BC Bonsai Society's Annual Shows: Growing Interest in Bonsai Since 2002

Bonsai are living pieces of art, always changing as they grow and never the same from one year to the next. Their temporary beauty is one of the reasons people appreciate them so much and why we are always excited to share our work with the community. The exhibition might be the only year the tree gets shown in its peak condition for the current way it is styled, or with exceptional fall colour or a multitude of flowers. Even to the uninitiated, members of the public seem to understand the ephemeral nature of bonsai.

Our club member's drive to put on bonsai shows every year, however, is not temporary. We have had at least one every year since 2004, provided people were allowed to gather. We've showed at malls, fairs, artisan walks, open houses, wineries and city halls. We were the organizing club of the Langley Artisan Show for 12 years, where we not only hosted our own art, but also complimentary work from potters, painters and photographers. Recognizing our value, we have been supported by the cities of Surrey and Langley in our efforts to enhance the community with the shows featuring the beauty of bonsai. Our club has had a long history of delivering much more value than their investment back to the community, thanks to our many volunteers.

It might seem like a lot of work to get trees ready months in advance and handle the complicated logistics of organizing a show, but it is also a chance to show our bonsai, which may otherwise stay on the fringe and on our back yard benches. Once on display at a show, a bonsai can inspire people to try the hobby or at least ask questions to understand the invisible technique that goes into creating one. Not only do we get the chance to share our work, but we may see someone's eyes light up with a new understanding of the care, technique and artistry it takes to make a bonsai. That new appreciation for the art form is an enriching payoff for our club members and the community. We hope to continue to see it for decades more.

Here is a look back at the first 17 major bonsai shows from the past few decades. We hope it inspires you to become a member or to stop by our next bonsai show in 2025.

2002-2006: Early exhibits were at Semiahmoo Mall, Community Art Walks, Nurseries and Cloverdale Rodeo as we tried out high-traffic and then more targeted venues.

A club founder at an exhibit early in the club history

Founding member and valued club Treasurer Marg Osborne

2007-2018: Once we landed on a successful formula, The Langley Artisan Show ran for 15 years at George Preston Recreation Centre in Langley. The Fraser Valley Potters Guild was a synergistic exhibitor. Many members bought bonsai pots from them!

Setting up always takes a whole team of volunteers

We were privileged to have Tak host a demo at every show, thanks Tak!

Hanging out and talking to the public about bonsai made the day past quickly

Sometimes you could even get a tour and discuss the exhibit

2019-2020: We moved the show to Surrey to continue our access to cultural grants and after only one show COVID happened. We moved shows online and looked for opportunities to exhibit at smaller events.