Brew Up a Bonsai
Tap into your creative side, drink some beer, have a good time. Text a buddy to grab a beer with you in the brisk, woodsy air of Pacific Bonsai Museum while you make your first bonsai! First, your Brew Up a Bonsai teachers, Cory, and Adrian–will lead you on a tour of our bonsai collection for inspiration. Then, you’ll get hands-on while they show you how to work your scissor magic on a small Mugo Pine tree. In the end, you’ll each go home with a bonsai you made yourself.
While you’re here, we’ll have light snacks and local beers for you to enjoy while you tap into your creativity. What a chill way to spend your day, while you honor your love of nature with others who dig it, too.
Price:
$155 Members*
$165 Non-members*
*Will include Sales Tax for Washington State per Department of Revenue
Cancellation Policy:
Class cancellations made at least two weeks prior (14 days) to the start date of the class will be fully refunded. Class cancellations made between two weeks prior (14 days) and one week prior (7 days) to the start date of the class will be refunded half the amount. Class cancellations made less than one week (7 days) before the start date of the class will not be eligible for a refund. No-shows will not be refunded. All requests for refunds must be sent by email to janie@pacificbonsaimuseum.org
About your Instructors:
Cory Sutton is a bonsai practitioner whose work is rooted in a lifelong appreciation for trees, nature, and the arts. With a background in graphic design and a passion for education, he brings a thoughtful, design-driven approach to bonsai while maintaining a deep respect for the natural character of each tree.
A chance visit to the Pacific Bonsai Museum in 2017 first sparked his interest in bonsai, which grew into a dedicated pursuit by 2020. Since then, Cory has immersed himself in the study of the art through books, classes, online instruction, and extensive hands-on volunteering. In February 2025, he joined the museum’s staff, where daily exposure to world-class bonsai continues to shape and refine his practice.
In 2026, Cory joined the board of the Puget Sound Bonsai Association, further deepening his involvement in the regional bonsai community.
Cory approaches each tree as both a creative challenge and an opportunity for continual learning. He is equally committed to sharing that knowledge with others, helping students discover how bonsai can foster creativity, patience, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Adrian Bedoya is a Volunteer/Assistant at the Pacific Bonsai Museum, where he helps teach classes, and educate visitors about bonsai. He has been a video game level designer for 15 years, and utilizes his design experience to shape his extensive personal bonsai collection. In his free time, Adrian tends to his many trees, mentors new bonsai enthusiasts, creates sculpture in various mediums, and hangs out with his wife and his two dogs, Toast and Herbert.
Sunshine Pegues offers a strong passion for the technical aspects of the art of Bonsai and cultural preservation. With her professional research and development background, including attention to detail skills, Sunshine brings genuine enthusiasm to continue her Bonsai Art journey and share her gained knowledge with others through tours and assisting in classes. Sunshine is committed to supporting the museum’s mission ensuring every guest enjoys a positive, memorable, and enriching experience with their visit.
Ladd Smith has been fascinated by plants since he was a child growing up in Reno, Nevada. He moved to the PNW in 1991 and has been practicing bonsai with intent since joining the Puget Sound Bonsai Association 10 years ago. He has now been the Vice President, President and Past President of the club. He has been a docent and is a volunteer for the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way.