From the Curator
March, 2012
Here in the coastal Pacific Northwest, we find that summer yields too easily to autumn, whereas winter hangs on tenaciously into spring. Even now, as plums and forsythias bloom and daffodils stand next in line, the rain lets us know it would rather be snow. We know, however, just as the plants do, that milder days and bluer skies are on the way, and this year we have a bumper crop of special exhibits and activities planned.
The first big event will be the return of “Buds & Blooms”, a spring garden tour that features not only the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection and neighboring Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, but a hidden gem Powellswood Garden and two private gardens presented by the Federal Way Symphony. Tours, lectures, and live music will be featured at all sites, and shuttle transportation will be available between Powellswood and the Symphony gardens. Buds & Blooms will be held on Mother’s Day weekend, May 12 and 13, and this year will be a ticketed event, although admission to the Bonsai Collection will still be free. Please see www.budsandbloomstour.org for more information and ticketing.
Of special interest to bonsai lovers will be bonsai and viewing stone master Sean Smith from Pennsylvania. Sean is a Japan trained, award winning artist whose only two public programs – one on bonsai and one on stones – will be presented as part of the Buds & Blooms tour. Either of Sean’s programs alone will be worth the price of a ticket, so please plan on joining Sean and us on Mother’s Day weekend!
On Saturday, June 2nd we will once again host the Puget Sound Bonsai Association’s Annual Auction. Approximately 80 bonsai in a range of size, age and price will be offered in the live auction, and a wide assortment of pots, books, tools and other items will be offered in the silent auction, so there will be something for everyone to bid on and win. Viewing of the trees will open at noon, and the live auction will run from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. For more information, please see www.psba.us.
This summer, we will host two series of special exhibits – one series of bonsai exhibits, and the other of allied arts. Our bonsai exhibits will feature works by Dan Robinson, Michael Hagedorn, Ryan Neil and Yours Truly, as well as the “Best in the Northwest” from both Washington and Oregon. Our art series will include works from Hiroko Seki, Rainier League of Arts, Puget Sound Sumi Artists, Mingei Ceramic Artists, Northwest Woodcarvers, and the PSBA Stone Interest Group. Please see more information at our Schedule of Events.
First and foremost, of course, is our outstanding Permanent Collection of bonsai, which are always exciting to see as they go through their seasonal changes. I recommend monthly visits to enjoy not just those changes, but rotation of trees on display as well our special programs.
There is much to enjoy, so please put us on your calendar of events!
David De Groot
Curator
