The Olympia Bonsai Club is dedicated to sharing our passion for creating and caring for these living pieces of art within the greater South Sound area.  Our goal is to share our appreciation of the art of bonsai and to teach and learn from each other.

• At many of our meetings we have experts do a live demonstration. Show up, be inspired, and learn from a master.

• We hold monthly workshops for club members.  Sometimes they have a specific theme but often they are a place to bring your trees and get an experienced club member to answer questions, or guide you to where you need to take your tree.

• Every spring we have a Beginner’s workshop.  It is three nights of hands-on instruction. Learn the basics of bonsai styles, tools, wiring, potting, and styling a tree from scratch. We supply the materials, and at the end you’ll take home a tree you have created yourself.

• All members receive a monthly newsletter which includes bonsai care tips and keeps you informed of upcoming presenters and opportunities for club members.

On any given year from 40-70 members

$30 Single, $40 Couple – July-August, payment is half price.  New members who join after September 1st are paid up for the following year.

Please mail checks for your dues to Olympia Bonsai Club, PO Box 2682 Olympia, WA 98507

We meet most months on the second Thursday of the month. Exceptions are in January when we meet on the third Thursday, August when we have our annual picnic and December when instead of a meeting we hold a Holiday lunch.

We also have workshops many months of the year.  The best place to find the schedule is on the club calendar.

Monthly meetings are held at Olympia Friends Meeting 3201 Boston Harbor Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506

Member workshops are held at the North Olympia Fire Station 5046 Boston Harbor Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506

The club has a board of directors consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Past President, Librarian and several at-large board members.

The board oversees several committees. As a volunteer-run organization we appreciate when everyone finds a way to pitch in.

Membership and Outreach

• • Example tasks: Outreach to schools and nurseries, maintain club trailer, organize summer picnic.

Building Skills and Knowledge

• • Example tasks: Organize Beginner’s workshop, Maintain club library, Skills and Knowledge section of the newsletter, Plan and execute member workshops.

Fundraising and Finance

• Example tasks:  January Swap Meet, July auction, acquire and sell Lava,  Bonsai Calendar

Communications

• Example tasks: Monthly newsletter, Update member directory, maintain club website, Social Media and inquiries.

There are many ways to get involved even if you are brand new to Bonsai.  In fact the best way to learn is to get involved. Many of the current board members consider themselves to be beginners. Our members all want to share their knowledge.  

Here are a few ideas that take no bonsai knowledge:

• Volunteer for one of the committees described above.

• Volunteer to open or close a workshop (e.g. get the supplies out, clean up the workspace). You’re going to be there anyway.  Come a few minutes early or stay a few minutes late. Help us fill this important role.

• Show up and help at the Cultural Celebration.

• Help out at the annual auction, we always need lots of hands.

• Show up for a Lava Rock bagging party.

• Do you have computer skills? Help put together the member directory.

• Take pictures at meetings to add to our Facebook page.

• The club’s annual swap meet in January

• The annual July auction is a great place to pick up trees, pots and books at costs well below retail.

• There is often material for sale at club meetings.

• Order lava, pumice, or mix from the club.

• Bonsai NW

• Asia Pacific Gardening

• Pacific Bonsai Museum

• Elandan Gardens

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