Bonsai is the art of creating a miniature replica of a mature tree or group of trees which could be found in nature.  The bonsai artist attempts to create that replica by changing normal plant material into a miniature tree which exhibits the illusion of maturity.   In order to accomplish this, the artist must understand that both horticultural principles and artistic principles must be followed.

Instructor

Tom Simonyi became involved with bonsai in 1984 when his wife came home from the grocery store and remarked about “neat little trees” she had seen.  That was the beginning of an artistic endeavor that has become a lifetime passion. Tom has written articles about various aspects of the art of bonsai for the Journal of the American Bonsai Society and has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the American Bonsai Society.  He is the current President of the Mountaineer Bonsai Society (a WVU student organization) which was founded in 1996.  The Society has held local public exhibits over the years at the Monongalia Arts Center and the Mesaros Galleries located in the Center for Creative Arts on the WVU campus. 

Course Objective

The student will create and work on a bonsai-in-training and learn how to care for it during a hands-on course of study.

Course Outline

Week 1:   Art, Aesthetics and Harmony in Bonsai
Week 2:   Bonsai Styles
Week 3:   The Use of Basic Bonsai Tools
Week 4:   Pruning Concepts
Week 5:   Wiring Techniques
Week 6:   Selection of Nursery Stock with Bonsai Potential
Week 7:   Begin Initial Styling of Student Trees
Week 8:   Appropriate Container Selection
Week 9:   Bonsai Soil
Week 10: The Potting Up Process
Week 11: Tree Care and Maintenance
Week 12: Your tree’s future:  The Refinement Process

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offered for 12 weeks. This class will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the WVU Greenhouse on the Evansdale Campus in Morgantown, WV. 
Class starts on March 13, 2008 and ends on June 12, 2008.  Class will not meet on March 27, 2008 and May 22, 2008.

Cost is $125/per student.  All materials for the course will be provided.  These include:  course syllabus, tree stock, pot, wire, and soil.

Registration

Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning.  Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions.  Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.