Prairie State Bonsai Society

Christmas - Holiday Party 2024
2024-12-04 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

Silhouette Exhibit 2025 5th Annual
2025-02-22 - 2025-02-23
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.

General Meeting - March 2025
2025-03-05 19:00 - 20:30
Linda Camp of BC Bonsai will lead a hands-on workshop for members who participated in last year’s Forest Workshop. If you attended the workshop, we encourage you to bring your forests for review and potential rearrangement.

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 April 2025
2025-04-02 19:00 - 20:30
The Art of Wiring
This session will include both a tutorial and hands-on practice, allowing members to refine their skills in shaping and styling their trees. We encourage you to bring your own trees and wiring tools to make the most of this learning opportunity.

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 May 2025
2025-05-07 19:00 - 20:30
May 7th meeting is Elle Nieto-Brodnick doing a demonstration on a shimpaku
Elle Nieto-Brodnick discovered her passion for bonsai appreciation and cultivation during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic while actively working in healthcare.
Her journey commenced with immersing herself in online videos and attending enlightening lectures, which eventually paved the way for her to participate in enriching workshops and classes conducted by esteemed individuals such as Andy Smith, Owen Reich, Will Baddeley, Julian Tsai, and David Cutchin.
Ellie’s website ‘Bonsai Journey’

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.

3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend
2025-05-30 10:00 - 2025-06-01 17:00 | Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Avenue Louisville, KY 40206, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend

Save the Date!
Friday, May 30 – Sunday, June 1, 2025
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
FREE ages 16 and under
Featuring Owen Reich as our special guest judge!
Learn More

General Meeting June 2025
2025-06-04 19:00 - 20:30
Our June general meeting will be on June 4th, 7-9 pm.
This meeting will be a Garage Sale/Swap Meet meeting. Members can bring anything they want to sell or even trade…pots, trees, stones, stands, tools, etc. The club will be selling stands (both old and the ones donated by Kelly Gaffor, daughter of Kurt Gaffor. We may also be selling autographed tee t-shirts and an apron (signed by famous artists including Naka and Oki), and other items and tools. This should be a fun time and maybe a chance to add something new to your bonsai collection. Also, don’t forget, you can always bring a tree to get help with from our very knowledgeable members.

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.

PSBS Annual Club Picnic 2025
2025-06-29 11:00 - 15:00 | Blackwell Forest Preserve Warrenville, IL, Route 56 & Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL, United States
NOTE: New location – Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville
This year’s summer picnic will be held on Sunday, June 29, from 11 to 3, at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, IL. It is located NW of the intersection of Winfield Road and Route 56 (Butterfield Road). The entrance is from Butterfield just west of Winfield.
We will be located in the North Pavilion. (see map below)
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 you 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.
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 29!

Blackwell Forest Preserve website
Please feel free to call me (Craig Cronquist at 630-244-0155) should you have any questions.
Directions to
Prairie State Bonsai Society Picnic
June 29, 2025, 11AM to 3PM
Blackwell Forest Preserve, North Shelter

The entrance to the forest preserve is on the north side of Butterfield Road (IL Route 56), just west of Winfield Road.
Staying on the main road, you will pass:
Two Stop signs
Sign for the South Shelter on your right
Sign for the Boat Launch on your right
Sign pointing to the West Shelter on your left
Sign on your left for the West Division Ranger Office
Immediately after the road curves to the right around the lake, you will see the sign for the North Shelter on your right.
The North Shelter has two parking lots connected by a short lane. It has bathrooms with sinks and flush toilets.
If you get to the Family Campground, you have gone too far.
See you there!

General Meeting July 2025
2025-07-09 19:00 - 20:30
Mike Lane’s tropical styling presentation
My journey in bonsai began late in 2008, after receiving a small juniper as a gift. Following this tree’s untimely demise caused by my ignorance, I began looking for classes online and stumbled upon Wigert’s Bonsai in North Fort Myers, Florida, and shortly after my first few visits, I began working under the tutelage of Erik Wigert. After a short period, I began assisting him in both traveling workshops, regular classes, and all aspects of the bonsai nursery.
Mike Lane

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting if you have questions about it. 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.

3rd Annual Membership Promotion Event on the Riverwalk
2025-07-13 12:00 - 17:00 | Wheaton Location, 2250 Durham Dr., Wheaton, IL, 60189, United States
3rd Annual Membership Promotion Event on the Riverwalk

Riverwalk Overlook Naperville, IL
Membership Promotion Event on the Riverwalk

July 13 | 12:00 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 2025 – Annual PSBS Bonsai Exhibition – Morton Arboretum
2025-08-02 00:00 - 2025-08-03 00:00
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 trees, both from the club and from non-club members. 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 festival attendees, and teaches them 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.”

Guest Artist

The Guest Artist for the 2025 Destination Asia Festival Bonsai Show is James Keith. Jim is a longtime member and past president of Prairie State Bonsai Society. His Bonsai Artist Statement is as follows:
My bonsai journey began thirty years ago when a neighbor moved into the house behind mine. I saw he had bonsai trees, and I asked him if he could teach me. He agreed, and together we would work on trees in his backyard while having a beer, telling stories, and smoking an occasional cigar. Those were great memories. The lessons I learned from my friend led to a passion for the art of bonsai that I have been practicing ever since.
The art of bonsai provides me with a meditative connection to nature. It’s the contemplation of the design and future I see for the tree before I begin the styling process. Developing a vision for it as a piece of living art is what excites me as a bonsai artist.
I apply the principles of artistic design. Carefully considering concepts such as line, form, shape, color, texture, movement, positive and negative space, and asymmetry, with an eye towards creating a harmonious and captivating piece of art.
My goal is to evoke an emotional response in viewers of my art. I want them to be drawn into my art with a sense of wonder and imagination. To recognize the story that the tree would be telling of its journey if it were a tree growing in the wild. To experience the beauty, the ephemeral and transitory nature of life that is the art
of bonsai.

Workshops
All workshops will be presented at Morton Arboretum’s Thornhill Education Center on the west side of the park. Further information may be viewed at The Morton Arboretum website under Adult Programs at
Workshop information and registration
Members of Prairie State Bonsai Society can receive a $10 discount on any workshop by registering by telephone at 630-719-2468. Members of the Arboretum can register online.
Workshops include:
Introduction to Bonsai Workshop: Chinese Elm
Saturday, August 2 nd from 9:00 AM to Noon
Taught by Linda Camp and assisted by Badar Zulqarni
Cost for members $105, Non-members $115
Introduction to Bonsai Workshop: Green Gem Ficus
Saturday, August 2 nd from 9:00 AM to Noon
Taught by Phil Malhiot and assisted by Katlin Mulligan
Cost for members $100, Non-members $110
Introduction to Bonsai Workshop: Brazilian Rain Tree
Saturday, August 2 nd from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Taught by Linda Camp and assisted by Nick DiBattista
Cost for members $119, Non-members $129
Guest Artist Bonsai Workshop: Dwarf Mugo Pine
Saturday, August 2 nd from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Taught by Guest Artist Jim Keith
Cost for members $115, Non-members $125
Introduction to Bonsai Workshop: Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper
Sunday, August 3rd from 9:00 AM to Noon
Taught by Jim Beck and assisted by Badar Zulqarni
Cost for members $93, Non-members $103
Guest Artist Bonsai Workshop: Dawn Redwood
Sunday, August 3rd from 9:00 AM to Noon
Taught by Guest Artist Jim Keith
Cost for members $85, Non-members $95
Guest Artist Bonsai Workshop: Bring Your Own Tree
Sunday, August 3rd from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Taught by Guest Artist Jim Keith
Cost for members $60, Non-members $70
Kids’ Bonsai Workshop: Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper
Sunday, August 3rd from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Taught by Larry Magee and assisted by Matt Mazza
Cost for members $80, Non-members $90
Kids must be ages of 8 to 16 and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Free Demonstrations
All demonstrations will be presented in The Morton Arboretum Courtyard across from the Sycamore Room. Each styled demo tree will be offered as part of the raffle at PSBS monthly meetings later in 2025 or early 2026.
Hinoki Cypress presented by Guest Artist Jim Keith
Saturday, August 2 nd at 10:00 AM
Japanese Maple presented by Matt Mazza
Saturday, August 2 nd at 2:30 PM
Yew presented by Larry Magee
Sunday, August 3rd at 10:00 AM
Juniper presented by Phil Malhiot
Sunday, August 3rd at 2:30 PM

Club Members Only
Exhibition Tree Judging Criteria
CLICK HERE

General Meeting August 2025
2025-08-06 19:00 - 20:30
Kusamono demonstration by Young Choe

Young Choe is a kusamono artist who studied traditional art in her native Korea before moving to the United States and earning her BS in horticulture from the University of Maryland. While volunteering at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, she brought her artistic talent together with her knowledge of horticulture to create kusamono. As her interest developed, Young traveled to Japan to study the unique art form with the master kusamono artist, Keiko Yamane, a former student of Saburo Kato. She worked for many years with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the U.S. National Arboretum. Young is considered a leader in the field and enjoys conducting workshops and lectures nationally as well as internationally.
Young Choe
Kusamono refers to a Japanese botanical art that developed alongside bonsai. Kusamono are potted arrangements of wild grasses and flowers in unique pots or trays selected to suggest a season or place. The name is composed of two Japanese characters– “grass” and “thing”—which together suggest humble, everyday plants. Originally, this name referred to the small, potted grasses displayed next to bonsai as accent plants. More recently, creating Kusamono has developed into an art form of its own. A well-chosen kusamono reflects the season in which it is displayed. Some compositions are designed to include plants that will look good in several seasons. Besides the season, a Kusamono should suggest a specific natural habitat, such as a wetland, meadow, or woodland. Whether using a single plant or a group of plants, there are three basic styles of planting: moss-ball, out-of-pot, or in a container.

As always…
Bring a tree to the meeting if you have questions about it. 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.

Mid-America Bonsai Show & Sale
2025-08-15 12:00 - 2025-08-17 17:00 | Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, United States
Mid-America Bonsai Show & Sale
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL

Friday, Saturday & Sunday
August 15: noon – 5 p.m.
August 16 & 17: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Presented by the Midwest Bonsai Society
See bonsai trees on display, shop the plant sale, and learn from experts.
Show: Nichols Hall
Sale: Runnels & Searle Courtyard
Demonstrations & Lectures:
Auditorium, Design Studio & Plant Science Lab
Workshops: Various locations
highlights:

A judged show including 200 bonsai trees reflecting all types of bonsai styles in Nichols Hall
Over a dozen vendors selling bonsai trees, raw nursery stock, pots, tools, and supplies in the Searle and Runnells Courtyards
Free demonstrations and lectures in Alsdorf Auditorium
Workshops for beginners and accomplished bonsai growers to collect growing information
To register and see the full list of workshops, visit midwestbonsai.org
Chicago Botanic Garden

Tapestry Multicultural Festival
2025-09-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove, IL, United States
Join us at the TAPESTRY Multicultural Festival to share the timeless art of bonsai with our community! This vibrant celebration of cultural diversity is the perfect opportunity for Prairie State Bonsai Society members to showcase our passion and introduce visitors to the beauty and tradition of bonsai cultivation.
We invite all members to:

Bring one or more of your prized bonsai trees for display
Share your knowledge and techniques with curious festival-goers
Demonstrate the artistry and patience behind this living sculpture
Connect with a diverse, enthusiastic audience eager to learn about different cultural traditions

Your participation will help foster cross-cultural understanding while celebrating the meditative art we all love. This family-friendly event features music, dance, food, and storytelling from cultures around the world – and your bonsai display will be a unique highlight!
For more information about the festival, visit: https://www.dgparks.org/tapestry
Let’s come together to represent the Prairie State Bonsai Society and share the peaceful beauty of bonsai with our neighbors!

General Meeting September 2025
2025-09-10 19:00 - 20:30
TBA

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.

WISCO BONSAI SEPTEMBERFEST
2025-09-26 12:00 - 2025-09-28 16:00 | Wisco Bonsai, N68W23890 Donna Dr, Sussex, Sussex, WI, 53089, United States
Kevin Stoeveken, Owner, Wiso Bonsai

WISCO BONSAI SEPTEMBERFEST3 DAYS OF WORKSHOPS WITH SPECIAL ARTISTS !!!SEPTEMBER 26 – 28 AT WISCO BONSAI SUSSEX, WI.REGISTER AT wiscobonsai@gmail.com

WORKSHOPS:

Friday, Sept 26th: beginner/intermediate workshop (byo) 12 pm – 4 pm with Kevin Stoeveken (owner Wisco Bonsai). Simply bring a tree, grab a seat, and get some guidance. Fun and loose. $25 per person.
Saturday Sept 27th2 workshops, both 10 am – 4 pm (could end earlier), Social time to follow.
Workshop 1) BYO styling workshop with Brian Susler of Night Owl Bonsai. One of the most respected Wisconsin Bonsai Artists will help you take your material to the next level. Brian is in high demand and is difficult to access, and never at this price! Think Conifers at this time of year! $75.oo per person.* Limit 6 people
Workshop 2) Material provided large Japanese Maple workshop with Houston Sanders. If you don’t already know, Houston is widely respected for his growing capabilities, and the varied & unusual species he keeps. You have likely seen his work on display at the Chicago show on behalf of his imaginary friend & mentor, Jose Sandoval! LOL, He is providing large Japanese Maples for this workshop. $200 per person (Material provided !)
* Limit 8 people.
Sunday Sept 28th2 workshops, both 10 am – 4 pm (could end earlier), Social time to follow.
Workshop 1) BYO styling workshop with Elle Nieto–Brodnick of Chicago. For those who have paid attention to her Bonsai career, you know that she has travelled the world to study her craft with the best. Her eye for design is very well developed & is an excellent teacher. As her star rises, it will be difficult to access her at this price. $75.oo per person.
* limit 6 people
Workshop 2) Material provided by Shohin Itoigawa Junipers with Mark Fields of Indianapolis. Mark needs no introduction as he is a very well-known artist and a master of Shohin Bonsai, consistently winning Best Shohin Display across the nation. $200 per person (Material provided!)
* limit 10 People
All workshops are free and open to the public for “silent” observation (silent or not being at the artist’s discretion)
*NOTE: ALL WORKSHOP PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO THE ARTISTS !!!SO LET’S SUPPORT THEM AND SELL THIS EVENT OUT !!!!!!

General Meeting October 2025
2025-10-01 19:00 - 20:30

General Meeting November 2025
2025-11-05 19:30 - 20:30

PRAIRIE STATE BONSAI SOCIETY CHRISTMAS PARTY 2025
2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:30
PRAIRIE STATE BONSAI SOCIETY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Place: The Magee Estate in Wayne, Illinois
Please note the date and time change. 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 to celebrate the holidays with our bonsai friends and colleagues.
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.
Please bring some food to share. SEE NEW INFO BELOW. 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. If you want to play in the White Elephant exchange, bring something bonsai related. If you don’t bring a gift, you don’t get to play. Gifts are typically inexpensive (around $15), can be new or used items, but must be 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 actually get something you need when it’s your turn to snag a gift. To determine the gift-choice play order, we will draw numbers from a hat. Starting with #1 the first person picks a gift from the pile then unwraps and displays it for all to see. The second and all subsequent people can either steal or take a gift from the pile. If they steal, then the person who just had his/her gift stolen can take a gift from the pile OR steal any other gift (EXCEPT the one just stolen from him/her). 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 a very fun event, bring a gift and participate.
NEW INFO: This year we would like any member who plan to attend to RSVP. Also due to the duplicate food options last year, please choose your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice of what you intend on bringing. Send it to Charlotte. Charlotte will let you know which of your choices to bring. We just do not want to have 6 trays of brownies and no cookies, or 4 cole slaw and no macaroni salads, etc.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

February Member Meeting: Soil Composition & Repotting Lecture
2026-02-04 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Presenter: Linda Camp
Linda Camp is a bonsai enthusiast with over 27 years of experience and partner in B.C. Bonsai for over 21 years. Based in the western Chicago suburbs, she operates B.C. Bonsai which offers trees ranging from seedlings to 40-year-old specimens, along with tools, wire, and pots. Linda serves as a Member at Large on the Midwest Bonsai Society Board and is a frequent workshop instructor and demonstrator across the Chicagoland bonsai community.
Linda will present a soil components 101 talk covering the materials and recipes needed for repotting season, along with a video presentation on repotting preparation. This is the perfect meeting to attend before spring repotting begins — learn what supplies to gather and how to mix your soil before the busy season hits.

2026 SILHOUETTE SHOW
2026-02-21 10:00 - 2026-02-22 16:00 | Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL, 60532, United States
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.

Silhouette Show
2026-02-21 10:00 - 2026-02-22 16:00 | The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, US
The annual winter bonsai exhibition showcasing deciduous trees in their leafless form, highlighting trunk structure, branch ramification, and the skeletal beauty of bonsai. Members display their best deciduous specimens. Vendors and a raffle will be on site as well. Free with Arboretum admission.

March Member Meeting: Board Elections & Juniper Styling Workshop
2026-03-04 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Presenters: Linda Camp & Larry Magee
The meeting will begin with the annual board elections, followed by a hands-on Juniper styling workshop. Members will work with Procumbens Nana (Shimpaku) material, learning twisting and styling techniques. Trees are provided at approximately $30-35 each. A great opportunity for new members to jump right in with something hands-on.

April Member Meeting: Repotting Workshop
2026-04-01 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
A hands-on repotting workshop. Members are encouraged to bring trees that need repotting and put into practice the soil preparation and techniques discussed at the February meeting. This is a staple of the PSBS spring calendar — an opportunity for members of all skill levels to get guidance on root work, soil selection, and pot fitting from experienced club members.

May Meeting: Mauro Stemberger Demonstration
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Guest Artist: Mauro Stemberger
Mauro Stemberger is one of the most sought-after bonsai artists in the world. Born in 1978 in Feltre, Italy, he trained under masters including Hotsumi Terakawa, Marc Noelanders, and Salvatore Liporace. An architect by profession, Mauro founded the Italian Bonsai Dream in 2005 and the Italian Bonsai Dream School in 2011. He has been a BCI-certified bonsai instructor since 2008 and served as president of UBI (Italian Bonsai Association) from 2008-2010.
Mauro specializes in conifers — Pines, Junipers (Itoigawa, Sabina), and especially Larch — and is known for his unique styling approach and engaging teaching style. His accolades include a Gold Medal at the Noelanders Trophy, multiple international photo competition wins, and demonstrations at the most prestigious bonsai shows worldwide. He has over 105,000 followers on Instagram (@bonsaidream).

June Member Meeting: Satsuki Azalea Demonstration
2026-06-03 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Guest Artist: Dave Kreutz
Dave Kreutz operates Satsuki Bonsai-en in the St. Louis metro area and is a recognized specialist in satsuki azalea bonsai. He completed formal training under Tatemori Gondo at the El Dorado Bonsai School in California during the 1990s, graduating from a three-year program to become a certified satsuki bonsai instructor. He grows and imports diverse satsuki varieties and supplies, with much of his inventory sourced directly from Japanese nurseries.
Dave will demonstrate styling and care techniques for azalea bonsai and typically brings trees and supplies for sale — a great opportunity to add a flowering species to your collection.

Annual Club Picnic
2026-06-14 11:00 - 15:00 | Blackwell Forest Preserve, Warrenville, IL, US
Join us for the annual PSBS summer picnic at the beautiful Blackwell Forest Preserve. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of food, conversation, and camaraderie with fellow bonsai enthusiasts and their families. A guest bonsai artist will be in attendance. Bring a dish to share, your lawn chairs, and your appetite — details on timing to follow.

July Member Meeting: Show Prep & Tree Evaluation
2026-07-08 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Moved to the second Wednesday due to the July 4th holiday.
Phil Malhoit or Larry Magee will lead a show preparation workshop and discussion. With the Destination Asia festival just weeks away (August 1-2), this is the time to evaluate your trees for exhibition readiness — learn about display techniques, accent plants, stands, and the judging criteria used at formal bonsai shows.
