Prairie State Bonsai Society

General Meeting September 2025
2025-09-10 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

Destination Asia Festival
2026-08-01 - 2026-08-02 | The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, US
Saturday, August 1: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMSunday, August 2: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Guest Judge: Peter Chan
The premier bonsai exhibition of the year at the Morton Arboretum, featuring bonsai displays from across the Midwest, vendor sales, and workshops led by world-class artists.
Peter Chan is the doyen of bonsai in the United Kingdom. He is a self-taught bonsai artist whose journey began on a London balcony in the late 1960s. In 1986, he and his wife Dawn founded Herons Bonsai, which became Britain’s premier bonsai nursery. Peter holds the extraordinary record of 21 Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals — a feat unmatched by any other bonsai specialist. He served as Chairman of the British Bonsai Association (1980-1987) and is a founding member of the Federation of British Bonsai Societies. His first book, Bonsai: The Art of Growing and Keeping Miniature Trees (1985), remains a world bestseller still in print. His YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers and 70 million views.
Peter will conduct 4 workshops (2 per day) and serve as judge for the exhibition. 8 workshops are planned across the weekend, running 9 AM–noon and 1:30–4:30 PM.

August Member Meeting: Program TBD
2026-08-05 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Program to be announced. Check back for updates as the program is finalized.

September Member Meeting: Program TBD
2026-09-09 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Moved to the second Wednesday due to the Labor Day holiday.
Program to be announced. Check back for updates as the program is finalized.

October Member Meeting: Iron Bonsai Competition
2026-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
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.

November Member Meeting: Program TBD
2026-11-04 19:00 - 21:00 | College of DuPage (TEC1038B), 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Program to be announced. In past years, November meetings have featured topics on winter storage and care of bonsai, preparing trees for dormancy, and other seasonal subjects. Check back for updates.
