In this two-hour session, Sergio shares a personal look at his bonsai journey through three distinct segments. The presentation begins with an overview of his private garden, followed by a chronological look at his collection to illustrate the techniques used to transition trees from raw material to refined bonsai. The final segment covers technical case studies on grafting for both root and branch development, with time included for audience questions.

Sergio Cuan is an award-winning bonsai artist and professional creative director whose work bridges the gap between traditional horticulture and fine art. His qualifications include:

• Award-Winning Artistry: Most recently, he was awarded First Place at the Bonsaigers X 25 International Exhibition in late 2025 for his Yatsubusa Elm. His previous accolades include "Best in Show" at the Winter Silhouette Expo and the "Finest Deciduous Award" at the US National Bonsai Exhibition. Photos of these trees and more can be found on his website.

• Educational Expertise: Sergio frequently leads workshops and lectures across the U.S., including advanced sessions at Nature's Way Nursery and the Nebraska Bonsai Society. In 2023, he was selected by master Walter Pall to participate in an exclusive Master Class in Germany.

• Artistic Background: He holds a BFA in Art and Design from the Pratt Institute and serves as a creative director for a major NYC entertainment company.

• Technical Contributions: He provided the illustrations for Michael Hagedorn's celebrated book, Bonsai Heresy, and his work is regularly featured in International Bonsai Magazine and Bonsai Focus.

• Deciduous Specialty: While skilled in conifers, he is widely recognized for his specialized passion and advanced techniques with deciduous species like maples, elms, and beech.