| Workshops
Master Workshops The Society hosts two master bonsai artists each year to conduct programs and workshops for members. Programs are presented at the general meetings and workshops are held on weekends, usually in 3- or 4-hour sessions. Upcoming workshops will be announced at the meetings and in the newsletter, and there will be sign-up sheets available at the meetings. Space is usually limited to 8 people per workshop, so sign up early. The Society underwrites the majority of the cost and participants pay a modest fee, usually around $40 for a bring-your-own-material workshop. A limited number of silent observer spaces are available for a nominal fee. These workshops are an opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best bonsai artists. They are here to teach, and members are encouraged to participate regardless of skill level. Bring your own tools and wire. In addition to club-sponsored workshops, visiting masters may have time available for private instruction. If you or your study group is interested in booking time with a master, contact the master coordinator for more information. Intermediate Workshops The club also sponsors intermediate workshops, conducted by experienced members. These workshops cost $10. Bring your own material and tools and get help styling raw plant material or refining an existing tree. Bonsai Basics (Novice) Workshops Beginner workshops are how most of us got started. These workshops are taught by club members and are open to the public. The cost is $60 and includes a tree, pot, supplies, and classroom instruction. If you haven’t taken one yet, it’s a great hands-on learning experience. If you have, volunteer to help teach new students! Picnic, Holiday Party, Annual Banquet, and Members Tour The Society sponsors various social events throughout the year. Check the website and newsletter for this year’s events and dates. The summer picnic is usually held in July, and replaces the July general meeting. This is a potluck social affair, and you are welcome to bring your family. The club grills burgers and brats and provides buns, condiments, drinks, and table service. You bring a favorite dish to share. The members’ tour is an opportunity to visit the collections of various club members. The tour usually includes three or four homes and is held on a weekend during the summer. We have a holiday party as our December meeting. This is also when board elections are held. The club furnishes sandwich and veggie trays and beverages. Members bring a favorite dish to share. Our annual banquet is generally held in January, when there is no monthly meeting. The event includes dinner, a cash bar, and usually a fund-raising raffle or auction. Study Groups Many private bonsai study groups have been formed by Society members. These are groups of people wishing to explore the art more deeply. While most of them are made up of MBS members these groups are not sponsored by the Society. We do encourage private groups of this nature and will cooperate as much as possible to promote the art of bonsai. The typical study group is made up of a limited number of people wishing to pool their resources to work together and learn more about bonsai. They may hire a visiting master for a private workshop, go on field trips to collect trees, conduct their own workshops, or socialize. Many study groups are formed by classmates from the Tuesday evening Bonsai Basics classes. Membership in study groups is usually by invitation. If you want to participate in a study group and can’t find one, consider starting your own. Questions or Comments If you have questions about MBS or would like more information, board members’ contact information is listed in the newsletter. Feel free to talk to someone at a meeting or send an e-mail with your comments, program suggestions, or feedback. Members are also welcome to attend board meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month (see the website or newsletter for time and location). If you have business you would like to discuss at a board meeting, please contact the president and ask to be added to the agenda. MBS is a volunteer organization, and member participation is what has made us one of the biggest and best clubs in the country. Welcome, and enjoy your membership. Return to Home Page |