International Speakers

SEIJI MORIMAE–JAPAN Proprietor of “Ginza Morimae” in Tokyo and Saitama, Japan, specializing in bonsai, suiseki and artifacts. He has a vast knowledge of Japanese aesthetics, bonsai and suiseki and combines them with his fine taste. This is his second appearance in the United States.   SEAN L. SMITH–PENNSYLVANIA, USA Proprietor of Custom Oriental Woodcraft specializing in suiseki and daiza carving as well as stands. He has received awards for both his bonsai and suiseki and also makes containers. His exquisite daiza can be found in the finest collections around the world and have received the highest accolades in Japan. I.C. SU–TAIWAN Mr. Su is the current President of Bonsai Clubs International. He is a serious collector and noted authority of Chinese stones, antique containers and bonsai. Several of his famous containers were displayed at the Freer Gallery of the Smithsonian in 2005.   WM. N. VALAVANIS–NEWYORK, USA Proprietor of the International Bonsai Arboretum and publisher of International BONSAI. He is one of the preeminent bonsai educators in the US and travels around the world to share his knowledge and taste in bonsai and suiseki. XIAOSHAN YANG–INDIANA, USA Dr. Yang is an associate professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Notre Dame. He has authored several articles and a book on garden culture and stones in Tang-Song, Chinese poetry. His research has been recognized with grants from the National Endowment for the Humanties.   MARTIN SCHMALENBERG–NEWJERSEY, USA Head of Asian Studies at Blair Academy and long-time bonsai and suiseki artist. He brings information on the cultural, philo-sophical and aesthetic appreciation of stones to his educational programs which are presented around the country. PETER WARREN–ENGLAND Peter Warren has spent a five year intensive apprenticeship at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Tokyo, Japan where he learned from Kunio Kobayashi. Peter has absorbed the Japanese aesthetics and the knowledge for the appreciationand display of suiseki.   JAMES F. DOYLE–PENNSYLVANIA, USA Proprietor of Nature’s Way Nursery and a regular on the bonsai lecture circuit. His Japanese garden design work combined with his bonsai knowledge and skill and Japanese symbolism have enhanced his stone appreciation. KEMIN HU–MASSACHUSETTS, USA Ms. Hu has been importing and spreading knowledge onChinese Scholar’s rocks throughout the world. She has writtensev eral books and freely shares her enthusiasm for her love of Chinese Scholar’s rocks.   PAT COEN–OKLAHOMA, USA Famous rock collector and bonsai enthusiast from Tulsa, OK. His broad knowledge of geology and landforms has been beneficial to his stone collecting activities. He freely shares his knowledge and passion for stones. HIDEKO METAXAS–CALIFORNIA, USA Suiseki, ikebana, bonsai and Japanese aesthetics authority who has contributed greatly in the US and European communities. She is a professor of the Ikenobo School of Ikebana and is very busy teaching and promoting the art of flower arrangement.   DR. THOMAS ELIAS–VIRGINIA, USA Director of the US National Arboretum which houses the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, and an avid stone enthusiast. Widely traveled for business and pleasure, and always looking for stones. ARTHUR SKOLNIK–CANADA Bonsai and suiseki authority and skilled daiza carver from Toronto, Canada. He is the proprietor of Shibui Landscaping and specializes in Japanese gardens using stones extensively. His articles, video and programs have been well received.