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San Antonio Bonsai Society
Celebrating over 50 years of Bonsai!
The Origins
The San Antonio Bonsai Society organizational meeting took place on Aug 31, 1973 with seven prospective members in attendance. The meeting was highlighted by the election of the Society’s first officers: Charles Koll-President, Edith Sorge-Vice President/Program Chair, Carol Lee Klose-Secretary/Treasure, and Jackie Springer-Constitution and By-Laws Chairman.
Jackie and Bob Springer hosted the first formal meeting in their home on Oct 11, 1973. The San Antonio Garden Center was selected as the initial meeting place.
The San Antonio Bonsai Society’s first opportunity to present its talent came during the San Antonio Garden Center’s Spring Flower Show. The Bonsai members’ efforts were greatly rewarded. Participant members were awarded several blue ribbons and the Society won the Sweepstakes Award in Horticulture.
By the end of year one (Aug 73 - Jun 74), the Society’s success was reflected in a membership of 41 motivated bonsaists. The Society continues to enjoy steady growth each year and now numbers over 100.
In 1988, the San Antonio Bonsai Society, Inc. (SABS) hosted the Bonsai Club International 24th Annual International Bonsai Congress. The society hosted the Lone Star Bonsai Federation (LSBF) Annual Convention in 1996 and co-hosted the LSBF State Convention in 2002. Our society co-hosted the 2008 American Bonsai Society Seminar with LBSF and co-hosted the LSBF's 31st Annual Convention with the Austin Bonsai Society. SABS and LSBF are co-hosting the 2022 Texas Bonsai Convention.
The Society sponsors numerous events throughout the year, including bonsai shows, sales, auctions, workshops, field trips, and lecture/ demonstrations.
Our Logo
The informal upright style (Moyogi) is considered the most popular shape in all bonsai, especially suited to our native Texas juniper. The slightly curved trunk is curved enough to be interesting but not overdone.
Our logo, represented by this informal style stands for the informal nature of the San Antonio Bonsai Society, Inc. This popular, interesting style depicts the objectives of the Society - promoting participation and the enjoyment of bonsai. This emblem was adopted as the official San Antonio Bonsai Society logo in Sep, 1977.
The San Antonio Bonsai Society, Inc. is a member of the American Bonsai Society, Bonsai Clubs International, and the Lone Star Bonsai Federation.
2024 Board Members
President........................................................................................................................ Conrad G.
Vice President/Program Director............................................................................... Gabe H.
Secretary............................................................................................................................ Ricky R.
Treasurer/Membership................................................................................................. Ryan O.
Board Members at Large.................... Bruce B., Bryan B., Diane C., Joe H., & David W.
Facebook/Website Editor................................................................................................Ryan O.
Newsletter Editor..............................................................................................................Ryan O.
Past Presidents
San Antonio Bonsai Society
Charles K. 1973-1975 Carol Lee K. 1975-1976
Louis C. 1976-1977 Leonard S. 1977-1978
Alice R. 1978-1979 Robert T. 1979-1980
Benjamin H. 1980-1981 Edith S. 1981-1982
Martha K. 1982-1983 Jack Y. 1983-1986
Paul T. 1986-1988 Martha K. 1988-1989
San Antonio Bonsai Society, Inc.
Martha K. 1989 Larry A. 1990-1991
Paul T. 1992 Richard H. 1993
Helen B. 1994 Gary M. 1995-1996
Larry F. 1997-1998 Sam G. 1999
Libby H. 2000 Tom F. 2001
Donna D. 2002 Martha K. 2003
Carl D. 2004 Jay N. 2005
Behr A. 2006 Martha K. 2007-2008
Oscar G. 2009 Donna D. 2010
Kevin P. 2011-2013 Ryan O. 2014-2017
Klaus C. 2018-2019 Jay N. 2020
Ryan O. 2021 Jay N. 2022
Kevin P. 2023 Conrad G. 2024
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