Pacific Bonsai Museum’s LAB (Living Art of Bonsai) is a four-part, multi year-long experiment investigating

  • the influence of inspired architectural settings, and
  • the effect of collaboration resequencing on the art of bonsai.

The overall goals of the project are to

  • advance innovation in bonsai and
  • stimulate a critical dialogue around the art of bonsai. 

MEET THE TEAM
  • Standmaker: Austin Heitzman, Austin Heitzman Furniture, Portland, OR
  • Ceramic Artist: Ron Lang, Lang Bonsai Containers, Southport, NC
  • Bonsai Artist: Ryan Neil, Bonsai Mirai, St. Helens, OR
  • Facilitator:  Aarin Packard, Curator, Pacific Bonsai Museum, Federal Way, WA
THE WORK PLAN

Rather than starting with a styled tree and asking both the pot and the standmaker to respond to it (as is traditionally practiced), the LAB asks: What if the stand comes first?; or the pot?; Where can these makers take the art of bonsai if they allow themselves to influenced by each other in an entirely new way? These are the questions the LAB seeks to answer. The LAB artists’ collaborations are being choreographed in the sequence shown in the Workflow Diagram.

THE LAB SESSIONS

Follow the links below to see more photos and videos and read about the session outcomes.

 

SESSION 1

SPACES OF LIMINALITY; Griggs House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; Tacoma, WA, AUG 5, 2018

SESSION 2

THE SITE OF BONSAI; Wollochet House designed by Mary Lund Davis; Gig Harbor, WA, APR 6, 2019

SESSION 3

EXPLORATION & INQUIRY; Fauntleroy & Junsei Houses designed by George Suyama; Seattle, AUG 17, 19

SESSION 4

FINAL REVEAL; Pacific Bonsai Museum; Federal Way, WA, AUG 15, 2020

GET INVOLVED

Patrons give life to the LAB! Our aspirations combined with your support will create innovation in bonsai design.

We extend heartfelt appreciation to LAB Patrons:

Craig & Millie Russell

Mark & Phyllis Griggs

Kit & Gary Severson

Benjamin MacBeth & Amy Pendergast

George & Kim Suyama

Learn how you can attend LAB Sessions and support the project

One-time and monthly donations can be made online. For other gift arrangements, contact Kathy McCabe, 253-353-7345 or kathy@pacificbonsaimuseum.org.

All gifts are appreciated. Thank you!

Partner

A Partner is a person, group, or organization that would like to be a patron of the project with a contribution of $1,000 or more.

Partner benefits include:

  • Invitation to VIP celebration with Artists;
  • The LAB Documentary (DVD or online access);
  • Two tickets to attend the next LAB session;
  • Logo recognition on project materials (if applicable);
  • A special Curator-led tour of Pacific Bonsai Museum for up to 60 people.

Benefactor

A Benefactor is a person, group, or organization that would like to be a patron of the project with a contribution of $2,500 or more.

Partner benefits include:

  • Signed Austin Heitzman jita
  • Invitation to VIP celebration with Artists;
  • The LAB Documentary (DVD or online access);
  • Tickets to be at all LAB Sessions;
  • Logo recognition on project materials (if applicable);
  • A special Curator-led tour of Pacific Bonsai Museum for up to 60 people. 

Champion

A Champion is a person, group, or organization that would like to be a patron of the project with a contribution of $5,000 or more.

Champion benefits include:

  • Trip to Portland Studio
  • Profile/Story in a Museum Publication
  • Signed Ron Lang Pot
  • Signed Austin Heitzman jita
  • Invitation to VIP celebration with Artists;
  • The LAB Documentary (DVD or online access);
  • Tickets to be at all LAB Sessions;
  • Logo recognition on project materials (if applicable);
  • A special Curator-led tour of Pacific Bonsai Museum for up to 60 people.

Visionary

A Visionary is a person, group, or organization that would like to be a patron of the project with a contribution of $20,000 or more.

Visionary benefits include:

  • Naming Rights
  • Participation in artist summit
  • Trip to Portland Studio
  • Profile/Story in a Museum Publication
  • Signed Ron Lang Pot
  • Signed Austin Heitzman jita
  • Invitation to VIP celebration with Artists;
  • The LAB Documentary (DVD or online access);
  • Tickets to be at all LAB Sessions;
  • Logo recognition on project materials (if applicable);
  • A special Curator-led tour of Pacific Bonsai Museum for up to 60 people.

 

  • One time or monthly, online donations
  • Be sure to mention “LAB” in the comment box.
  • THANK YOU!