The 33rd Australian National Bonsai Convention
Bankstown Sports Club, Sydney - 15 - 18 May 2020
Illawarra Bonsai Society Inc, in partnership with the AABC, warmly welcome you to join in A Golden Celebration at the 33rd Australian National Bonsai Convention.
The convention program features international guests Mitsuo Matsuda (Japan) and Juan Andrade (Costa Rica). Local Australian demonstrators and presenters include Andrew Edge, Andrew Sellman, Khan Linh, Allan Harding and Janet Selby.
Download the Convention Brochure
Submit an online registration
Download the registration form
The convention program features international guests Mitsuo Matsuda (Japan) and Juan Andrade (Costa Rica). Local Australian demonstrators and presenters include Andrew Edge, Andrew Sellman, Khan Linh, Allan Harding and Janet Selby.
Download the Convention Brochure
Submit an online registration
Download the registration form
INTERNATIONAL GUESTS
Mitsuo Matsuda
Mitsuo Matsuda is the fourth generation owner of the bonsai nursery Matsuda Seishoen.
After graduating from the Takamatsu National College of Technology, he went to the UK to learn English and then returned to the Kawa University.
At the age of 24, a bonsai expert told him that there were many black pines in the field that will be his “in the future”.
He then decided to work with bonsai and started to learn from his father Kenji.
Pots are very important to Mitsuo and he thinks that pots are costumes for trees. The pot can control the tree on display.
Juan Andrade
Juan Andrade started doing bonsai at the age of 15. Growing up in Costa Rica, where over half of the land preserves national forests and even the smallest home boasts a flower garden, nature ran through his veins.In Costa Rica the inhabitants have a great appreciation of nature just like the Japanese people. That’s probably why he became fascinated with bonsai.
Juan did his apprenticeship in Japan under the guidance of Junichiro Tanaka. Master Tanaka always reminded him “that bonsai is a collaboration between man and nature. Every effort you put into a tree, the tree will give back to you, becoming healthier and more beautiful”.
Juan travels around the world to demonstrate and he even demonstrated with Master Tanaka on stage at the 8th World Bonsai Convention held in 2017 in Japan.
Mitsuo Matsuda
Mitsuo Matsuda is the fourth generation owner of the bonsai nursery Matsuda Seishoen.
After graduating from the Takamatsu National College of Technology, he went to the UK to learn English and then returned to the Kawa University.
At the age of 24, a bonsai expert told him that there were many black pines in the field that will be his “in the future”.
He then decided to work with bonsai and started to learn from his father Kenji.
Pots are very important to Mitsuo and he thinks that pots are costumes for trees. The pot can control the tree on display.
Juan Andrade
Juan Andrade started doing bonsai at the age of 15. Growing up in Costa Rica, where over half of the land preserves national forests and even the smallest home boasts a flower garden, nature ran through his veins.In Costa Rica the inhabitants have a great appreciation of nature just like the Japanese people. That’s probably why he became fascinated with bonsai.
Juan did his apprenticeship in Japan under the guidance of Junichiro Tanaka. Master Tanaka always reminded him “that bonsai is a collaboration between man and nature. Every effort you put into a tree, the tree will give back to you, becoming healthier and more beautiful”.
Juan travels around the world to demonstrate and he even demonstrated with Master Tanaka on stage at the 8th World Bonsai Convention held in 2017 in Japan.
LOCAL AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS
Andrew Edge
Andrew’s favourite trees are pines and junipers, followed closely by native trees. He enjoys helping others with their bonsai from what he has learnt from his travels around the world, including two trips to Japan. Recently Andrew was appointed as a tutor under the Association of Australian Bonsai Clubs Visiting Tutor Program.
Andrew Sellman
Andrew has demonstrated many times in Queensland and recently was one of three Australians to demonstrate for the Black Scissors 3rd Anniversary online international demonstration. He hopes to continue demonstrating around Australia and eventually one day internationally, spreading the passion of bonsai.
Khan Linh
Khan loves to share his knowledge and demonstrates regularly at bonsai clubs and has demonstrated at the National Arboretum in Canberra. He travels far and wide within Australia to get inspiration from our natural and unique landforms, flora and fauna.
Allan Harding
In recent years Allan’s interest has intensified upon Chinese Bonsai - Penjing. He enrolled in full-time study at the Lingnan Penjing Academy, based in Sydney, where he has studied for the past three years. Currently at Advanced Level 9, his studies included a tour to China earlier this year. Allan is uniquely positioned across both bonsai and penjing in Australia.
Janet Selby
Janet Selby is a Sydney based artist working in ceramics and illustrations. Her inspiration for making bonsai pots began with her love of Australian native trees. Janet has supplied the bonsai community with unique containers which reflect this inspiration.
Andrew Edge
Andrew’s favourite trees are pines and junipers, followed closely by native trees. He enjoys helping others with their bonsai from what he has learnt from his travels around the world, including two trips to Japan. Recently Andrew was appointed as a tutor under the Association of Australian Bonsai Clubs Visiting Tutor Program.
Andrew Sellman
Andrew has demonstrated many times in Queensland and recently was one of three Australians to demonstrate for the Black Scissors 3rd Anniversary online international demonstration. He hopes to continue demonstrating around Australia and eventually one day internationally, spreading the passion of bonsai.
Khan Linh
Khan loves to share his knowledge and demonstrates regularly at bonsai clubs and has demonstrated at the National Arboretum in Canberra. He travels far and wide within Australia to get inspiration from our natural and unique landforms, flora and fauna.
Allan Harding
In recent years Allan’s interest has intensified upon Chinese Bonsai - Penjing. He enrolled in full-time study at the Lingnan Penjing Academy, based in Sydney, where he has studied for the past three years. Currently at Advanced Level 9, his studies included a tour to China earlier this year. Allan is uniquely positioned across both bonsai and penjing in Australia.
Janet Selby
Janet Selby is a Sydney based artist working in ceramics and illustrations. Her inspiration for making bonsai pots began with her love of Australian native trees. Janet has supplied the bonsai community with unique containers which reflect this inspiration.
CONVENTION VENUE
Bankstown Sports Club, Bankstown
The Convention will be held at the Bankstown Sports Club located in Sydney’s suburb of Bankstown. The Bankstown Sports Club offers exceptional conference facilities, as well as 12 restaurants, a movie theatre and even catering to children’s entertainment.
Bankstown Sports Club is conveniently located with transport options to many areas of Sydney as well as connecting rail links to Sydney airport. There is also the added benefit of accommodation integrated into the convention venue with the 103 room Travelodge providing all the facilities to make any stay both pleasant and comfortable.
Visit the Bankstown Sports Club website
Visit the Bankstown Travelodge website
Bankstown Sports Club, Bankstown
The Convention will be held at the Bankstown Sports Club located in Sydney’s suburb of Bankstown. The Bankstown Sports Club offers exceptional conference facilities, as well as 12 restaurants, a movie theatre and even catering to children’s entertainment.
Bankstown Sports Club is conveniently located with transport options to many areas of Sydney as well as connecting rail links to Sydney airport. There is also the added benefit of accommodation integrated into the convention venue with the 103 room Travelodge providing all the facilities to make any stay both pleasant and comfortable.
Visit the Bankstown Sports Club website
Visit the Bankstown Travelodge website
CONVENTION PROGRAM
Friday 15 May 2020
Masterclasses - Both international demonstrators will hold an all day Master Class. (Masterclass fee includes morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch). Limited to 8 people per international demonstrator.
Bus Tours - Bus Tour 1 visiting Bonsai South Nursery, Camellia Gardens, Hazlehurst Gallery, Auburn Botanical Gardens. (Packed lunch to be provided by Bankstown Sports Club, accommodated at Camellia Gardens). Bus Tour 2 visiting Chinese Gardens, Barangaroo, Bonsai South Nursery. (Packed lunch to be provided by Bankstown Sports Club, accommodated at Barangaroo).
Welcome Reception - On Friday night a Welcome Reception will signal the commencement and welcome to the convention. Canapes, light refreshments and a cash bar will be served giving you the opportunity to refresh acquaintances and make new ones and also to view the exhibition.
Saturday 16 May 2020
Opening Ceremony
Round Robin - 4 Bonsai Artists working simultaneously in different locations within the Grand Ballroom (2 international demonstrators and 2 local artists)
International Artist - International Artist Demonstration by Juan Andrade
Local Artists - Andrew Edge and Andrew Sellman
Convention Dinner - The Convention dinner on Saturday night promises to be a highlight of the Convention. A chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Illawarra Bonsai Society Inc.
Sunday 17 May 2020
Display Critique - Both international artists will hold simultaneous display critiques with a maximum of 15 observers.
Live Wokshops - Both international artists will hold simultaneous workshops on stage with 3-5 participants. Each participant will be an experienced bonsai artist.
Local Artists - Khan, Allan and Janet will hold simultaneous demonstrations, creating an artwork, a power point talk and creation of a Penjing landscape.
International Artist - International Artist Demonstration by Mitsuo Matsuda.
Bonsai from a box - A fun and light hearted finish to a great weekend. Be prepared for audience participation!
Monday 18 May 2020
Workshops - Morning and afternoon workshop sessions available with International Artists. Workshops are open to observers. Limited workshops spaces are available for both demonstrators in each morning and afternoon session.
Friday 15 May 2020
Masterclasses - Both international demonstrators will hold an all day Master Class. (Masterclass fee includes morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch). Limited to 8 people per international demonstrator.
Bus Tours - Bus Tour 1 visiting Bonsai South Nursery, Camellia Gardens, Hazlehurst Gallery, Auburn Botanical Gardens. (Packed lunch to be provided by Bankstown Sports Club, accommodated at Camellia Gardens). Bus Tour 2 visiting Chinese Gardens, Barangaroo, Bonsai South Nursery. (Packed lunch to be provided by Bankstown Sports Club, accommodated at Barangaroo).
Welcome Reception - On Friday night a Welcome Reception will signal the commencement and welcome to the convention. Canapes, light refreshments and a cash bar will be served giving you the opportunity to refresh acquaintances and make new ones and also to view the exhibition.
Saturday 16 May 2020
Opening Ceremony
Round Robin - 4 Bonsai Artists working simultaneously in different locations within the Grand Ballroom (2 international demonstrators and 2 local artists)
International Artist - International Artist Demonstration by Juan Andrade
Local Artists - Andrew Edge and Andrew Sellman
Convention Dinner - The Convention dinner on Saturday night promises to be a highlight of the Convention. A chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Illawarra Bonsai Society Inc.
Sunday 17 May 2020
Display Critique - Both international artists will hold simultaneous display critiques with a maximum of 15 observers.
Live Wokshops - Both international artists will hold simultaneous workshops on stage with 3-5 participants. Each participant will be an experienced bonsai artist.
Local Artists - Khan, Allan and Janet will hold simultaneous demonstrations, creating an artwork, a power point talk and creation of a Penjing landscape.
International Artist - International Artist Demonstration by Mitsuo Matsuda.
Bonsai from a box - A fun and light hearted finish to a great weekend. Be prepared for audience participation!
Monday 18 May 2020
Workshops - Morning and afternoon workshop sessions available with International Artists. Workshops are open to observers. Limited workshops spaces are available for both demonstrators in each morning and afternoon session.
