Exhibitors: Selection Criteria
Exhibitors: Selection Criteria
BSF 2025 “Lets Do Something Different” Display Application and Guidelines
The concept for the BSF 2025 convention introduces a fresh perspective on bonsai exhibitions, aiming to broaden the art form beyond traditional displays.
The core idea is to showcase bonsai trees through a series of innovative artistic presentations that push the boundaries of past exhibits.
As illustrated in the accompanying graphic, these creative displays can incorporate several key elements to enhance their artistic impact. This year, bonsai artists are encouraged to explore their boundaries and expand the limits of artistic expression with their submissions.
The displays can be simple or complex – they need to take inspiration from something in your experience and convey that idea. The displays can allude to literature, science, engineering, music, sculpture, two dimensional art, mythology, dance, movies, modern culture, and more. It can reflect a personal interest outside of bonsai, another hobby, or an idea. There are unlimited potential ideas.
To submit a bonsai tree please send a description of your concept either in words, in a photo or a sketch using the application submittal form on the website. You can include a photo of the tree and any items you may already have.
Here are few points to include in your submittal.
- Display concept should be clear
- Overall size of the display
- Is it free standing or does it need a regular 34 inch tall table
- Do you have the items to create the display or do you need assistance?
- What species will you use?
The Display committee will contact you about your submission. The sooner you submit the more time you have to fine tune your display. The deadline though for all submission is March 31, 2025.
If you need assistance in creating your display please describe what assistance you may need. We are here to help everyone attain their artistic vision. The Display Committee will work with you to attain your vision. Send an email to rkempinski@cfl.rr.com
The old rules about stands, companions, moss on soil, etc do not necessarily apply. The main goal is to convey your vision artistically via a display.
If you are looking for inspiration, I suggest googling department store window displays. They come close to reflecting artistic ideas that may help you with design your creative bonsai display.
For some examples of creative displays, here are photos from an artistic bonsai display that was held in Yogyakarta Indonesia several years ago. This event had over 400 similar but unique entries.
