Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container. Beginners and Intermediate Students welcome!
2024 – 2025 Schedule
- Days: Sundays, 5-week sessions
- Beginners: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
- Intermediate: 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Studio Session Only: 9:00am – 12:00pm (12-12:30pm break) & 12:30pm – 3:30pm (6 hours classes)
Beginner & Intermediate Dates
2024
- Session 1: September 29 & October 6, 13, 20, 27
- Session 2: November 3, 10, 17, 24 & December 8
2025
- Session 3: January 5, 12, 19, 26 & February 2
- Session 4: February 9, 16, 23 & March 2, 9
Studio Session (Previous Bonsai Experience Recommended)
- Session 1: March 23, 30 & April 6, 13, 27
Class Details
Price
- 5-week Session 1-4: $100 ($90 members)
- Studio Session: $200 (Members $190)
Material Fee
- Beginners: $45
- Intermediate & Studio: N/A
Note: Please pay the fee to the instructor via cash or check on the first day of class.
Prerequisite
- Beginner – None
- Intermediate & Studio – Participants need to have their own plant, materials, tools and supplies
Location
- Oki Education Center
Materials
Beginners
- Bonsai learning manual
- Pruning tool
- One beginner’s bonsai tree
- Bonsai pot
- Use of wire and bonsai soil
BEGINNERS: All materials should be purchased in the classroom, or bought on the first day of class. It is suggested that you arrive 20 minutes early to purchase your materials before the start of class
Intermediate & Advanced Studio
Bring all of your own materials:
- Bonsai Tree
- Pruning tools
- Bonsai pots, soil, and wire as needed
- Some materials may be purchased from the instructor (ask in class)
Popular Plant Materials for Bonsai in South Florida
Meet Your Instructor
Vladimir Foursa
As the noted curator of the Morikami Museum’s extensive bonsai collection since 2010, Vlad Foursa has redesigned the exhibit and enhanced it with outstanding bonsai trees. Vlad’s been teaching at the Morikami for over a decade and has developed a loyal following of students. In 2008 he won the coveted Joshua Roth National New Talent Bonsai Competition. He has written articles on tropical bonsai, has won a number of awards, has appeared on TV and is a guest speaker at many local bonsai clubs and schools from elementary to college where he does demonstrations and workshops. Students will learn and apply basic principles of the art of bonsai, including horticultural aspects of growing bonsai, styling care, and maintenance.
