Our History and Mission
The Ann Arbor Bonsai Society was founded in 1970.
The purpose of The Ann Arbor Bonsai Society shall be to promote knowledge, appreciation, and practice of the art of bonsai to its members and to the general public through meetings, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, publications or other means.
Organized in October 1970, the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society exists to “promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the art of bonsai to its members and to the general public through meetings, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, publications and other means.
Meetings are held on fourth Wednesday of the month, February through October, at the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
The Ann Arbor Bonsai Society was organized October 11, 1970 when 15 people met at the Dexter, Michigan home of Mary Westman in response to an advertisement she had placed in the Ann Arbor News. Those attending agreed that the group should continue to meet. Names recorded at the time were; Laura Atkins, Joan Bonnette, Mrs.Chapman, Mrs. Jennings, Jim and Kathy Kighl, Leonard Kersch, Mrs. B. Rosaen, Dr. and Mrs. Maurice Seevers, Mr.Sobieski, and Torn Thompson. Over the years several world renowned bonsai artist including Jerry Meislik, Bruce Baker, Jack Wikle and Dean Atkinson have been members.
Ann Arbor Bonsai Society is another original member of MABA.
Do you know some interesting history? Tell us.
Looking Back as We Move Ahead: Thirty Years of Ann Arbor Bonsai Society History