January 31 – February 1, 2026
Harrison Recreation Center, Lincoln Park, 1450 High St, Alameda, CA 94501

Schedule

(Specific topics and times will be announced closer to the event.)

Saturday

9:00 a.m. – Staff and vendor set-up
10:00 a.m. – Registration and Vendors open
10:30 a.m. – Display Study Introduction, Slideshow, Pots & Stands Exercise
1:00 p.m. – Lunch (bring your own, order delivery or grab something nearby)
2:00 p.m. – Display Practice Box Stand Practice and Group Display Setup
5:00 p.m. – Finish and Cleanup

Sunday

9:00 a.m. – Staff and vendor set-up
10:00 a.m. – Workshops
1:00 p.m. – Lunch (bring your own, order delivery or grab something nearby)
2:00 p.m. – Workshops
5:00 p.m. – Finish and Cleanup

What to bring

Shohin bonsai for display exercise
Shohin bonsai to work on (optional)
Bonsai tools and wire (if you plan to work on your trees)
Display stands for your trees
Shohin accent plants

Vendors

Vendor information will be posted closer to the event.

Harrison Recreation Center at Lincoln Park

Open House at Jonas’ garden

Everyone is welcome to join us and Daisaku Nomoto at Jonas’ garden on Friday, January 30th, between 3pm and 5pm. Email jonas@bonsaitonight.com to RSVP and to receive directions and parking information.

Lecture Topics

How to create contrast in shohin displays
Shohin size conventions
Shohin display basics (3-point and box stand displays)
Display practicum
Shohin containers
Shohin accents
Shohin design
Stylistic differences between shohin and larger bonsai
How to approach shohin work
Shohin care
Shohin evaluation
Collection building

Workshop Material

Below you can find photos of the material that will be provided in the workshops. Trees will be distributed to participants by lottery.

Because some trees will require more work than others, we’re keeping the workshop schedules for trees flexible. We will offer set times to work on set groups of trees, but you can also pick up your tree and attend another session if there is a timing conflict. We will also offer time slots for bring-your-own-tree workshops.

For some of the trees below, you’ll be able to repot during the workshops. The cork elms, pines, chojubai, and large trunk zelkova, for example, will all need repotting this season. We’ll provide soil for workshop trees and have pots available for purchase.

Stand workshops will have fixed times to provide time for assembly.