BSOP Mentorship Activities

MENTORSHIP 101 BASICS

Mentorship 101 Basics is a series of six classes sponsored by the Bonsai Society of Portland and generous donations from the bonsai community.  The purpose of the Basics is to give students the tools and the knowledge to become successful in developing and refining a bonsai.  Scheduled in the Winter/Spring with one class a month, we are looking for beginners as well as the almost beginners, perhaps people who are admirably self-taught but haven't achieved the basic understanding they want to raise a bonsai with confidence.

In 16 to 24 hours of class, the student will learn our method of "Best Practices" working on a tree provided by the club.  Tools, pots, wire, and soils will also be available.  The class will be taught by our very own, very capable and very knowledgeable mentors.  They will show you and guide you to design, to pot, wire and prune a bonsai as well as how to pick a plant, pick a pot, and protect and care for your bonsai.  

Classes are built one upon another meaning that the classes are cumulative and to get the most benefit, all classes should be attended. The student body can be 20 to 40 students and a waiting list will be maintained to cover a classmate's absence.  There will be a fee to be paid at or before the class.  Financial aid is available, and the ADA will be observed.   THIS IS A MEMBERS ONLY ACTIVITY.

The classes will be held at the Milwaukie Center on dates decided by the Mentorship Committee.  Students must be members in good standing from a deadline decided by the committee through the last class.  Students will not be accepted if they have attended two or more classes in past series.  And finally and most importantly, accepting a place in the class is a commitment to be present for every class.

MENTORSHIP 102 LAB

Mentorship 102 Lab is sponsored by the Bonsai Society of Portland and funded by donations from the bonsai community. The purpose of the LAB is to give members the opportunity to meet with volunteer mentors to receive advice and instruction on their personal trees.

Registration is not required, and attendance is on a drop-in basis at no charge. Participants provide their own trees, tools and materials that might be needed.

Meetings will be held at the Milwaukie Community Center in the Oregon Grape Room once a month. Refer to the BSOP Calendar for dates and times.