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Enjoy the Beauty of Traditional Japanese Arts
Annual Bonsai & Pottery Exhibit
EVENT
Sunday, March 8th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(last admission at 3:30 PM)
Bonsai Exhibit Admission:
General $20 / $22 at Gate
Youth 6-17: $18 / $20 at Gate
Member $15 / $17 at Gate
Join us for the Annual Bonsai & Pottery Exhibit, presented by the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix in collaboration with the Phoenix Bonsai Society and local pottery artists. This exhibit highlights the beauty of bonsai and Japanese pottery, showcasing traditional techniques and craftsmanship in a peaceful garden setting.
Explore the Art of Bonsai & Pottery
The word Bonsai (盆栽) means "planted in a container", referring to the practice of cultivating miniature trees through careful pruning and shaping. Alongside the bonsai displays, visitors can admire a variety of handcrafted pottery, each piece reflecting the skill and creativity of local artists.
Guests will also have the opportunity to attend live demonstrations, lectures, and exhibits that provide insight into bonsai care, suiseki (the art of stone appreciation), and pottery-making techniques. Whether you are familiar with these art forms or new to them, this exhibit offers a chance to learn and appreciate their history and craftsmanship in a relaxing atmosphere.
Please note that there is no general admission on March 2nd. General admission is included with event ticket purchase.
Our Local Pottery Artists
Ping Wei
Ping Wei is a local pottery and Ikebana artist that hosts numerous workshops and beautiful Ikebana displays at the garden. Look for his work at a multitude of our events!
Frank Krevens
His work is vessel oriented and influenced by an interest in blending aesthetic concepts of Eastern and Western pottery traditions. Each form offers various opportunities to adjust the tension within the form and surface through line, color, shape, texture, and balance. The vessel forms are objects of everyday use; such as cups, bowls, serving trays, and vases.
Krevens has been an artist and educator in studio ceramics for over a decade. He has lived and worked in north Phoenix since relocating here with his family in 2015. He maintains a ceramics studio at home, primarily working at cone ten reduction, and he is an adjunct professor of ceramics at Paradise Valley Community College.
Michael Prepsky
Michael is a local pottery artist that utilizes unique colors, textures and patterns in his pieces. Originally from Highland Indiana, Michael received his MFA from Arizona State University in 1980.
Sandy Ashbaugh
Ceramic artist Sandy Ashbaugh has been working in clay for over 30 years. She uses a traditional hand building method of slab construction and sgraffito, yet achieves a modern aesthetic. Among her best known pieces are those from; her uniquely designed and handcrafted, sake set collection, as well as her lidded vessel series. The latter was published in Lark Craft’s “500 Raku”, juried into various shows and purchased by public and private institutions.
Sandy draws inspiration from architectural and interior design elements, like those from the Bauhaus movement, Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. She obtained her BFA from Florida Atlantic University and has worked in clay ever since.
Residing in Arizona, she is passionate about art education and has been involved with local schools and communities, teaching art as well as coordinating art programs and shows since 2004.
Event Schedule
Enjoy demonstrations throughout the day included with admission.
Stage 1: Bonsai & Suiseki Presentations (Grass Area Under Trees)
11:00 AM – Bonsai Lecture & Demonstration by Ernie Hasan, Phoenix Bonsai Society
12:30 PM – Suiseki: Unveiling Nature's Beauty in Stones by Ann Khalsa
2:00 PM – Bonsai Lecture & Demonstration by Ernie Hasan, Phoenix Bonsai Society
3:30 PM – Suiseki: Unveiling Nature's Beauty in Stones by Ann Khalsa
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