As some may or may not know, I've never been to a bonsai show before, which is why I'd like to attend the Nanpu Kai Annual Nisei Week Exhibition in mid-August. Because I have never been to a show before, I have one huge question to ask:

Is there a sort of etiquette when you attend a bonsai show?

For example, if you like a tree or display, is it appropriate to vocalize that you like the tree? Is it okay to say outloud that the tree has nice nebari? That the tree has great taper?

I'm almost certain that there would be some sort of unwritten code for behavior at a show, but as I've never been before I really have no idea. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions that could help me on my journey to proper bonsai show etiquette?

Just keep your manners. It does not matter what you say about a tree, mainly because there wont be many listening. They will open the exibit area and allow people to walk through at their leisure enjoying the trees. I have gone through and critueqed every tree in an exibit before (along with my teacher) pointing out its flaws and what to do to fix it. So really you can say both good and bad as long as it is not- This tree is ugly!

My best advise is to just be yourself. Enjoy it.
And try to remember that those that have trees on display do have feelings. Temper any remarks with a bit of charity.
Forget looking for things wrong in the trees on display and start looking for what is right about them.
Have fun.

Thanks for the advice, I think I know a little better about what to expect now. It should be a lot of fun!

Can't see why it wouldn't be fun.
Bonsai people are greatly misunderstood. We are, for the most part, pretty good people. We have even been known to have a beer or two and let our hair down.
Just curious What show are you going to.

I knew it would be fun, I was just worried about stepping on people's feet without knowing it.

It's the Nanpu Kai Annual Nisei Week Exhibition in Los Angeles! Should be a great time!

EDIT: How much, on average, does it cost to get into a bonsai show? I can't seem to find details on this one other than the ones in the BonsaiTALK calendar.

Advice# 26:

"This tree is perfect and the artist is a wonderful person."

"This tree is perfect and the artist is a wonderful person."

"This tree is perfect and the artist is a wonderful person."

;-p

Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
www.bonsai365.com/ :: living bonsai every day
zone 8, Texas

Most all of the club shows in the US are free, but there is usually a collection jar out front, and it is sacrilegious not to drop a fiver in there and buy some raffle tickets, even if you are not a gambling type. It costs the club a few hundred dollars to put on a bonsai show, so recovering a little at the door helps defray expenses.

Regards,

Matt

Well, you would be certain to get an invitation to the backroom lunch and an offer to join the club!

(Matt can never tell just when Andy is kidding)

Regards,

Matt

Don't worry Matt. I'm never kidding. er, ...wait...

Andy