Hello Friends! I hope you can visit me at the National Arboretum for the Potomac Bonsai Festival. I'll be selling pots made especially for these magical little trees. I'm thrilled to be participating again this year. It's a fun and intimate event filled with people who are incredibly passionate about this living art form. I've been a little more expermental this time, adding a more color and even some decal work. I'm pretty excited about it, and I can't wait to show you!
I'm guessing that many of you, at some point in your lives, have thought to yourselves, 'I'd really like to learn about Bonsai.' or 'I'd love to have a bonsai tree!' or 'I should get another Bonsai tree because I killed the last one (or 3)(SAME).' Well, now's your chance! There will be lots of demonstrations and workshops (some free - for full schedule click on link above) all weekend. Also, plants are blooming, everything is green, and the Arboretum is just lovely this time of year.
Friday, May 9th, 9am- 5pmSaturday, May 10th, 9am - 5pm
Sunday, May 11th, 9am - 4pm
Saturday, May 10th is World Bonsai Day! This tree, the Yamaki Pine, is having a celebration / birthday party. It's turning (at least) 400 years old! You should definitly come!
From the National Bonsai Foundation's website: "Originally started to honor Bonsai Master Saburo Kato's mission for peace through bonsai, World Bonsai Day is a cornerstone of the bonsai community. Bonsai is an opportunity to separate from the anxieties of the world – a chance for bonsai artists or admirers to collect their thoughts, practice mindfulness and find inner peace which they can then focus outward, and spread to the world."
Who doesn't need to separate from the anxieties of the world, collect their thoughts, practice mindfulness, and find inner peace which they can then focus outward, and spread to the world right now? Nobody, that's who. Really, it doesn't make sense NOT to come!
“BY NURTURING A BONSAI, WE LEARN THE ESSENCE AND DIGNITY OF LIFE.”
-MASTER SABURO KATO
The 2025 Potomac Bonsai Festival returns to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum on May 9-11, 2025. Presented in partnership with the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, the National Bonsai Foundation, and the U.S. National Arboretum, the festival includes an exhibition of bonsai by PBA members, formal bonsai displays, bonsai vendors, beginner workshops, children’s activities, Museum tours, and demonstrations and workshops led by our guest artists.
Beginner bonsai workshops will be offered throughout the weekend and include everything you need to get started, even a tree! There will also be intermediate and advanced “bring your own tree” workshops led by special guest artists. Advanced registration for all workshops is strongly recommended.
exhibits featuring trees from the Museum’s and exemplars from PBA members’ collections
free demonstrations and styling presentations
interactive workshops for all skill levels*
children’s activities
docent-led Museum tours
vendors offering bonsai, pre-bonsai, pots, accents, and supplies – everything the aspiring hobbyist or longtime bonsai artist needs
If you can't make it to the Festival, please don't hesitate to get in touch, and we can set up a time for you to come visit my studio :).
Please email me at kate@hollowwork.com
Hope to see you!
