Columbus Bonsai Society 53rd Annual Bonsai Show

Columbus Bonsai Society presents the 53^rd Annual Bonsai Show

When:

Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14.

Hours:

Saturday: 10am to 5pm

Sunday: 9am to 5pm

Location:

Franklin County Fairgrounds

Ganyard Building

5031 NW Parkway

Hilliard, OH 43026

Free Admission and Free Parking

Back Ground and History:

Columbus Bonsai Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving all of Central Ohio

Since 1972, the purpose of the Columbus Bonsai Society (CBS) has been meeting to promote and grow the love of bonsai and its deep Japanese cultural heritage into our community. Beginning in 1974, CBS has hosted annual bonsai shows for members to share their work, knowledge and passion with the general public. As a 501 (c)(3), the Society’s purpose and goals have always centered on sharing our knowledge and passion for art of Bonsai; to educate and inspire the next generation of Bonsai artists; featuring local, regional, national and international Bonsai artists; and to ensure this art form is carried into the future. Our shows are especially designed to attract families with children. Family outings that give all members the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and art together which becomes a meaningful experience that inspirer curiosity and further educational interest.

For our 2026 Annual Bonsai Show, we are excited to be partnering with our local Ikebana communities, spearheaded by the Central Ohio Shibui Study Group of the Ohara School of Ikebana. This collaboration allows Ikebana to be presented as a fully realized Japanese art form with its own history, philosophy, and educational depth.

Bonsai and Ikebana share deep cultural roots in Japan and a common emphasis on nature’s beauty, asymmetry, balance, and harmony. Bonsai expresses nature through long-term cultivation and artistic expression through refinement that may take years, even decades to realize. Ikebana emphasizes seasonal awareness, spatial design, and mindful observation. Together, these art forms invite reflection, foster calm and curiosity, and offer meaningful educational and cultural experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

CBS Annual Bonsai Show Experience

Visual Galleries

The viewing galleries will showcase more than 50 Bonsai displays and over a dozen Ikebana arrangements.

Workshops and Live Demonstrations

There will be 14 hands-on workshops and live demonstrations over the course of the two day event. Hands-on workshops require pre-registration and fees are based upon materials and subject matter. Both workshops and live demonstrations are available to the public for observation free of charge.

Guided Tours

We will provide a guided tour with our Guest Artist & Show Judge along with volunteer docents.

Vendors

Our Annual Bonsai Show this year will include 12 confirmed vendors including Bonsai, Ceramic and Ikebana related businesses.

Special Guest Artists Conducting Workshops and Live Demonstrations

Our workshops are led by local, regional and nationally recognized artists.

2026 Featured National & International Guest Artists and Judge

Mr. Mark Arpag

Mr. Mark Arpag, Rochester, NY, is a national award winning Bonsai Artist and is recognized internationally for his many years of service and contributions to the advancement of Bonsai. He is the current President of the Bonsai Society of Upstate New York. Mark has won National Awards for his Eastern White Cedar, Balsam Fir, Larch and has a passion for native Bonsai specious and Stones. Mark has displayed Bonsai at the Artisans Cup, the Pacific Expo and all 8 US National Exhibitions. Mark’s Bonsai have won National Awards in: 2010, 2^nd US National Exhibition; 2011, BCI Award Native Exhibition; 2014, 4^th US National Exhibition; 2018, 6^th US National Exhibition; 2019, 2^nd US National Shohin Exhibition (2 Awards); 2022, ABS Creative Display Shohin; and, 2023, 8^th US National Exhibition.

Mark’s bonsai have been featured in numerous albums, books and magazines. His published articles have appeared in the American Bonsai Society Journal, BCI Journal and International Bonsai magazine.

Mr. Joe Rotella

Mr. Joe Rotella is an Associate Second Term Master, Ohara School of Ikebana, with over 30 years of experience in this craft. He is active in the Central Ohio area especially in the Central Ohio Ohara Ikebana Shibui Study Group. His work and teachings emphasize the artistic, creative, and Japanese cultural aspects of Ikebana, contributing regularly to exhibitions and workshops in Columbus.