What is PBA?
The Potomac Bonsai Association (PBA) is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the awareness and practice of the art and horticulture of bonsai, and the collection and art of viewing stones. PBA is an umbrella organization consisting of local bonsai clubs in Washington, D.C., Central and Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Members of these affiliated clubs are automatically members of PBA and may participate in the activities of any other member club.
PBA History
The Potomac Bonsai Association was founded in 1970 to help foster bonsai’s popularity and education by organizing and unifying individual member clubs in the Mid Atlantic area. Today there are several PBA clubs convenient to bonsai enthusiasts in Washington D.C., Maryland, Baltimore, Northern Virginia and Richmond. PBA works closely with its member clubs, The National Bonsai Foundation and The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum to foster education, activities and events. Click here to contact a club near you!
PBA Activities
PBA has a number of activities throughout the year in addition to the member club activities. PBA sponsors a Spring Bonsai Festival jointly with the National Arboretum and the National Bonsai Foundation. The PBA Bonsai Festival lasts for three days and includes such activities as a bonsai show, a regional juried show, a new talent competition, beginner and intermediate/advanced workshops, bonsai demonstrations and a bonsai vendor bazaar. The vendor bazaar provides bonsai artists and any visitors the opportunity to purchase bonsai, plant material, tools, and pots related to the art and horticulture of bonsai.
PBA also organizes an annual bonsai auction and offers workshops by visiting bonsai artists. These workshops are open to any member of PBA and consist of workshops where plant material is provided or where the participants provide their own material. Any range of bonsai related knowledge and skill is welcome in these workshops.
