The Artisans Cup exists to showcase Bonsai as a true art form. We’re starting a movement to reveal the beauty of the ongoing collaboration between humans and nature that occurs during the process of training a tree. This process, currently experiencing surging growth in North America, is symbolic of the struggle for life in which all living things take part, and highlights the similarities and differences between people and trees. It is a poignant representation of life itself, with all of its challenges and successes, its hardship and joy.

Material

Bonsai has always been a collaboration between people and local natural resources. In recent years the drama of naturally stunted trees collected from the harsh conditions of America’s mountains, deserts, and coastlines has opened new doors in the art. The wildness of American material speaks to the freedom of American culture and offers a unique opportunity to expand the palette of material used in American bonsai. 

Supporting Elements

Critical to any world-class Bonsai are the ceramics, woodwork, tools, and other supporting elements. American Bonsai supports local artisans and craftsmen who are doing exceptional work in these areas.

Form

Bonsai can take many forms. From a straight upright specimen to a cascading tree that drops below the rim of the container, the form a tree takes represents the environment from which it came. Although tradition still holds a place in the foundation for bonsai, the modern American aesthetic deviates from traditional, symmetrical Bonsai. It instead captures more of the unbridled, natural form of the tree as it appears in the wild through asymmetry and dynamic movement. 

While we are passionate about celebrating this bold new expression of the millenia-old tradition of Bonsai, The Artisans Cup will exhibit  a wide variety of tree species and design aesthetics, provided they show care and artistry. 
Learn more about the exhibition.

Up to $100

Matt Berenberg
George Biddle
Creighton Bostrom
Broward Bonsai Society
Michael Pistello
Janet Roth

$101–$299

Tom Anglewicz
Bonsai Society of Portland
David & Katie Cutchin
Michael Feduccia
Mark Fields
Dale & Sue Krueger
Vern Maddox
Fred Miyahara
Carol Roberts
Tom Roberts
JT Thompson
Mali Viste
Robert Warfel

$300–$499

Michael Fontane
Joe Harris
Ron Smith
Robert Wofford

$500-$999

Anonymous
Troy & Nancy Cardoza
Kora Dalager
Paul Krasner
Michael Levin
Dennis & Norma McHugh
Michael Mehrmann
Steve Salisian
Gerardo Sanchez
Bill Schrader
Eric & Carolyn Strautman

$1,000-$2,999

Mike Andrews
Bill Cadman
Roger Case
Frank Cucchiara
David Dierking
Joanne Raiton
Eric Schikowski
Todd Schlafer
Seiji & Della Shiba
Ed Trout, in memory
of Tina Trout
Carl Wooldridge

$3,000-$4,999

John Eaton

$5,000+

Kennett Collection

Skylab Architecture
Exhibition Design

Vanessa & Alex DeSpain
Creative Direction & Design

Chris Hornbecker
Campaign Photography

Connie Wohn
Event Planning

Ryan J. Bush
Short Film

Trevor Orton
Copywriting

Arthur Hitchcock
Exhibition Photography

Dominga Ramirez
Marketing & PR

Oscar Eisenschmidt
Fabrication