I relate this story. I was shocked to find out that since 1995 the largest collection of Japanese art, collectables, furniture, paintings and sculptures, out side of Japan was located at the
Clark Institute located just 45 miles south in Hanford. It was a side trip during the recent GSBF convention. Those that went were pleasently surprised. Yet not everyone went. Probably not even 50%.
Why...
Anyone with a desire to get educated in the arts of Japan I would think would want to see this magnificent display.
Yet when I asked most of the group in the Fresno club, none had even heard of it, and did not think they would check it out. Just not their cup of tea. ( sorry for the bad pun). I'll be willoing to bet that the combined population of the surrounding 50 mile radius is well over 1.2 million. I'll bet that there are probably about 500 people in the 50 mile radius that have seen the Clark, or even heard about it.
Just what kind of patronage is needed to support a large National event. It may seem prudent to sharpen the pencil and crunch the numbers first. I'll bet that the bonsai base, willing to participate, in America is not large enough to have a positive effect on the financial burdon of an exhibit that large.
How would you advertise this event? The Bonsai publications? We all know how good that works.
Radio?
TV?
Internet popup?
With the exception of the popup, I have never seen a bonsai exhibit advertised on TV. People in America are not that interested in the arts. We have not been introduced to them at an early age, nor do we spend much time with them in our education system. With nothing to do, I'll bet the average European would give a fine exhibit of bonsai a chance on a Saturday afternoon, rather then take in a fine showing of " Dude wheres my car" at the Bijou.
First we have to change the Culture, then we can give the exhibit thing a chance.