2016 Bonsai Show

Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bonsai enthusiasts look forward to early October at Reiman Gardens because that is the traditional time for the Annual Iowa Bonsai Association Fall Show. The Gardens is hosting this event the weekend of October 8 and 9, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Bonsai has many different styles as well as many different species that lend themselves to treatment as bonsai. For several past shows we have used a theme to highlight some of these styles—forests, literati, shohin, and so forth. This fall the only thematic presence is that exhibitors will show some of their favorite bonsais. Bonsai speak to their creators. For others to get a sense of what the artist sees in the bonsai tree, companion pieces are often needed—companion plants, kusamono, rocks, or even small sculptures or found objects. As the Beatles lyric says: “I get by with some help from my friends.” The full presentation thus is a tree in a pot, on a stand, with one or more companion pieces, on their own stands. You view a multi-part composition, with an integrated meaning. The “friends” bring out the best in the bonsai, as they do for us as individuals. Lean in, listen close, and maybe you can even hear the conversation.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Iowa Bonsai Association.

No preregistration required to attend the Bonsai Show. Free for members and Iowa State University students. Cost of admission for the general public is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors ages 65+, $4 for kids ages 4-17, and free for kids ages 3 and under.