2026 Workshops
September 2026
Kusamono with Young Cho
Join us for a special Kusamono Workshop with internationally recognized artist Young Choe!
Young is considered one of the leading kusamono artists in the United States and has spent years studying and teaching this unique Japanese botanical art form. Kusamono uses grasses, flowers, moss, and other plants to create compositions that evoke a particular season, landscape, or natural habitat. Traditionally displayed alongside bonsai, kusamono has also developed into a beautiful art form of its own.
During this hands-on workshop, Young will guide participants through the principles of kusamono design, plant selection, composition, and display as each participant creates their own kusamono.
The workshop will be limited to 12 participants and costs $100 per person.
Date: September 26th [Saturday]
Time: 9:30am
Location: Della Clark’s home in Black Forest
Participants must be current members of the Pikes Peak Bonsai Society. Space will be extremely limited, and a workshop with an artist of Young’s caliber is expected to fill quickly, so early signup is strongly encouraged.
Please bring TOOLS / SUPPLIES / SNACKS, IF NEEDED].
Learn more about Young Choe and her work at kusamonochoe.com.
October 2026
Francesco Vigorito
Join us for a special workshop with Francesco Vigorito at the 2nd Annual Pikes Peak Bonsai Show!
Francesco Vigorito is a Denver-based bonsai artist and apprentice for Todd Schlafer of First Branch Bonsai. His work leans into literati-influenced styling, with careful attention to line aesthetics, branch structure and pad formation. Francesco’s approach combines traditional techniques with an emphasis on developing healthy, natural-looking trees that were perfected my nature, and crafted my man.
Bring your own tree for this hands-on workshop along with supplies (wire, tools, water, snacks).
Date: October 10, 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 1:00 PM MT to 5:00 PM MT
Location: Phalen Gardens
Cost: $125
Anyone can participate, but space is limited to 6 participants so sign up now!