Date/Time
Date(s) - Monday, Jul 17, 2017
5:00 pm
Location
Audubon Community Nature Center
Categories
Learn to create miniature trees in the Japanese bonsai tradition at “The Art of Bonsai for Beginners” workshop from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 23 at the Audubon Community Nature Center, 1600 Riverside Rd., one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, New York, and Warren, Pennsylvania.
Space is limited. Paid reservations are required by Monday, July 17. Call (716) 569-2345 during business hours or register online.
The fee is $56 for the public and $52 for Nature Center members.
Trenton Lutes, who has taught bonsai classes around Chautauqua County, will teach the history of bonsai, the specialized tools used, the most common styles, and general bonsai care — all while you create your own bonsai tree. He will share information gathered from years of experience to instruct the beginning bonsai enthusiast in the techniques needed to turn a standard nursery stock plant into your very own bonsai tree.
Using pre-selected nursery stock, you will find the front and line of the trees, use careful pruning and pinching to remove unwanted branches, leaves and needles, and learn to use basic wiring techniques to help shape the trees.
Included with the class will be your plant, one bonsai pot, soil, wire and the book 101 Essential Bonsai Tips.
Tools will be provided for use during class only. Some will be specialized bonsai tools, but the majority will be simple tools you can find around your home. These you can use initially to get started creating more bonsai without having to invest in expensive, specialized tools up front.
Keep in mind that bonsai is a hands-on technique, so you will likely get dirty. Dress accordingly, or consider bringing an apron.
Trenton Lutes graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, with concentrations in painting, photography, and glassblowing. He is self-taught in the art of bonsai.
