The 2006 show is concluded and will be remembered as a testament to the dedication, cooperation and creativity of our membership. Over one hundred trees were on display. Many thanks go out to all those who helped plan and assemble one of our strongest shows in memory.

It is important to note that this show does not simply happen. It takes the efforts of many members and many months of planning to make it happen. Make a effort to thank and congradulate the many members who’s hard work made this display possible. Diana Lum has for several years now coordinated between the Garden Show staff and our members to plan the show. Tim Kong produced a dynamic and inovative layout for this years show that really highlighted the talents and abilities of our membership. Eric Shrader conjoled and convinced many members to provide demonstrations of technique over the run of the show which not only educate the public but instilled confidence and pride in our progress as a dedicated group. Joe Nersveen brought his professional talents to the cause in helping coordinate the displays and identify them with excellent signage. Ron Weaver kept track of the volunteer schedule and tracked down members to include all who were able to participate. Sandra Meyer, Ben Petrosanta, Lorretta Jang, Linda Ferzoco and others assembled educational and regional information and feedback forms to be distributed to the public. Steve Jang produced a large seikei in a remarkable forty five minutes on the large public stage and attended to keeping our display watered each day. Aaron Newton photographed the show and had it on our site while the show was still on. Emma Kong worked tirelessly evey day to keep our sales area working, organized and a welcoming place for the public. Jay Mc Donald, a tireless advocate of bonsai, energized the public with his enthusiam and graciously was the last to leave each night until he was satisfied that security was present. Andrea Burhoe safely transported our logo tree from Oakland. Daryl Quijano delivered pizza and will be sending all the sellers checks.

Thank you to all the members who prepared displays and volunteered at the show. I hope you all feel, as I do, that your participation was rewarded by the experience with other members and a very appreciative public and the opertunites to show your best work and to study what other members are doing with their trees.

And then there was the show itself. I think we had more members displaying bonsai this year then in the past. The variety of trees and styles showed the depth of our commitment and the diversity of our creative energies. The space the show was in became our space for the week. Like a public square where ideas are exchanged, stories traded and delight shared, it became a wonderful place out of time for us to all learn from one and other and celebrate our common interests. This is the highest ideal of our society and I am very pleased to see it so strong.

No Tags