Greetings, NBS Members!
May is here and there's no monthly meeting this month, but we've still got plenty going on! Read on for upcoming events, a June preview, and an exciting announcement from Drew Binkley about a new Deadwood Aesthetics & Design Study Group launching this August.
📣 FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION / MENTORSHIP 101 INSTRUCTOR
Hello fellow club members,
I've heard from a handful of folks that there may be enough interest to start a deadwood carving study group, and I'd love to help make that happen within our club.
Last year, I led a deadwood workshop with the TVBS club in Chattanooga. The response was so strong that it naturally evolved into a study group, and it's been a great experience working with a dedicated group of students over time.
The focus of this group would be hands-on learning and refinement of deadwood techniques, including:
To keep things productive and give everyone meaningful one-on-one time, I'd like to cap each session at 5 participants. Sessions would run roughly 9am–5pm, with the goal of meeting 2–3 times per year. If we have enough interest (7–10 people), we can split into two groups across separate days, similar to how we've structured it in Chattanooga.
One of the biggest advantages of a study group versus a single-day workshop is the ability to develop and execute long-term plans. Rather than rushing into big decisions, we can approach each tree thoughtfully over time and build on progress from session to session.
If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, I'd love to hear from you. Cost will be $85 per attendee.
Possible Dates: August 29th, September 26
Best, Drew
Drew Binkley Nashville Bonsai Society Mentorship 101 Instructor Instagram: @drewbinkley — https://www.instagram.com/drewbinkley/
✂️ Chop-N-Chat @ Leon Olenik's Home 📍 1519 Wesley Court, Brentwood | 🕕 Saturday, May 9, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🏆 Huntsville (LABS) Bonsai Show 📍 Bennett Nurseries – 7002 Memorial Pkwy NW, Huntsville, AL 35810 | 🕕 Saturday & Sunday, May 16–17
🌿 Shohin Study Group @ Kusa Farms 📍 Kusa Farms | 🕕 Saturday, May 23
🌿 John Eads Study Group 📍 Hopson Home | 🕕 Wednesday & Thursday, May 28–29
🎓 Mentorship 101 – Class #4 📍 Knox's Home – 2316 Brookfield Drive, Brentwood | 🕕 Saturday, May 30
❌ No Monthly Meeting at Cheekwood this month.
🌿 Sat, June 13 – Chop-N-Chat @ East Nashville Brew Works (12:00 – 3:00 PM)* 🌲 Thu–Sun, June 4–7 – Bonsai in the Blue Ridge 2026, Asheville, NC 🪴 Mon, June 22 – NBS Meeting @ Cheekwood 🎓 Sat, June 27 – Mentorship 101 Class #5
<aside>
✂️ Sat, May 9 – Chop-N-Chat @ Leon Olenik's Home 🏆 Sat–Sun, May 16–17 – Huntsville (LABS) Bonsai Show 🌿 Sat, May 23 – Shohin Study Group @ Kusa Farms 🌿 Wed–Thu, May 28–29 – John Eads Study Group @ Hopson's 🎓 Sat, May 30 – Mentorship 101 Class #4 @ Knox's Home ❌ No Monthly Meeting at Cheekwood
*more info below
</aside>
| CLIMATE | INDICATORS | HOW TO RESPOND |
|---|---|---|
| Wettest month | ||
| Avg. Low 57° | Avg. High 77° | Record Low 34° |
President: Sara Hopson - [email protected]
Past President: Clay Farris - [email protected]
Director of Programs Programs: Curt Hagenau - [email protected]
Director of Education: Drew Binkley [email protected]
Mentors : Eileen Knox, Donna Comer, Sara Hopson, Albert Kolbe, Marshall Hindley, MichaelKidder, Joh Mahal, John Scarpelli, Kurt Smith.
Director of Finance: Albert Kolbe - [email protected]
Director of Membership: Susan Hagenau - [email protected]
Director of Communications: David Supica - [email protected]
Director of Website: Michael Kidder - [email protected]
Director of Community Outreach: Joh Mahal [email protected]
Member At Large: VACANT
Hospitality Coordinator: Cameron Ford - [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator – VACANT
Bonsai Shows & Exhibits: