ABS Learning Seminars
Demonstrations
DEMONSTRATIONS
Private Demos offer a close, personal experience, similar to a small-scale theater-in-the-round. If you have ever struggled to see or hear at bigger events, our limited seating is the perfect solution. You can sit near the artists as they work on challenging pieces, noticing every detail and enjoying each moment. Reserve your seat to enjoy this special, up-close event.
Open Demos are free lecture and demo sessions led by our featured artists, and they’re open to all registered participants. These sessions run throughout the weekend, with options during the day and in the evening. Be sure to check the event schedule for exact times. Add these sessions to your calendar now so you can see talented artists take on challenging projects up close. Join us to get inspired, learn new skills, and make the most of your experience. We especially recommend the open demo with three artists on stage together during Friday Night Lights.
Public Demos are free and open to everyone. The North Carolina Arboretum has supported us, so we want to give back in a special way. Three of our demonstrations will take place at the bonsai pavilion in the arboretum. These events are open to all and will showcase trees with interesting and unique histories. Enthusiasm spreads quickly, so come join us to inspire others and help grow the art of bonsai. Who knows? Someone might discover a passion for bonsai at their very first demonstration.
Friday Night Lights: Initial Styling of a Hinoki Cypress (Open Demo)
Bjorn Bjorholm
Friday 6:30pm-9pm
This large Hinoki, grown in the field, stands out with its striking trunk lines and the rough, mature bark that makes Hinoki trees so special. It has many branches and was bought a few years ago just for this demonstration. While you can find similar trees at specialty nurseries, this one’s unique character was clear right away. Bjorn has a real talent for shaping these trees into bonsai works of art. Come listen as he explains his approach to styling and shows the steps he takes to turn these beautiful trees into one-of-a-kind bonsai.
Friday Night Lights: John Plants a Forest (Open Demo)
John Geanangel
Friday 6:30pm-9pm
John’s group plantings with Bald Cypress are legendary. His deep experience and keen understanding of the native habitat of the species allow him to assemble groups that evoke the way these trees grow in nature. His trees extend skyward, reaching for light in the dark wilderness of the wetlands below, an image reflecting the beautiful and mysterious wetlands of the American Southeast. Secure your spot now to watch John build a forest in person and hear his artistic vision firsthand. Join us and be a part of this inspiring experience.
Friday Night Lights: Restoring a Bird’s Nest Spruce (Open Demo)
Andrew Robson
Friday 6:30pm-9pm
Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ is a unique dwarf Norway spruce. This slow-growing shrub reaches about two feet tall when fully grown, with thick, horizontal branches. It has been part of several major bonsai collections for many years. After a period of neglect due to illness, the tree lost some of its original beauty. Now that it has recovered, Andrew faces the exciting task of bringing it back to its best. Come early to watch and learn as Andrew shares his approach to restoring this remarkable tree.
Rebuilding Appalachian Cove (Open Demo)
Arthur Joura
Saturday 10:30 AM - 1:30pm
If you had to pick one tree from the North Carolina Arboretum’s bonsai collection to show what makes the program unique, “Appalachian Cove” would be a great example. This landscape was created to highlight the connection between the bonsai collection, the arboretum, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains that surround the garden. “Appalachian Cove” stands out as a one-of-a-kind planting. Over time, though, it declined and some key trees were lost. The planting was eventually taken apart, and new trees were added to bring it back to life. At a special event, Arthur will share the story and meaning of Appalachian Cove as he puts it back together for the Learning Seminar audience. We hope you can join us for this unique experience.
Designing a Field Grown Scots Pine (Public Demo)
Sergio Cuan
Friday 10:30am-1pm
This older, mostly container-grown tree features striking deadwood that blends into its flaring roots and a prominent top jin. Its branching offers plenty of creative possibilities for Sergio to explore. Come watch as Sergio begins shaping this unique Scots Pine and shares his approach to design, branch selection, and styling. The demonstration is free and open to everyone at the bonsai pavilion, so expect a lively crowd. Stop by, enjoy the experience, and connect with fellow bonsai enthusiasts. Who knows—someone in the audience might be inspired to start their own journey. The finished tree will be available for purchase during the auction and awards ceremony on Saturday night.
Designing a Field Grown Japanese Black Pine (Public Demo)
Kaya Mooney
Saturday 1pm-4pm
Pinus thunbergii, often called the “King of Bonsai,” is known for its ability to suit many styles. Its needles can be adjusted for everything from tiny mame to large imperial bonsai, so it’s a great addition to any collection. This tree was grown from seed and has been carefully trained for years by one of California’s top growers. The bark is starting to show its age, and there are many branches available for shaping. Kaya will handle the first styling, marking the start of this tree’s journey to becoming a masterpiece. Watching the process of styling and branch selection is a valuable way to learn and build your own skills. Since this is a public demonstration, you can expect a lively audience.
Public Demo
Arthur Joura
Friday 3pm-5:30pm
Arthur will select a specimen from the Arboretum collection and style it for the first time at Bonsai in the Blue Ridge. The demonstration is free and open to everyone at the bonsai pavilion, so expect a lively crowd. Stop by, enjoy the experience, and connect with fellow bonsai enthusiasts. Who knows—someone in the audience might be inspired to start their own journey.
Styling a Yamadori Cedar Elm (Private Demo)
Bjorn Bjorholm
Saturday 9am-12pm
Cedar elms from the Texas Hill Country are known for their striking trunks and rugged bark, and this large specimen truly stands out. Collected from the field several years ago, it has been carefully developed as bonsai material. The tree’s impressive trunk and unique shape offer plenty of creative options. Join Bjorn as he explains his approach and shares his thoughts while designing this remarkable tree. Spots are limited and you must be registered to attend, so sign up soon to reserve your place.
Registration: $150
20 spots available