Bonsai Workshops: How to get the most out of your experience

By Alex Manoogian

One of the reasons I love being a part of the Northeast Bonsai Association the volume of engaging events offered throughout the year. When I first took an interest in bonsai in 2019, I wanted to participate as much as possible, and found opportunities to learn through the variety of workshops, demonstrations and lectures that the club offers. I quickly learned that each learning format had its own nuances which, if understood, would help me get the most out of these events. Simple tips, like arriving early for a demonstration to find a well-positioned seat, go a long way to helping you get the most out of an event. As a beginner, the format I was most intimidated by was the instructor-led workshop. The recommendations below are simple tips and insights to help demystify this format so that other beginners like me can more confidently participate in these great opportunities.

What is a “workshop”, anyways? And what the heck is “BYOT?”

A “workshop” is a learning format where an instructor will work hands on with a group of participants on bonsai (or sometimes pottery).  NEBA usually allows 8-12 participants in each workshop.  Some workshops are “BYOT” which stands for Bring Your Own Tree(s).  Some workshops come with a tree provided.  In all cases, participants are working to create or advance their bonsai through the real time application of techniques under the guidance of an experienced instructor.  

Non-participating observers win the game, almost always:

While there are limited seats available to participate in the hands-on workshop, we usually have no restrictions on observers.  An observer can come and watch the workshop without working hands-on.  Aside from this being a free benefit of membership, it’s a great way to learn.  Observers can see the instructor working and advising on all trees, instead of being consumed by one.  It’s also a great way for beginners to get exposure to the workshop format.  We don’t see enough people taking advantage of this opportunity, and its really an incredible way to learn. 

Do you have the right trees?:

Folks who have been to enough workshops know to ask themselves this question before each one.  There are so many factors that make a tree “right” for a workshop. Top of the list is tree health.  Its nearly impossible to make a bonsai out of a sick or weak tree, so start by making sure that your material is ready to go health wise.  Timing is also key. Make sure the species of tree and the scope of work are appropriate for the season. Finally, make sure the trees command a scope of work that makes good use of the workshop opportunity.  Basic wiring or developmental pruning instruction can usually be provided by more experienced members of the club and many folks are eager to help if asked. 

Bring Extra Trees, just in case:

Always be prepared with additional trees to work on. I always bring at least two or three trees, just in case I finish early or if the instructor advises me against working on one.   I have had multiple experiences where I didn’t bring “the right tree” and was left sulking for 2 hours without work to do.  At a minimum, it gives you an opportunity to get some quick tips on that second tree even if you don’t have time to work it. 

Have the right tools and supplies:

To carry out any amount of hands-on work will require the use of some tools.  If you aren’t sure what tools you will need, then you should ask well in advance.  Aside from tools, there are usually other items we need depending on the scope of work.  You should have a full stock of wire.  If you are working a coniferous species, copper wire is usually preferred.  If you are planning a repot, be sure to bring the soil, the pot, the potting screen, and the right tools to carry out that work.  If you are planning any heavy bends, have some raffia.  I’ve had one workshop where the artist wanted to use a piece of rebar to make a major bend in the apex.  How fortunate I was to have had a length of steel rebar in my trunk. Other specialty items I’ve seen used include: rotary tool and bits, a textile pressure washer, and a battery powered drill (unfortunately they didn’t have the screws they needed… oh well).

Be respectful of others:

The bonsai community is small and if you stick around long enough, you will see most of these faces again and again.  This includes our instructors and professional artists.  Apart from being nice to people, you should also be mindful that workshops are time-limited. In many cases, people are trying to condense a large amount of work into a short workshop and they feel the time crunch throughout the event.  Others are more than no happy to carry on a conversation with you while they are working their tree.  Everyone I have ever met in bonsai is eager to answer questions and help in any way they can, so if someone appears frantic, focused, or comes off as dismissive, don’t take it personal!  But also, try not to encumber other participants with a lot of questions that will take away from their ability to have a fulfilling workshop experience. 

Try to avoid useless downtime:

One thing that will always be true in a workshop is that the students will outnumber the instructor.  This means that typically, instructors are “making the rounds”, stopping at each participant along the way to check in and advance the scope of work. This is not easy, and is very much an art in itself, but not every instructor does it well.  If you are a beginner, this will likely mean you will have significant downtime when you finish one step, but then are waiting for the artist to make their way back to you.  To avoid this, have the instructor talk you through the next 4 or 5 moves.  It’s easy to get wrapped up in the first task, so you may even consider keeping a notepad to keep track.  I’ve seen multiple people use colored pipe cleaners to map out their wiring routes quickly (brilliant).  But always remember the prior tip (be respectful of others) and try not to command an excessive percentage of the instructor’s time.

Know your artist/instructor:

Sometimes clubs offer workshops with instructors who would refer to themselves as “experienced” or “advanced hobbyists.” Other workshops are led by professional artists.  The distinction being that professional artists make their primary living doing bonsai in some capacity.  In either case, it’s good to know who you will be working with.  Most professional artists have their own distinct style that you can see by studying photos online, or on social media.  Many have specialty species they are known to work with. Some are influenced by traditional Japanese aesthetic, and others are influenced by more wild and twisted design.  Getting these insights ahead of time will help you get more out of your workshop, and might also help you choose the right tree. 

If you aren’t sure, always ask in advance (about anything):

“Is this workshop a good fit for me?” “What tools should I have?” “Is this a good tree to bring?” “Has anyone worked with this artist before?”  “How does this thing actually work?” “Will there be food?”  These are all excellent questions to be asking your club before participating in a workshop.  The best part about the bonsai community is the “community” part, and it wouldn’t exist without people asking questions.   

Hopefully this has helped reduce the mystery behind the workshop experience.  Organizations like the Northeast Bonsai Association thrive off of the involvement of people looking to learn and advance their knowledge of Bonsai through its programs.  

Hope to see you around the bend, 

Alex