Skating the Edge: Exhibitions from Pacific Bonsai Museum’s First Ten Years

Special exhibition opened May 11 at BonsaiFEST!

As we reflect on our first ten years as an independent non-profit organization, we are thrilled to revisit four of our most powerful and publicly-beloved exhibitions.

Decked-Out: From Scroll to Skateboard (2016) replaced traditional hanging scrolls with custom skate decks, brilliantly painted by top Pacific Northwest urban muralists. This unique fusion of bonsai and skate culture offered fresh perspectives on both art forms, attracting a new wave of bonsai enthusiasts.

Natives (2017) marked the first exhibition to solely feature bonsai trees indigenous to the United States, complemented by Iuna Tinta’s vivid landscapes depicting their natural habitats. Natives highlighted the beauty and diversity of America’s native trees, making bonsai more accessible and relatable to domestic audiences.

World War Bonsai: Remembrance & Resilience (2020) traced the journey of bonsai through the lens of history, from pre-WWII Japan to the United States, amidst adversity and peace. Through bonsai, artifacts, and personal stories, the exhibition illuminated the resilience of those who nurtured this art form under the most challenging circumstances, fostering a global bonsai community.

Avant-garden (2023) highlighted trailblazers who redefined bonsai by embracing experimentation and innovation with courage to break from tradition. A collective testament to personal expression, cultural identity, and contemporary relevance, Avant-garden challenged conventional views on bonsai and previewed the exciting evolution of this timeless art.

Join us as we embark on a journey through a decade of exhibitions that have shaped the landscape of bonsai art in America, celebrating both its enduring legacy and its vibrant future.

On view May 11, 2024 through November 3, 2024 in our Pinwheel exhibition space.