Our August exhibit has the longest history, going into its 39th year in 2016. It is one of the largest regional shows in the nation. Centered on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Permanent Collection, featuring over 50 world-class trees, it’s a showplace of trees from across the Midwest and beyond. Enthusiasts from across the country bring their trees to be judged in the main hall at the Garden’s Regenstein Center – with this year’s guest master Colin Lewis.
The 36th annual Mid America Bonsai Show will be featuring Bjorn Bjorholm as its guest judge. He has been studying in japan for the last 5 years and is quickly making a name for himself with his bonsai work, some may know him from his Bonsai Art of Japan series on Youtube. If you haven’t seen this series look it up, it has great information and is very high quality. Below is a short bio and some of his work. Enjoy.
Bjorn’s Bio in his words:
I began studying bonsai at the age of 13 and worked with a handful of professionals in the United States before becoming an apprentice under Keiichi Fujikawa at Kouka-en nursery in Osaka, Japan in 2008. I have since styled bonsai for the Kokufu-ten, Taikan-ten, and Sakufu-ten exhibitions. Trees that I have designed for clients have won awards at the Taikan-ten (shohin category and rock-planting category) and at many exhibitions in the United States. I currently reside in Kyoto, Japan and continue to study as an apprentice with Mr. Fujikawa. Each year, I travel back to the United States and other areas to teach bonsai to societies, organizations, and individuals. I also currently film, edit, and produce the online YouTube video series “The Bonsai Art of Japan,” which currently has over half a million views.
http://bjorvalabonsaistudio.com/
The annual August show has come up fast. If you live within driving distance fill your gas tank and pack a lunch. If your not in driving distance start hunting priceline for some plane tickets. This is a show not to be missed with many trees from around the country, fantastic workshops and great bonsai shopping. The guest judge is Bjorn Bjorholm.
Here are some photos from last year to wet your bonsai appetite, or if you’re like me to feed your addiction.
Midwest Bonsai Society 