We have an exceptional group of guest artists lined up for the 19th annual PNBCA Convention. The 2008 Convention will emphasize education. We all want to improve our bonsai, and the artists we have lined up for the convention are ready to help you achieve that goal.
First a few words about our guest artists. We have Walter Pall in our lineup. Walter is in demand as a demonstrator and educator all over the world. This convention will be a great opportunity for you to learn from one of Europe’s top artists. Next we present Kathy Shaner, one of the most respected artists and demonstrators in the U.S. We have Dennis Makishima on the program. Dennis is limiting his engagements these days, but has graciously consented to be part of our convention. Dennis is an excellent teacher, and his workshops and classes always fill up fast. Next we have David Rowe. Most of you know David from his time as editor of the ABS Journal, as well as from his appearances at various conventions; his workshops are always in demand. And last, but not least, we have Jerry Meislik on the program. Jerry is nationally known as an expert in keeping ficus and other tropical trees indoors; as well as his work with native temperate species.
Things will start off early Thursday evening, September 18th, with a special “Early Bird Demonstration”. Most everyone arrives at these conventions on Thursday since things begin bright and early Friday morning; so we decided to give you something interesting to do on Thursday evening. Walter Pall will be giving a demonstration during the evening, and as a special bonus, all Full Registrants who attend the demonstration will be entered into a drawing for the finished tree, to be held at the end of the evening.
Friday morning will start off with the scheduled workshops. We have procured some excellent material for the workshops, so you will want to register early to ensure that you get your selection.
Friday afternoon will be something a little different. Each registrant will select one of five classes on various topics that are being taught by our guest artists. The classes will be filled based on your registration date, so register early to have the best chance of getting your first choice.
Friday evening we will have a reception with light hors d’ oeuvres and entertainment; this will be a great time to chat with old friends and make new friends.
Saturday will start off with demonstrations and additional workshops. Because there is never enough time to give the guest artist all the time he or she needs to do a good job styling the tree, we are presenting the demonstrations in a staggered start format.
The first demonstration will be Walter Pall's. It will start and continue for about an hour and a half. This will give everyone a chance to see the most informative part of his process. Then, Walter will move his demonstration to a side stage to continue with the work while the second demonstration, with Kathy Shaner, commences on the main stage. It will follow the same format, moving to a side stage after an hour and a half for continued work on the tree. After lunch, Walter's and Kathy's demonstration work will continue in the back.
Due to your overwhelming enthusiasm for the artists' workshops, we have added two more workshops on Saturday Morning. Dennis Makishima will lead a workshop with Ponderosa Pines while David Rowe will lead a workshop on Collected Elms.
After lunch, on the main stage, Dennis Makishima will present a class on achieving excellent ramification on deciduous trees.
Throughout the weekend, Dennis Makishima, Walter Pall, and Kathy Shaner will critique the trees in the Exhibit hall.
On Sunday, our last day, you will have one last chance to work with one of the guest artists as Walter Pall hosts a Bring Your Own Tree Workshop. At the same time, Dennis Makishima will host a round table discussion on a topic yet to be determined.
All in all, we guarantee you will have a very enjoyable time while you are in the Inland Empire. You will take home many fond memories of your visit to Spokane.