Visiting Bonsai Artist


Morning Workshop

Bring Your Own Tree (BYOT) Workshop

  • Introduction to commonly used tropical bonsai species, including:

    • Ficus

    • Bougainvillea

    • Brazilian Rain Tree

    • Sea Hibuscus

    • Schefflera

    • Other tropical species

  • Seasonal care and maintenance

  • Basic styling and development techniques

  • Species-specific cultivation tips

Introductory Discussion

  • Design and development recommendations

  • Answering questions

  • Individual Guidance

  • Group discussion

Workshop


Live Demonstration

Styling of a Tropical Bonsai

Educational Overview

  • Discussion of selected material

  • Horticultural techniques

  • Long-term development strategy

Live Demonstration

  • Design considerations

  • Styling decisions

  • Wiring and branch placement


About the Artist

 Jason was introduced to bonsai by accident back in 1997, after coming across a bonsai kit in a mall. The idea and the culture interested him. While the kit sadly never amounted to anything, it did inspire him to start learning more about bonsai. Jason scoured all the local libraries for any books he could find on the subject. Unfortunately the internet was not a source yet back then! Jason learned everything he could on his own and began increasing his plant knowledge and learning to care for the trees. Several years later Jason came across someone while working that had bonsai in their yard. They helped him to find and join the Indianapolis Bonsai Club. Jason was able to meet people involved in the art/hobby. This gave him the chance to greatly increase his knowledge and skills. In the years since that encounter, he has been learning everything about bonsai that he could. In 2021, Jason decided that it was time to move his hobby forward. Jason left his job of 20 years to pursue his passion of propagating, raising, styling and selling bonsai for a living. It has been an amazing adventure that continues to grow every day. Jason’s goal for the future is to help those that have an interest to get started into the hobby. Jason remembers how hard it was when he started. It is Jason’s desire to create high quality pre-bonsai and bonsai that are affordable to anyone with the interest.

Greater Columbus Arts Council

Thanks to a grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, we’re excited to be able to offer these events with the Visiting Bonsai Artist Series. With it, we are able to increase club offerings and events to benefit Greater Columbus and the central Ohio art and horticultural community.

The Visiting Bonsai Artist Series adds a level of professionalism, knowledge, and experience with the art of bonsai that is exceptionally valuable for both experienced members and beginners alike.