Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society
Dedicated to the art of bonsaiArchive for Design
The Return of Mauro Stemberger
No, it’s not a new motion picture, it’s the real deal. On May 13 and 14, Mauro Stemberger will spend two days in workshop mode at pfm bonsai as MHBS hosts the Italian Stallion of bonsai. Bring your own trees to this weekend workshop and Mauro will help you transform them. Though he especially enjoys working with pines, junipers and larch, Mauro is happy to add his expertise to any of your trees. You may even survive his wiring instruction.
The workshop is all day Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14, starting at 9 AM each day. We will order in lunch on Saturday and take Mauro out for dinner on Saturday evening. Let Pauline know if you want to come out with us.
The workshop fee is $60 for both days, and Mauro’s Sunday afternoon demo tree will be raffled. Register today while space remains by contacting Pauline at 518-882-1039 or Pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
Schmalenberg Returns
It’s a great time to style certain trees and with perfect timing, Martin Schmalenberg is dropping in to help. On Sunday, November 13, Martin will be on hand to work with you on designing your trees, $50 for the day-long workshop that begins at 9:00 AM.
A noted bonsai teacher, Martin studied in Japan with Hiroyoshi Yamaji and Mikio Oshima, and in the states with Nick Lenz, Boon Manakantivipart and many others. We are fortunate to host him regularly at pfm bonsai.
Bring your trees,tools, wire and lunch. RSVP while space remains to pauline@pfmbonsai.com or 518-882-1039.
Go Bonsai Wild June 11-12
Who says bonsai people can’t go wild? On June 11 and 12 at pfm Bonsai, a Wild Bonsai Weekend welcomes new bonsai material from the wilds of Maine and beyond, collected by wild guys Kris and John of Black Dodge Bonsai. On Saturday, slightly crazy bonsai master Frank Mihalic returns to help style those trees for an insanely low $75 for the day, with lunch. Register at pauline@pfmbonsai.com, and don’t forget your tools, wire and meds.
May TWIG Newsletter
Download the May TWIG newsletter to catch up on summer activities with the Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society, including a can’t miss weekend, May 21-22, with truckloads of bonsai stock from Mark Comstock and design assistance from bonsai master Jim Doyle of Nature’s Way Nursery. Jim will work with you and your trees on one or both days for a $50 fee, so register now.
Need new trees? Who doesn’t? Mark Comstock’s truck brings plenty of good new material and it’s first come, first served, so arrive early (but not before me). Club members may also bring trees, pots or whatever to sell. You never know when you’ll find the perfect pot.
This special weekend event is open to all, club members and curious newcomers alike, at pfm Bonsai in West Charlton, NY, May 21-22 from 9am to 5pm. Lunch both days is pot luck depending on what our members bring. For directions to pfm Bonsai, or to register for Jim Doyle design help, email Pauline at pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
April TWIG and New Events
Download the April TWIG newsletter to learn about events like:
April 24: Our 3rd annual Eastern White Cedar day with Mark Arpag. Sign up for the 9:00 AM workshop and bring your cedars or purchase one. In the afternoon Mark will do a demo on Eastern White Cedar and we’ll raffle the tree.
May 21-22: Jim Doyle and Mark Comstock Weekend. Purchase great material from Mark and get expert design assistance from Jim. Don’t let your dream tree get away.
April Workshops
As April nears, we face another busy spring of early wiring, repotting, and lugging trees in and out while nervously watching the night temperatures. To add to the excitement are April activities like:A brief video introduction to Mauro Stemberger, who will host a demo, plus a workshop (by reservation), as a guest of the Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society on Friday, April 8, at pfm bonsai in West Charlton. To learn more, contact Pauline at pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
Bonsai Gatherings
Our official MHBS clubhouse, pfm bonsai in West Charlton, has announced some exciting upcoming events to soldier us through spring.
February features a Shitakusa/Kusomono Workshop on the 21st, an Art of Wiring lesson on the 27th, and Accent Pot Making at the monthly MHBS meeting on the 28th.
March brings out the trees with an Amur Maple Shohin Bonsai Workshop on the 5th, a Blended Tree Shohin Bonsai Workshop on the 6th, and a Father/Son Larch Bonsai Workshop on the 12th.
Also, Monday Night Bonsai get togethers will resume in March. Join club members at pfm bonsai for an evening with our two favorite food groups—bonsai and pizza. No cost, just a small contribution for the pizza. Please email Pauline by Monday morning so she has a food count.
Curious guests are always welcome at our club meetings and are also welcome to inquire about workshops. To learn more, contact Pauline at 518-882-1039 or by email at pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
August 30 Club and Estate Sale
Bring your wallets to the August MHBS meeting at PFM Bonsai when our Club and Estate Sale starts at 10 AM. Three estates worth of bonsai pots and books will be on sale—cash, check or charge—along with member trees needing their next home. Club members, remember to bring your trees and other sale items by 9:30 AM, clearly priced.
After lunch Pauline will conduct a Shitakusa and Kusamono Workshop—work with Pauline’s hand made pottery and accent material or bring your own. It’s great timing for putting together your displays for the club show in October. It will help to bring a list of trees you hope to display. Register by email: pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
See you Sunday!
