The people you meet at the US National Bonsai Exhibition

It would be difficult to visit the US National Bonsai Exhibition without bumping into, or at least spotting, the man who made it all happen, William N. Valavanis.

William N. Valavanis

Valavanis’ contributions to bonsai in the US are beyond impressive. In addition to birthing the US National Exhibition, Valavanis established the International Bonsai Arboretum, publishes International Bonsai Magazine, leads at least two tours to Japan every year, sells trees, and travels the US as a teacher and guide (see more at International Bonsai). He’s a super guy and I greatly appreciate the work he’s done for bonsai. I also appreciate the hospitality during my visit to the exhibition – thanks Bill!

Robinson Contorted Bradford Pear – William N. Valavanis

Is that a bird in there?

In addition to seeing super trees from around the country, one can also see a number of super people at the National. It was a great opportunity to catch up with people I hadn’t seen in years and to meet people with whom I’d corresponded but not met in person. I was also excited to meet so many readers of this site for the first time – thanks for saying hi!

Bjorn Bjorholm, Bjorvala Bonsai Studio

Brussel Martin, Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery

Aarin Packard, Curator, Pacific Bonsai Museum
Gary Wood, renown bonsai teacher and all-around awesome guy
Chris Baker, Curator, Bonsai Collection at the Chicago Botanical Garden

Sean Smith, Custom Oriental Wood-Craft

Innovative display of procumbens juniper – Sean Smith

Boon Manakitivipart, Bonsai Boon, Bay Island Bonsai

Suthin Sukosolvisit, Suthin Bonsai Studio

Adam Lavigne, Adam’s Art and Bonsai Blog
Stephen Moritz, American Bonsai Tool & Supply Co.

Stainless steel tools – American Bonsai Tool & Supply Co.

As I can only go so long without posting photos of trees, here are more highlights from the exhibit.

Urbame oak

Mugo pine

American larch

Shimpaku

Gyoten satsuki azalea

Brazilian rain tree

American larch

American larch

Kiyohime Japanese maple

Coast redwood