Monday, January 11, 2010

ACBS 2010-- Year of the Black Pine


This is the Year of the Japanese Black Pine. At the December meeting ACBS decided to program a thematic year. Everything (well, nearly everything) this year will relate to this one species, Pinus thunbergii, a frequently used (and abused) species in bonsai. It’s known for having its own set of problems. So this year we will work on this one species. Everyone who wants to participate will work on their own specimen and each month we will progress to the next step. Cool!

In January & February Ken, Carlton and Gib will bring in price guides, style charts and specimens they’ve worked on. You can begin to think about the size of tree and price level you want to work on. This is a new direction for the club. It will be interesting to follow these trees through the year – and in years to come. The Japanese Black Pine is truly one of the CLASSIC bonsai species.

The picture above is from the USDA web site. The bonsai to the right was done by Walter Pall, the great German bonsai artist. His article and step-by-step photo essay is found at:

http://knowledgeofbonsai.org/articles/progressions/japanese-black-pine-kotobuki-pinus-thunbergiana-walter-pall/

Not a member and want to join? Come to the meeting, see Gary Gifford, ACBS Treasurer, with $20 in cash or check (made out to “Akron Canton Bonsai Society”).

Members get:

- A monthly e-newsletter including

Calendar of Bonsai events in the area

Bonsai book reviews

Articles on bonsai

Full color photo displays of meetings and events

- Private meetings with bonsai demonstrators

- Monthly meetings

- Tons of advice on growing, styling, displaying (and disposing of) bonsai

Akron Canton Bonsai Society

First Thursday of Each Month

7 – 9 p.m.

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center

2131 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

(enter through the rear door on the lower level)