Bonsai Academy
Sat., Oct. 12, 2024, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sat.–Sun., Oct. 12–13 and 19–20 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Members: $180; Public: $200
Education and Visitor Center, Roger’s Classroom, Brody Botanical Center, Head House
Bonsai master Ted Matson leads an intensive four-session gakko, or school, in the art of bonsai. Geared to beginners but open to all, these sessions explore the history of bonsai, basic tree botany and horticultural challenges, design concepts and training techniques, and bonsai display.
Key Details
- This is a four-part lecture-based series over two consecutive weekends.
- Registration includes admission for all four days.
- All levels welcome; no previous knowledge or experience is required.
- The class will visit the Bonsai Nursery, which is about a 20- to 30-minute walk from the classroom.
Day of Program
- Check in with Education staff at Admission window #10 at 9:30 a.m.
- Please have your ticket confirmation or QR code ready.
- Bring a notebook, a pen or pencil, water, and a hat.
- There will be a break for lunch.
For questions, including mobility issues, please contact Joy Yamahata at jharding@huntington.org or 626-405-3457.
About the Instructor
Ted Matson joined The Huntington in 2010 as co-curator of the Bonsai Collection alongside Ben Oki, and since 2015 has served as head curator of the collection. In his time at The Huntington, Matson created and teaches Bonsai Gakko—or Bonsai Academy—which is an introductory course for fine art bonsai. He also created and manages the volunteer program for the maintenance of The Huntington’s Bonsai Collection and has conducted exhibitions, tours, lectures, and presentations highlighting the art of bonsai. As part of The Huntington’s 2020 Centennial celebration, he curated and staged “Lifelines/Timelines: Exploring The Huntington’s Collections Through Bonsai,” bringing all major Huntington collections together in one special exhibition.