While the basic rules or principles are important and essential in getting one started to creating good bonsai, they are only the beginning of the journey.  You will use your imagination to create your own tree in this workshop that goes beyond the basic skills.

Instructor

Tom Simonyi became involved with bonsai in 1984 when his wife came home from the grocery store and remarked about “neat little trees” she had seen.  That was the beginning of an artistic endeavor that has become a lifetime passion. Tom has written articles about various aspects of the art of bonsai for the Journal of the American Bonsai Society and has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the American Bonsai Society.  He is the current President of the Mountaineer Bonsai Society (a WVU student organization) which was founded in 1996.  The Society has held local public exhibits over the years at the Monongalia Arts Center and the Mesaros Galleries located in the Center for Creative Arts on the WVU campus. 

Course Objective

The student will bring their own bonsai tree and learn how to care for the tree, and be creative with the tree during this workshop.

Prerequisites

Students must have taken the Basics of Bonsai course or have 6 months to 1 year of experience with design and care of bonsai trees. Please - no students under 18 years of age.

Workshop Outline

Morning:
Introduction of Basic Bonsai Styles
Basics of Wiring and Tools
The Culture and Care of Bonsai

Lunch Break:
Discussion
Question Period

Afternoon:
Hands-On Workshop with Concentration on the Informal Upright Style

Course Structure and Schedule

The workshop will be offered on Saturday, October 3, 2009 in the Ag Sciences Building - Room G101. The cost of the workshop will be $99 per student. Students must bring their own bonsai tree. Wire will be provided.

Registration

Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning.  Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions.  Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.