2024 NBPCA Bonsai Pot Acquisition Prize

[NBPCA]

Hi Everyone

It is time again for another Acquisition Prize.

Details can be found here: https://bit.ly/BonsaiPotAcquisition

Bonsai Pot Acquisition_SL-01.jpg

The Bonsai Pot Acquisition Prize 2024 is designed to encourage the appreciation of the art of bonsai pottery and to highlight the beauty and functionality of bonsai pots. The beauty and style of the pot adds to the aesthetics, the emotions evoked and to the way a bonsai is styled and maintained.

The Challenge
The challenge is to create a bonsai pot for a Callistemon viminalis Bottlebrush 'Captain Cook' (pictured above). The Bottlebrush was originally purchased in 1982 as a garden plant and was first styled as a bonsai in 1986. It has survived three house moves, and therefore three very different micro-climates. It underwent a number of styling changes until the artist decided to give it the more natural Australian native look seen today. This is a superb example of an Australian native bonsai.

Bonsai Pot Display
Selected pots entered will be on display at the Collection from Thursday 11 April to Sunday 14 April 2024. Visit between 9am - 4pm, to see the creative interpretation by the ceramic artists.

How to Enter
Create a bonsai pot and write a 100 word description
Pots and entry form must be received by the National Arboretum Canberra by 22 March 2024

If pots are couriered, please address to:

Attn: Leigh Taafe
National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia
National Arboretum Canberra
Forest Drive
Molonglo Valley ACT 2611
Late entries will not be accepted.

Prizes
First Prize: $1000

Second Prize: $600

Third Prize: $400

Key Dates
06/10/2023 Submissions open
22/03/2024 Submissions close
10/04/2024 Competition judging
12/04/2024 Winning entries announced

Thanks to the Bonsai Trust Fund for sponsoring this competition.

[Watto]

This is excellent, but can you let us know the size of the current pot as well as the size of the tree please?

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

This is excellent, but can you let us know the size of the current pot as well as the size of the tree please?

Hey Watto - if you click the entry form link you will get the info. Are you gonna have a go? (i think you should )

[Watto]

Gee your good to me KC&R.
I will have a go at making one, wish me luck

[NBPCA]

Hi Everyone

In previous years we have often had pots entered that are either way too large, or way too small for the tree. A little tip for all.....this year the tree will need a pot larger than the one it is currently in
The challenge for potters will be to get their pot dimensions to be perfect for the size and horticultural requirements of the tree.

Cheers & good luck to everyone.

Regards
Leigh

[NBPCA]

Hi Everyone

I hope that all of Australia's bonsai potters are busy making a pot or two for this acquisition prize. Not only is there a chance at winning some great prize money, but there is also a chance to have your pot on display at the National Collection.

Get your submissions to us by 22 March 2023. This is a later date than usual as we have had to move our annual Bonsai Reshaped Event to 11-14 March (this is due to Easter falling on our usual March weekend).

Cheers
Leigh

[Aaravi]

The 2024 NBPCA Bonsai Pot Acquisition Prize is an exciting opportunity for bonsai enthusiasts to compete and demonstrate their skills. I'm looking forward to seeing the inventiveness!
I am waiting for this 2024 NBPCA Bonsai Pot Acquisition Prize.

[Watto]

I think Leigh means the Bonsai Reshaped event is 11 to 14 April this year.

[NBPCA]

Hi Everyone

Just a final reminder that entries close this Friday. Best to get your pot into the post, or by courier in the next day or two.
We will also accept any pots hand delivered.

Cheers
Leigh