We will attempt to tailor our programs and workshops to fit the particular needs and requirements of your club or group. Generally speaking we charge $325 per work session and require at least one work session per day. A work session may be any activity of your choice (we don't do windows) and generally lasts about 3 to 4 hours. Two work sessions per day is usual and some clubs have even scheduled three in one day.

Workshops

You may schedule as many people in a workshop as you wish. However, we strongly recommend you limit workshop participation to no more than 8 or 10 people per workshop. This is done for you benefit and not the instructors. Ten students in a 3 hour workshop means that each students will only have 18 minutes average time with the teacher. We want to provide the best possible learning experience for your participants, but it is possible to spread an instructors time too thin. It also helps if all students participating in a workshop are provided with the proper tools.

Demonstrations

You should plan on providing all workshop materials (unless other arrangements have been made with us) and insure that soils, containers, wire, spray cans, turntable, clean up equipment and all necessary supplies are provided. If it is a large group, you may want to provide a microphone. A chalk board or drawing pad is also a welcome addition. We have no objections to the filming or video taping of a lecture/demo so long as it is not going to be used for commercial purposes.

Suggested Programs

As we said before, we can adapt our programs to suit the needs of your group. Here are some suggestions you may wish to consider:

Programs On A Specific Species

An indepth program about one specific type of plant material. In the past we have done programs on scots, black and 5-needle pine; junipers, atlas cedars, chinese elm, trident maple, japanese maple, ficus and jabotacaba.

Programs On A Specific Style

We can talk about any of the traditional Japanese styles and also discuss what we consider an "American" approach to the art. We are particularly fond of literati or bunjin, multiple trunk, windswept, saikei, rock plantings and penjing.

Tree Critiques

Members bring trees to be critiqued by the instructor. This can be an extremely useful and fun program. The audience should be encouraged to bring their good trees and their problem children as well. It is a good way to make people understand the tremendous diversity in bonsai design which is possible.

Auctioneering Services

Somewhere, someone got the idea that I make a better than average auctioneer. I will be happy to provide these services to your group for a fee of $150 or 10% of the gross... your choice.

Photographing Your Bonsai

I am a professionally trained photographer and can provide you with an interesting and informative program on how to effectively photograph your bonsai. The program is geared toward groups with minimal photographic knowledge and requires that you provide a slide projector and screen.

Private Instruction

Private instruction or work on individual collections while visiting a specific location is available at the rates stated above. Travel or lodging reimbursement should be worked out with the sponsoring agency.

Additional Fees & Charges

Apart from the instructor's fee mentioned above, the sponsoring group must also assume the cost of all air travel, meals and any lodging. I am happy to stay in a hotel, but prefer to stay in a members home. Travel by car is to be reimbursed at .85 per mile, round trip. We prefer that you obtain demonstration and workshop material which is native to your region, however, we can bring demonstration material if you let us know well enough in advance.