America's First National Bonsai Exhibition

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The bonsai community is on the threshold of a historic event of such importance that it will no doubt change the state of the art in this country and raise the level of bonsai to a height only imagined before.

The thought of a American National Show on the level of Kokufu Ten, Ginkgo, or the Crespi Cup has been hoped for by the serious artists and discussed by all for many years. Finally we have one and with William Valavanis at the helm, there is little doubt that it will be the high quality, professional, exhibition that the American bonsai community sorely needs.

For more information:

Fliers and posters are available for downloading at AoB or visit the National Bonsai Exhibition's web page.
 

rlist

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Great! It is long over due and I wish it all the success in the world. One note, and it might be on the website and/or still under consideration is that when I spoke with Rob K about this earlier in the year the hope was to establish an annual event with a changing venue - to offset the huge geographic hurdles of the country and the artists that would exhibit/attend.
 

Bonsai Nut

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I love this idea...

However I hope they have figured out how to move trees across state lines. Last I heard, there were state-wide quarantines on large numbers of the trees we use for bonsai - especially pines.
 

Tachigi

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I'm in....been waiting for this
 
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Great! It is long over due and I wish it all the success in the world. One note, and it might be on the website and/or still under consideration is that when I spoke with Rob K about this earlier in the year the hope was to establish an annual event with a changing venue - to offset the huge geographic hurdles of the country and the artists that would exhibit/attend.

Rob has thrown his support and backing to Valavanis in order to put all energy and resources into a single show.



Will
 

rlist

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Rob has thrown his support and backing to Valavanis in order to put all energy and resources into a single show.



Will

Yes.

I still believe that different venues are in the plans for future shows.
 

Graydon

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I saw Bill at the GSBF while we were setting up the various areas. I will make some time to discuss this with him over the weekend and will try to get the skinny on what the future holds for the show. Somehow I don't see this being a truly national show if it stays in one locations - and I can bet that that is the plans.

Moving trees can be easier than we all think. You need USDA inspection and certificates. Those services could be provided at the show site. You would also need to be aware that the tree you are bringing from home needs to meet your state's requirements for entry (as in no invasive trees and citrus allowed in to Florida) even if it originated from your state.

In my humble opinion for this to be national it simply must change venues. Even then we would still be looking at regional trees for the most part. I base this on the vibes I am getting at the GSBF and the lack of many exhibit trees from northern California. If people won't travel in their own state why would they travel across the country?
 
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Sadly people living less than a hundred miles from such a show will still think it is too far to travel, while others will gladly travel a thousand miles to be there.

The USA is big and no matter where the show is held, there will be some grumbling and complaining, there just isn't any way to please everyone. There will also be those who will run into problems transporting their bonsai, this will be true no matter where the show is held.

Certainly the logistics are challenging and the size of the country practically demands a different location each year, and car pools, transportation, and bonsai taxis will no doubt be a big part of this show. I think the key here is for the community to work together, to offer to share a ride or transport a few bonsai if they are going.

That being said, I plan on traveling from the Detroit area to the show and will have some room for a tree or four.

The really important thing is that such a show is finally being held! Everything else is just details.

Nick Keren is a member of our bonsai club here in Michigan. He is from Canada and often transports his bonsai across the border. Strangely they allow houseplants to be moved back and forth but will not allow trees sometimes. This leads to interesting discussions on what qualifies as a houseplant and the final definition depends on who is working that day. This year they stopped him from bringing any bonsai to the club show, yet other times they allowed it. Nick doesn't mind, his passion is such that even minor setbacks at the border doesn't discourage him.

Fortunately we don't have to worry about international borders for this exhibition and there are only a few states that have any serious restrictions and often these are limited to certain species.

I think the show will be very successful and I look forward to it.


Will
 
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Thomas J.

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I would very much like to attend this show and even be a participant with an entry of one of my trees, but travel to N.Y. is just too far for me. Something in mid country say like Chicago would have been much more easier for this Texan. Maybe the future might have something in store this way. Anyway I hope the show will be a big success and I'm sure it will if some very good trees are shown no matter how near or far they come from.;)
 

irene_b

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Center of United States.
And not try and cram everything into a 3 day time frame....
Irene
 
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Again, no matter where it was held, there would be some grumbling, such is the nature of living in such a huge country. I think everyone will have suggestions as to how it should be, some may be right, I am just happy that someone actually stood up and did it.

I am sure that all the details have not been released yet, I have no doubt that all these concerns have already been discussed and considered.

The first National Bonsai Exhibit had to be held somewhere, I am glad it is being held at all. If I cut through Canada, it is about 330 miles for me, about five hours of drive time, with a tail wind.




Will
 
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If you want it enough, you make transportations. When I went to the Swedish annual meeting this Sept, I traveled 1490 miles to see Steve Tolley for a couple of hours and I was unemployed at the time.
 

agraham

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I think it's a great idea....except what makes it different than any other national convention show such as the ABS in San Antonio next year?

I have to say though....I certainly respect and appreciate the effort and thought that went into this.Congratulations to all involved and good luck with it.

andy
 
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I think it's a great idea....except what makes it different than any other national convention show such as the ABS in San Antonio next year?

Hi Andy,

This is a Exhibition, not a Convention, there is a difference. America already has many conventions, ABS, the Rendevous, the Symposium, etc....we have never had a national exhibition.


Will
 

Tachigi

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This is a Exhibition, not a Convention, there is a difference. America already has many conventions, ABS, the Rendevous, the Symposium, etc....we have never had a national exhibition.

Your right on that account. It truly won't be a national exhibition though till we see the inclusion of more than a few trees from the left coast or there abouts. Till then it will be a regional exhibition, a first in its own right and nothing to sneeze at.

Please don't interpret my statement as negative. I for one am behind a National exhibition 100% and am wholeheartedly hoping this will be as great as the billing. I just am trying to look at it in a realistic light. The romance of such an exhibition is wonderful till you add up the dollars, time, and miles involved for the west coasters to participate. It is then that the light of day comes rolling in.

However one can hope!
 
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Your right on that account. It truly won't be a national exhibition though till we see the inclusion of more than a few trees from the left coast or there abouts. Till then it will be a regional exhibition, a first in its own right and nothing to sneeze at.

Please don't interpret my statement as negative. I for one am behind a National exhibition 100% and am wholeheartedly hoping this will be as great as the billing. I just am trying to look at it in a realistic light. The romance of such an exhibition is wonderful till you add up the dollars, time, and miles involved for the west coasters to participate. It is then that the light of day comes rolling in.

However one can hope!

Hi Tom,

It is my understanding that "Provisions for financial support and transportation from long distances (California, Pacific West Coast, Texas and Florida) have been established" and I urge all interested parties to contact William Valavanis with questions regarding this matter as well as the selection process, which will no doubt limit entries to the best the country has to offer.

I think we will see many trees that are not shown on the Internet and that the entire country will be well represented...the show is in very capable hands.


Will
 

Tachigi

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Hi Tom,

It is my understanding that "Provisions for financial support and transportation from long distances (California, Pacific West Coast, Texas and Florida) have been established" and I urge all interested parties to contact William Valavanis with questions regarding this matter as well as the selection process, which will no doubt limit entries to the best the country has to offer.

I think we will see many trees that are not shown on the Internet and that the entire country will be well represented...the show is in very capable hands.


Will
Thats wonderful, with financial backing that will help those from the left side show there trees this will indeed be a national show...limits the excuses:).
 
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