Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society
Dedicated to the art of bonsaiArchive for Shohin
Mark Arpag Visits MHBS
Mark Arpag’s recent visit to MHBS included a bring-your-own workshop and a lecture and demo on shohin material. Both were well-attended and here are some photos.
Knittle Bonsai Stand Workshop
One of our favorite teachers, David Knittle, will be constructing two-level shohin stands with us on Januray 27 in this workshop that is currently filled, but observers are welcome. It’s a morning workshop, before the monthly meeting of MHBS. Guests are always welcome to attend.
Suthin Sukosolvisit Workshop Saturday November 17
On Saturday, November 17, Suthin Sukosolvisit will host a bring-your-own workshop at pfm bonsai in West Charlton, the home of MHBS. There are still a few openings in the workshop and this event is open to sister clubs so sign up while there’s still room. The workshop is Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and only three spots are open. The fee is $100 cash for the workshop.
You may also wish to order in dinner from the Charlton Tavern with Suthin that evening. We will eat in the studio where we can actually have a conversation over dinner. BYO wine or other drink. Register by phone at 518-882-1039 or email pauline@pfmbonsai.com immediately. Bring tools, wire and tree(s). Please bring cash for dinner payment also.
On Sunday, Suthin will do a refinement demo on material he is bringing. The result will be raffled among MHBS club members. BYO and share lunch at noon, followed by the demo.
Born in Thailand, Suthin has extensive experience with tropical bonsai. His expertise also includes Japanese maple, Juniper, Azalea, Black Pine and many other species. Suthin has won many National Bonsai Awards in Thailand and the United States. He lectures all around the world and at some of the most important bonsai conventions in the United States. Suthin’s bonsai are famed for their proportion, refinement and detail.
PFM Bonsai March Events
Yes, sooner or later the snow will go and March begins the busy season in bonsai. PFM Bonsai in West Charlton NY has announced some March events to get you in the spirit. Register in advance while spots remain at 518-882-1039 or Pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
Sunday, March 2 at 11 AM
Kishu Shimpaku Shohin workshop. Beautiful specimens raised by the Chikugo-En nursery in California. Hardy here. Limited to 4. $100 includes tree.
Sunday, March 9 at 11 AM
Mini Amur Maple Forest Workshop. Amur Maples are the northeast version of great
maples for bonsai. These wonderful little trees will make a great mini forest.
$100 including pot.
Sunday, March 16 at 11 AM
Cotoneaster Workshop. Work with one of the varying species of cotoneaster including some raised with nice thick trunks for shohin. $75 including the tree. Limited.
Think small
Shohin authority John Romano will be demonstrating techniques this Sunday, June 30, at PFM Bonsai in West Charlton during the monthly MHBS meeting. John’s demo starts at 11 and a workshop follows after lunch, for which there were still openings as of this writing. Guests are always welcome to observe at club meetings, so if you’re interested in bonsai please stop by. PFM Bonsai is on Western Avenue in West Charlton, off Sacandaga Road just south of the Route 67 intersection.
Tokonoma Workshop Results
Tokonoma materials
Tokonoma frame
Tokonma assembly
Tokonoma framed
Finished Tokonoma
David Knittle returned last weekend for the long awaited MHBS Tokonoma Workshop at PFM Bonsai. Two days of vigorous sanding, staining, sanding, finishing, sanding, assembly and sanding under David’s careful eye produced seven gorgeous lighted tokonomas suitable for shohin. David then gave a great Sunday afternoon presentation on tool sharpening. Thank you David!
June TWIG and upcoming events
Many club members are looking forward to the upcoming Montreal Trip to David Easterbrook’s & Montreal Gardens. Others are anticipating Frank Mihalic Workshops at PFM Bonsai, July 14-15, and a July 29 field trip to NE Bonsai and Royal Gardens.
Jake DeSilva’s ongoing $10 Monday night workshops at PFM Bonsai offer an incredibly affordable opportunity to work one-on-one with Jake in small sessions. Jake apprenticed in Japan and China for many years learning techniques that produced some of the best shohin from Mr. Masumi and Mr. Urushibata, directors of the Japan National Small Bonsai Guild of Nurserymen. Though shohin is his specialty, his knowledge can be applied to all sizes of bonsai. Contact Pauline to sign up.
Not done yet. The Club’s August 26 Annual Picnic and open workshop will welcome David Easterbrook and he will bring trees. Sept 29-30, David Knittle will host a double event at PFM Bonsai: Build a Tokonoma / Sharpening Bonsai Tools—a double-exciting opportunity to score twice. And there’s more to come through fall with field trips, shohin and mame workshops. Download the June TWIG here.
