I cut and pasted the following info about GSBF from their web site. I love this organization.
The Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) is a tax-exempt, educational organization which provides services and activities promoting the art of bonsai throughout California. Its Annual Convention gives "bonsai people" an opportunity to watch bonsai masters at work; to participate in hands-on workshops; to shop for plants, tools, pots, and materials at the bazaar; and to share in the friendly companionship of other bonsai enthusiasts.
Golden Statements, a publication of GSBFis printed six times each year with current bonsai articles and calendars of local club shows and events. The Bonsai Shopper is published every other year and gives the location of bonsai nurseries, sales outlets, names of teachers and demonstrators, and other pertinent data.
The GSBF Directory is mailed to every member club twice a year.
The Federation awards grants to assist member clubs, bonsai scholarships which are available to worthy individuals, also an internship program in which qualified students are given assistance to study with a bonsai master in Japan or elsewhere.
Workshops and demonstrations by visiting masters.
The Lending Library
permanent bonsai collections in northern and southern California
information on how to obtain reasonably priced liability insurance for your club
An Emergency Hot-Line, missing or stolen bonsai alert, and other emergencies.
Each of the five GSBF Districts is represented by two Trustees
Our Fresno club is helping GSBF develop an Advanced Directive form for individuals to include in their will. That way the bonsai artist can direct what will happen to their collection upon their death. It will be made available to all member clubs.
Just a bit about what GSBF is dedicated to.