If you make the trip up some Friday night or Saturday morning we can look at thousands of trees all weekend... 2-4 old established private gardens.
Thinking About Starting a Club
- Thread starter Grant Hamby
- Start date
That's the one I've visited before, just last month. It consisted of about 3-4 people, nobody brought any trees, we just met at a park bench and they talked about how long it's been since they smoked weed. That was the only meeting they had this year.
I'd like to start a club that takes it a little more seriously (not too seriously of course) and hosts demos and mini-shows and such.
I know you were disappointed and all, but your story immediately struck me as hysterically ironic and intensely poetic:
"Just last month I went to a bonsai club meeting, it consisted of about 3-4 people, nobody brought any trees, we just met at a park bench and they talked about how long it's been since they smoked weed. That was the only meeting they had this year". I think in many ways many bonzo club meetings might have well done the same--no sense going to the bother of meeting in a church basement and making coffee and have someone take their turn bringing some sedate goodie---God, it has been a long long time since I have smoked weed--that is for sure.
Just go over to @Stickroot's house.
Grant Hamby
Shohin
We will definitely do that! I'll let you know when we have a free weekend!
Leo in N E Illinois
The Professor
- Messages
- 11,437
- Reaction score
- 23,642
- USDA Zone
- 5b
Is there a way to advertise for non profit groups for free there? Also see if you could advertise on the internet and possibly get someone with much more experience and knowledge to come and MC your meeting to get all on board with forming a good group focused strongly on getting better at Bonsai
IF you already have your articles of incorporation filed, and your 501(c)3 tax ID, the you can solicit all the money you want. Milwaukee group raised over $50,000 to get the permanent collection started, it was then match by a generous donor, and a similar donation was made by a non-profit foundation. BUT you need paperwork in place to get ''free stuff'' like advertizing from a corporation.
If you don't have a 501(c)3 inplace and you raise funds, you must be absolutely clear with the donor that the donation can not be written off on taxes, or you risk major fines with the slight possibility of jail time. Local newspapers & radio stations will happily put your event on community calendars, but soliciting beyond this level without 501(c)3 in place is risky, do your homework.
Leo in N E Illinois
The Professor
- Messages
- 11,437
- Reaction score
- 23,642
- USDA Zone
- 5b
when I party, I party, when I do bonsai, I do bonsai, I don't like mixing the two (especially if I have to drive home) AAC as a group is a pretty party friendly group, but we all keep it in check until the tools are put away and the trees are packed back in the cars. A beer, a glass of wine, a puff or two, no problem. But getting hammered I can do anytime, I value my bonsai time too much to mix the two. As a group we seem to share that attitude. I've never known any of them to get to the slurring their words point.
Leo in N E Illinois
The Professor
- Messages
- 11,437
- Reaction score
- 23,642
- USDA Zone
- 5b
Anyone in the Kalamazoo - South Haven area wants to form a study group I would be interested, I have my ''Michigan trees, and my Illinois trees, my tools are almost always in the car. PM me.
JudyB
Queen of the Nuts
Where where where??? I'm in Seattle in January with two whole days to sniff around bonsai... But private, so have to set up appointments??? Ryan tells me that all his trees will be on the ground, so visiting there is not realistic...
JudyB
Queen of the Nuts
Ah, but you have been there and done that. For a motivated newbonzo, there can't be anything more sad than this...
One garden is in Columbia Mo, two in STL and one in Illinois. I live between STL and Columbia.
I bet I know where the one in Il is.
Grant Hamby
Shohin
Columbia is 2 hours and 50 minutes from here, maybe we could just meet you there sometime! Or if none of the guys can, my wife may want to make a little day trip with me and see some cool trees.
I think you do.I bet I know where the one in Il is.
You should definitely take them there, although it would be a good drive for Grant, it would be worth it. Plus, I want to go back. So if you go, let me know please. If I know in advance I cook throw some ribs on the smoker....
Grant Hamby
Shohin
I'm in. You had me at "ribs" haha.
HeartThrobSethNelson
Yamadori
- Messages
- 61
- Reaction score
- 162
So you're into smoking ribs but not pot?
Me also! I think I'm coming very soon, haha!
10-brink
Mame
I'm surprised to hear all the negative experiences with bonsai clubs. mid Michigan bonsai club has monthly meetings, each has a topic and people are encouraged to bring trees. this year we brought in Marty schmalenberg to lecture and critique member's trees. next year we're having Bjorn come out. the other club in Michigan invite us to their events, so last month I went to Grand Rapids to see Mauro Stemberger do a demo.
I'm definitely the youngest member of the club (27) but I have no problem with that.
I'm definitely the youngest member of the club (27) but I have no problem with that.
Just a heads up, the one in IL will be a 4 1/2 hour drive from Springfield. We have a nephew that lives there, and try to make it down there for a weekend in the summer. He has a boat on Table Rock Lake, so we spend a day on the water. But it is a bit of a drive. Not sayin' it's not worth the drive, just thought I'd let you know. But my ribs are pretty good, if I say so myself...
Leo in N E Illinois
The Professor
- Messages
- 11,437
- Reaction score
- 23,642
- USDA Zone
- 5b
My negative comments are largely because I keep ending up one of the 12 people who do all the work. I know to the average member of the Milwaukee club, our meetings are wonderful most of the time, with great speakers or guest artists. I grouse because I'm often there early and leave late, even on days I did not want to go at all. But each club has its own ''personality'', and in Milwaukee, it is a good mix. What I've seen of Grand Rapids, they too are a great club. Others can be much more ''sleepy'' or I have seen where one dominant personality takes over and brow beats the rest to only do bonsai the way he tells them to. (this type is usually male, seldom female). I went to a bonsai show, where every tree had the same styling flaws, because "thats the way so-and-so said we have to do it''. All trees were remarkably mediocre. Except one, I found the owner, found out they were new, had just moved to the area, and got an earful of complaint about the so-and-so.
Because clubs are all volunteer groups, and must be open to all comers, a club can be hit or miss. On the average I would say 75% or better are pretty good to absolutely great. But there are maybe 25% that seriously need change.
A study group can be hand picked, a closed, by invitation only membership, and if a study group doesn't go the way you want, you have nobody to blame but your own ability to pick friends. (just teasing)
Similar threads
