Monthly general membership meeting.
DUE TO THE INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY, THE MEETING THIS MONTH IS MOVED TO WEDNESDAY JULY 5, 2017
Mel Ikeda, world-renowned Master of Raft Style Bonsai will be doing a demo.
Bonzai is the art of aesthetic miniaturization of trees or developing weedy or semi-woody plants shaped as trees, by growing them in containers. Our guest, Mel Ikeda, President of the Nanpu Kai Bonsai Society for over 20 years, will demonstrate the "Moyogi Style Bonsai".
At the end of the program, members have a chance to win a demonstration bonzai which will be offered in a special raffle.
Mr. Ikeda literally grew up with bonsai. His father, Masayuki, owned and operated Ikeda Bonsai Garden in Buena Park, California from 1953 to 1988. Mel worked next to his father from the beginning, learning the techniques of design and care. Later, when he decided to become a serious bonsai hobbyist, he undertook training from Harry Hirao, Khan Komai, John Naka and Kenji Miyata, who all emphasize the traditional bonsai styling techniques and their relationship with traditional Japanese cultural values. By their example they teach their students “Bonsai No Kokoro” – the Spirit of Bonsai.
A familiar figure at bonsai events, he has conducted demonstrations and workshops throughout California, Arizona, Louisiana, Florida, Oregon, New Mexico and Hawaii. He has been a member of Kofu Bonsai Kai since its founding in 1977and is Executive Vice-President of California Bonsai Society and managed the workshop and demo programs for California Bonsai Society’s 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th and 50th Anniversary Conventions, including working with Bonsai Masters from Japan who were headliners at these conventions. He is a Trustee of Golden State Bonsai Federation, Chair of the Circle of Sensei Committee and worked with Dennis Makashima in the development stages of what became GSBF’s “Bonsai Basics” program. He has chaired workshops and demos for GSBF conventions, including the 1999 convention featuring John Naka. He has also been a demonstrator for GSBF Collection North and South’s fundraisers.
One of “new breed” of second-generation bonsai artists who are being recognized for their unique capabilities and artistry, Mel is an imaginative and capable instructor. Mel has developed a number of interesting bonsai styling techniques, grounded in the traditional styling concepts.
General ESA Meetings are informal and informative, with an emphasis on epi culture. Admission and parking are free. Refreshments are served. Members and guests attending their first meeting receive a free, potted epi plant. Cuttings and potting supplies are available for bargain prices at the sale table. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month (except January and December), at 7:30 pm, in the Bamboo Room of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA. From the Foothill Freeway (1-210), take the Baldwin Avenue off ramp south, and follow the signs to the Arboretum.
Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin
Arcadia, CA
Bamboo Room
Free parking and admittance
Refreshments provided
Limited selection of plants, cuttings and supplies available at discount prices for members.
New members and first-time meeting attendees receive a free plant.
