Bonsai Show Thrives as Artists Showcase Tiny Trees in Kannapolis

Last weekend, the North Carolina University Research Campus in Kannapolis became a vibrant hub for bonsai enthusiasts. The annual Winter Bonsai Show celebrated its 13th year, showcasing over 60 miniature trees along with displays from artists, hobbyists, and vendors from around the globe. Organized by Steven Zeisel, a former professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the event highlighted the artistry and dedication involved in this unique horticultural practice.

Zeisel, who has been cultivating bonsai for more than 25 years, initiated this event to share his passion with others. “I wanted something interesting to do when I retired that was different than science,” he explained. With a collection of over 80 trees, he partnered with the Triangle Bonsai Club to create an engaging experience for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners.

The show featured a diverse array of styles, ages, and species of bonsai, with trees competing for various awards. Among them, the oldest tree displayed was over 120 years old. William Valvanis, a well-known American bonsai artist, presented a ginkgo tree accompanied by a fossil, emphasizing the ancient lineage of this species.

The coveted Best in Show award went to a Chinese Quince owned by Bob Entrekin, who imported the tree from Japan last year. Entrekin, a bonsai practitioner for about 15 years, remarked on the dedication required for each tree, saying, “The more you work with them, the more you enjoy them.” His impressive three-foot tree made a more than ten-hour journey from central New Jersey to participate in the show.

The event’s attendance surpassed expectations. Entrekin noted, “This year absolutely shocked me. It has been so busy today. Double what I think last year.” His enthusiasm was shared by many, as visitors flocked to enjoy the displays and interact with the community.

Several awards were presented during the show. The Best Shohin award was claimed by Arjun Sawhney for his Japanese white pine, while Shannon Salyer received accolades for Best Display. Other winners included Adair Martin for Best Deciduous with a Japanese Zelkova, Mac McAtee for Best Flowering with a princess persimmon, and Michael Rogers for Best Tropical with a small coffee tree from China. The American Bonsai Society awarded John Geanangel for his American water elm, and Peggy Snow from Asheville won the People’s Choice award for her pyracantha, known for its vibrant red berries.

Beyond the competition, the show featured a marketplace where local vendors sold starter plants, pots, and tools essential for bonsai care. Many familiar faces returned, including Hank Gross, a bonsai keeper for over 30 years. Gross expressed the camaraderie of the event, saying, “It’s like coming to a reunion because a lot of these guys I’ve known for years.”

The show also included five demonstrations by prominent bonsai artists. Attendees learned various techniques, from creating bonsai from juniper to crafting displays that mimic wood using ceramics. These educational opportunities cater to all experience levels, emphasizing that bonsai cultivation can be both an art and a science.

As the event concluded, Zeisel noted the accessibility of bonsai as a hobby. “You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful collection,” he said, highlighting how individuals can start with simple nursery material and develop their skills over time.

Looking ahead, the American Bonsai Society plans to host a learning seminar at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville from June 4 to 7, 2026. This event will provide further opportunities for enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of bonsai cultivation and connect with experts in the field. The vibrant community fostered at the Winter Bonsai Show in Kannapolis is sure to inspire future generations of bonsai artists.