So we hope to see you on June 30th!

Please feel free to call me (Craig Cronquist at 630-244-0155) should you have any questions.

General Meeting - Show Prep - Phil Malhiot
2024-07-10 19:00 - 21:00
July 10, 2024
Bonsai Tree preparation for the PSBS fall exhibition by Phil Malhiot

Bonsai by Phil
Bonsai Professional
The meeting raffle will include the tree demoed by Mauro Stemberger at the May 2024 club meeting.

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the second Wednesday if immediately preceding a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the College of Dupage campus in TEC 1038b.
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

2nd Annual Membership Promotion Event on the Riverwalk
2024-07-14 11:00 - 17:00
2nd Annual Membership Promotion Event on the Riverwalk

Riverwalk Overlook Naperville, IL
Membership Promotion Event on the Riverwalk

July 14 | 11:0 am – 5:00 pm | Smykal Pavilion | Downtown Naperville, 188 W Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States

Join the club for our annual membership promotion event! Relax on the beautiful downtown Naperville Riverwalk, work on a tree, and hang out with other members.

This event is a “free-speech” promotional event. The goal is to engage passersby and encourage and gain new members to the club. While attending, we hope members can take turns chatting with and engaging potential members who will stop by and see what bonsai is about. Let’s help the club grow!

A senior club member will also do a short demonstration in the afternoon.

Food is only allowed for yourself and not for sharing with others or the public. So feel free to bring some snacks and drinks or go downtown and grab a bite at your leisure.

Hope to see you there!

Location Details

Free Speech Pavilion (also known as the Smykal Pavilion) is located on the Naperville Riverwalk near Jackson Avenue and Webster Street. It is on the library’s south side and next to the Dandelion Fountain in Civil Plaza. 188 W Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, United States.
PARKING

Parking is available in the street in front of the pavilion, in the parking lot across the street north of the pavilion, south of the pavilion across the river at the city hall parking garage and Water Street district hotel garage, and in all other various lots around the downtown area. Parking should be more ample the earlier you arrive. There is also the larger parking garage on the east side of downtown by Barnes and Noble.

Park District information: https://www.napervilleparks.org/freespeechforums

Destination Asia Festival 2024 - Annual PSBS Bonsai Exhibition - Morton Arboretum
2024-08-03 09:00 - 2024-08-04 16:30
The Morton Arboretum

Explore the diverse cultures of Asia through music, dance, food, and more. Join us for a fun-filled weekend that will transport you across the globe. Our bonsai exhibition will include more than fifty club and some nonclub members’ trees. As you wander around Meadow Lake, you will experience diverse cultural performances, demonstrations, various shopping and art vendors, and local food trucks.
This event attracts new members to our club, allows members to gather and interact with the Festival attendees, and teaches them about the art of bonsai.
PSBS is proud to be in the Sycamore Room again to host our Annual PSBS Bonsai Exhibition. Our Bonsai Exhibition is where our club members show the trees they have spent so much time on. There will also be several “trees in training” tables where our new members can show their work, and others can display attractive trees in progress. Please consider bringing as many of your trees as possible. As PSBS members, you are allowed up to three display trees for judging but unlimited “trees in training.”
Bonsai Show Overview

Club Members Only
Exhibition Tree Judging Criteria
CLICK HERE

Demonstrations

The Destination Asia Festival at The Morton Arboretum and the Prairie State Bonsai Show are scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd, and Sunday, August 4th this year. On those dates, PSBS will present four separate demonstrations in the courtyard across from the Visitor Center and Sycamore Room, where the Bonsai Show will be held. These demonstrations are meant to give the people attending the Festival an idea of the effort and care needed to turn a tree into a bonsai.

Demonstrations will be presented at 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM each day of the Festival.

Our Guest Artist, Jennifer Price, will style a White Spruce on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon, our Guest Judge Chris Baker will present a Dawn Redwood. The diversity continues with Larry Magee working on a Pinus Contorta (Lodgepole Pine) Sunday morning and Matt Mazza creating a bonsai from a crabapple pre-bonsai Sunday afternoon. The variety of artists and tree types promises an intriguing and enriching experience for all attendees.

You may want to plan your attendance at the Festival and your volunteer hours so you will be free to observe your favorite artist and type of tree. We will see you there!

Workshops

The Destination Asia Festival at The Morton Arboretum and the Prairie State Bonsai Show are scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd, and Sunday, August 4th this year. On those dates, PSBS will present eight workshops at the Thornhill Education Center on the west side of the park. PSBS members can enroll in these workshops and save $10 from the guest price. Members cannot enroll on the Arboretum’s website but must call 630-719-2468 and let the representative know you are a PSBS member. You can review the available classes at https://mortonarb.org/explore/categories/adult-programs/.

Morning classes will run from 9:00 AM to Noon, and afternoon classes are scheduled from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Two new morning workshops are being offered, providing exciting learning opportunities. Both are oriented towards individuals with no or very minimal bonsai experience. On Saturday morning, Linda Camp of BC Bonsai will teach an introductory class using Chinese Elms, assisted by Badar Zulqarni. On Sunday morning, our 2024 guest artist Jennifer Price will teach a similar class with Juniper Procumbens ‘Nana’, assisted by Dan Kosta.

The other Saturday morning class will be a Dwarf Alberta Spruce workshop taught by Phil Malhiot. Saturday afternoon, we will offer two workshops, a Kusamono workshop taught by Guest Artist Jennifer Price and a Tiger Bark Ficus workshop taught by Linda Camp of BC Bonsai.

Sunday morning will include a workshop featuring Japanese Black Pine Mikawa presented by Jim Beck of BC Bonsai. The two Saturday afternoon classes will be a Bring Your Own Tree workshop with Guest Artist Jennifer Price offering helpful advice regarding one of your favorite trees and a Singapore Holly workshop by Larry Magee.

All workshops are currently available for enrollment, but remember, they all have a limited number of participants. Don’t miss out on your favorite class, sign up now to secure your spot.

Destination-Asia-Program

General Meeting - Styling Demonstration - Jennifer Price
2024-08-07 19:00 - 21:00
Jennifer Price
Bonsai Professional
Jennifer Price – Instagram
The tree styled by Jennifer Price with be included in the August club meeting raffle.

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the 2nd Wednesday if immediately preceded by a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in the TEC 1038b.
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

46th Annual Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition
2024-08-16 - 2024-08-18
46th Annual Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition
August 16-18, 2024

Midwest Bonsai Society Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition 2024
Chicago Botanic Garden Announcement

`

Bonsai Weekend - Waterfront Botanical Gardens
2024-08-23 08:00 - 2024-08-25 17:00
BONSAI WEEKEND
2nd Annual Bonsai Weekend · August 23 – 25

Dozens of bonsai on display, special guest artist and show judge Phil Malhiot (PSBS’s very own), people’s choice award, bonsai workshops and demonstrations, children’s programming, bonsai vendors, Asian-inspired cuisine, and more!
Click here for more information

General Meeting - September 11, 2024
2024-09-11 19:00 - 21:00
Pot making – Don

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the 2nd Wednesday if immediately preceded by a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in the TEC 1038b.
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

General Meeting October 2024
2024-10-02 19:00 - 21:00
IRON BONSAI COMPETITION
Our October meeting should bring back some fond memories for our longtime members. Our Iron Bonsai is a competition between three bonsai artists who will each style a Shimpaku juniper during the meeting. The meeting is on October 2nd from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the College of DuPage Room TEC 1038B.

In alphabetical order, the participating artists this year are: Larry Magee, Phil Malhiot, and Elle Nieto-Brodnick.
Attendees can wander around the room, observing the transformation of the raw plant material into a work of art. The audience is encouraged to ask questions of the artist, make suggestions, question, and comment as they work. Please allow the artists space to work and avoid any physical contact with the work site.
At the close of the competition, attendees will be given a ticket to vote for their favorite tree. The artist with the most votes will be crowned 2024 Iron Bonsai Champion!
All three styled trees will then be included in the evening’s raffle. Raffle tickets will be $20 per ticket. No limit on tickets, cash or credit accepted!

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the 2nd Wednesday if immediately preceded by a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The College of Dupage campus in the TEC 1038b.
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.

Christmas - Holiday Party 2024
2024-12-04 19:00 - 21:30
PRAIRIE STATE BONSAI SOCIETY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Date: December 4, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Place: The Magee Estate in Wayne, Illinois
This year, we will have our annual Christmas Party on December 4 (one of our regular Wednesday meeting days ) at Larry Magee’s house—directions to follow. Larry requested we park in the driveway and enter the party from the rear of the house. It will all be lit up.
This is a fun get-together celebrating the holidays with our bonsai friends and colleagues.
Please bring food to share. It can be an appetizer, dessert, or homemade dish. The club will provide pop,
water, ice, plates, cups, and utensils.
As usual, there will be a door prize. Everyone attending will be given a free ticket for a chance to win.
Also, we will be having a White Elephant gift exchange. It was a big success last year. Bring something bonsai-related if you want to play
in the White Elephant exchange. You don’t get to play if you don’t bring a gift. Gifts are typically inexpensive ($10 – $15) and can be new or used items, but they must be related to bonsai and be usable, not junk. It can be a pot or tool you don’t need anymore or a book you have read, but remember, it must be bonsai-related. Wrap it well, and put it in the gift pile when you arrive. You might get something helpful when it’s your turn to snag a gift from the pile.
We will draw numbers from a hat to determine the gift-choice play order. Starting with #1, the first person picks a gift from
the pile, unwraps it, and displays it for all to see. The second and all subsequent people can steal or take
a gift from the pile. If they steal, the person who just had their gift stolen can take a gift from the
pile OR steal any other gift (EXCEPT the one just stolen from them). There is no limit on how many times a
gift can be stolen. When all the gifts have been opened, the first player who started the game (who, by the
way, never had the option of stealing a gift, to begin with) gets to either keep or exchange his gift with
anyone playing, thus ending the game. It is an enjoyable event; bring a gift and participate.
Please remember to keep the date open for our Christmas party. We always have a good time and last year
was great. So, even if you don’t usually attend our regular meetings, plan to attend this.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Meeting of the Board
2025-01-14 19:00 - 19:30
Meeting of the Board

January 14th @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Board Officers,
As you may recall from our November Board Meeting, we have an unusual board meeting scheduled for January 14, 2025. While we typically skip meetings in December and January, this brief session (20 to 25 minutes) will focus on three key agenda items:

Secretary’s Report – Approval of November 12, 2024, minutes (5 minutes)
Treasurer’s Report – Year-end summary review and approval (6 minutes)
Special Events – Silhouette Show discussion (13 minutes)
Adjournment Motion (1 minute)

Thank you for your time and dedication to the Society. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Best regards,
Badar Zulqarni
President, Prairie State Bonsai Society

To join, log into your account and navigate to Board Meetings under the Members Section.

General Meeting February 2025
2025-02-05 19:00 - 21:00
Meeting Topic
February meeting ( 2024 Arboretum show, Video of judge critiquing trees)
We will feature an exciting video presentation of Chris Baker and Jennifer Price-Svihla critiquing trees displayed during our DA Show. This session promises an invaluable opportunity for our members and artists to gain insights and refine their bonsai skills. Don’t miss this chance to learn and grow—mark your calendar for the February 5, 2025 meeting!

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting you have questions about. Members are always encouraged to bring personal trees to the meetings for advice on care or styling from our many club artists.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday (or the second Wednesday if immediately preceding a holiday) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the College of Dupage campus in TEC 1038b.
The college address is 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Members who are unable to attend in person may join via ZOOM.
