Florida Bonsai Festival

Larry Nader is the owner of Thunderstruck Bonsai, a nursery dedicated to creating living bonsai art. His deep passion for bonsai artistry has earned him widespread recognition and respect in the bonsai community. As the owner of Thunderstruck Bonsai, Larry has built a business dedicated to nurturing and cultivating premium bonsai specimens. He is deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community through education and consultation on bonsai care. Larry actively engages with the community through workshops and educational events, teaching enthusiasts and newcomers about the artistry and techniques of bonsai. In addition, Larry serves as the Vice President of the Suncoast Bonsai Society and is Chairman of the BSF Epcot Committee. He is also a dedicated student of renowned bonsai artist Nacho Marin, further enhancing his expertise and artistry.

Josh Brown saw his first bonsai in the early 2000’s and signed up for a class almost immediately. He kept a few trees alive on a windowsill during his college years and became hooked when he moved to Florida. After seeing “real” bonsai on public display for the first time at Morikami Gardens he joined the North Florida Bonsai Club and his hobby quickly progressed to a passion. He has since held most executive board positions within the North Florida Bonsai Club, had trees exhibited in multiple state conventions, and had trees displayed at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. He specializes in deciduous, broadleaf and tropical trees with more than 200 bonsai in his personal collection.

Mike Lane is a distinguished bonsai artist and instructor based in Florida, renowned for his expertise in shohin bonsai. His journey into bonsai began in 2008 when he received a juniper as a gift, sparking a deep fascination with the art form. Determined to advance his skills, Mike sought mentorship from Erik Wigert at Wigert’s Bonsai Nursery, dedicating weekends to learning and eventually earning a position at the nursery. Throughout his career, Mike has achieved notable milestones: - In 2010, he won a $1,000 scholarship from the Bonsai Societies of Florida by securing first place in the state's annual styling competition. He used the scholarship funds to travel to Mexico for the 2010 FELAB convention where he met and learned from renowned artists like Mauro Stemberger, Min Lo, Robert Steven, Vlad Novak, and Enrique Castano. - In 2011, he was awarded best Shohin tree and best Kifu Tree by Pedro Morales at the Annual Wigerts Open house display and critique. - In 2014 he had a tree accepted and displayed in the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, New York. - In 2016, he taught demonstrations and workshops at the Bonsai Society of Florida’s Annual show, and worked with established artists Bjorn Bjorholm and Juan Andrade. - He has been a featured artist at various bonsai conventions, including the 2018 Lonestar Bonsai Federation's Annual State Convention in Texas. - He has also contributed articles and had trees featured in publications such as Bonsai Focus.

Mike Rogers started doing Bonsai in 1968, at the age of 18. After a couple of years in the Marine Corps, he resumed the hobby and, by the late 1970s was teaching bonsai and selling trees on a limited scale. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, he has extensive experience with tropical trees and pioneered the growing of Azaleas in South Florida. In 1992, he moved his nursery to North Central Florida so he could grow Japanese Maples and Trident Maples. Today, Mike is one of Florida's most prolific bonsai artist with about 30 bonsai trees selected for display at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival over the years. Beyond his studio, Mike actively contributes to the bonsai community through workshops and demonstrations. He was the President of the Kawa Bonsai Society for 25 consecutive years, where he has shared his knowledge on various aspects of bonsai cultivation and stylin

Wilson Sanchez is a dedicated bonsai artist known for his contributions to the Florida bonsai community. He served as the District 2 Trustee for the Bonsai Societies of Florida (BSF) through 2024, representing the Tallahassee Bonsai Society. Wilson studied under bonsai artist Dave Cutchin for 3 years. In Puerto Rico, Wilson had the opportunity to interview renowned bonsai artists such as Pedro Morales and Jose Rodriguez. In 2015, Wilson was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. During his challenging treatment, he revisited his teenage fascination with bonsai, finding solace and therapeutic benefits in cultivating his trees. This journey not only aided his recovery but also deepened his passion for bonsai artistry. Wilson is the owner of Small Town Bonsai where his dedication to the art form and community is evident through his involvement in promoting bonsai culture in Florida.