Well, Steve Zeisel, sponsor of the exhibition did it again! Every displayed bonsai was of much better quality than in the first eight expos featuring naked trees. He holds the event to promote bonsai and allows exhibitors to express their beautiful bonsai and creative displays. Although fewer bonsai this year, all were better designed and exquisitely displayed.

The highly regarded and anticipated Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo was again held at the North Carolina Research Center in Kannapolis, outside Charlotte, NC. 

In addition to the bonsai on display in a magnificent five story rotunda which is covered in imported Italian marble. Steve has had an excellent track record of hosting the elegant display which also had three rooms of vendors combined with demonstrations.

You will never guess this species, a new one for me too!

Several demonstrations and a wide variety of vendors completed the exhibition as well as critique on Sunday morning for exhibitors. On Saturday afternoon, there was a benefit auction to help defray the costs to produce this fine exhibition. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year which I look forward to.

A well deserved thank you to Steve Zeisel for the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo and also to Joe Noga for professionally photographing the show.

Be sure to add next year’s Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo on December 3-4, 2022.

Award Winners:

Best Evergreen–

Rocky Mountain Juniper, Brad Russel

Best Deciduous–

Japanese Zelkova, Adair Martin

Best Tropical–

Cuban Laurel Fig, Robert Kempinski

Best Fruiting–

Beautyberry & Firethorn, Joe Noga

Best Display–

Winged Elm, American Hackberry & Japanese Flowering Apricot, Gary Clark