heyMatt; Frankly I just don't understand why you feel the need to bring up this subject for a second time. During the last go-round there were 5 discussions of the cat-in-the hat and 23 vague references (most of which poo-pooed the neon red stand) to one or two of the other stands, YET you have the audacity to discuss no less than five different displays. And to make things worse you seem to show a penchant for using underhanded techniques like logic, clarity of thought and constructive criticism. Didn't the fact that 63 of the 85 previous postings never even discussed any particular display stand teach you anything?
And what about all the previous references to post-modern relativism, pornographic expresso bars, Goya, El Gecko, and automotive bumper design. You seem to have conveniently avoided bringing up these important topics, didn't you?
While you seem to skirt the issue that these displays don't represent the best efforts of "traditional" bonsai display, surely you would support someone who wants to offer his new $300 polished rosewood table for 6 weeks of OUTDOOR use in Seattle's weather. This certainly would dress up any display and demonstrate their point of view perfectly.
Hey what about the Golden State Bonsai Federation exhibit in southern Cal. shown in pic 1 below. Those stands definitely are not the least bit artistic (plus many of the top plates are too small). I'll bet their suggestion box is overflowing with complaints and suggestions for replacing those stands. Maybe we should sue them for lack of compliance (I can talk to Mark Gerragos about representing us).
Lastly, I would like to say that I agree with the ranters who say that a formal bonsai exhibit is like a website gallery in that it presents an opportunity for the presenter to put his/her best foot forward. So get out the furniture polish and your best linen table covers as shown in pic. 2.
Facetiously yours, heyMikey!!