The American Bonsai Society Ben Oki "Excellence in Advancing Bonsai" Award is given at the annual ABS meeting and is accompanied by a check for $1500.00 and a commemorative plaque.

The Award' Namesake: Ben Oki

Few names are as instantly recognized and as permanently attached to the art of bonsai in the North America as that of Ben Oki. His interest in bonsai, stemming from 1958, was nurtured by his mentor, the late John Naka. Mr. Oki, a featured demonstrator at conventions and workshops worldwide, is particularly noted for his rapid wiring technique and his ability to visualize potential in unsuspected specimens, quickly transforming that material into a bonsai masterpiece. A great asset is his ready acceptance of the artistry of others and his encouragement of each person's individual talent. This award is designed to recognize others who freely share their time and talent with members of the bonsai community.

The Benefactors: Charles and Cheryl Owens

The annual Ben Oki "Excellence in Advancing Bonsai" Award is made possible through the substantial generosity of Charles and Cheryl Owens of Elkhart, Indiana. It has been their desire to honor their friendship with him. They have supported this award to not only demonstrate their great respect for him as a bonsai artist, but also recognize his uplifting influence on all members of the bonsai community by honoring those individuals that also exhibit these traits.

The Recipient: Your Nominations Are Solicited

ABS members are encouraged to nominate those fellow members who emulate Ben Oki's extraordinary sharing, encouraging and educating. In addition to your candidate's name, please include their address and phone number. A statement to support their nomination should include substantiating reasons why the candidate emulates the characteristics previously described. Please note that we are soliciting names of bonsai non professionals who are relatively new to the bonsai world and are actively engaged in introducing others to the wonderful world of bonsai.

The American Bonsai Society is actively encouraging the nominations from the increasing number of talented, involved bonsaists who are truly not of the professional ranks but form the basis of the growing movement.

Eligibility Requirements

Nominee is a current member of the American Bonsai Society

Nominee is an active member of the bonsai community

Nominee is considered by their nominators to be amateur who freely shares their knowledge, actively promotes the art and science by encouraging participation of those new to bonsai; and demonstrates a long term commitment to bonsai.

Nominee is not a current officer of ABS or a previous winner of this award.

Previous winners have included James Nakahara, Doris Froning, William M. Clark, Marybel Belandonck, Taki Nagasawa, William Meritt, Nancy Mack, Alex Alexander, John Lust, Robert W. King, Reiner Goebel, John Carroll, Dennis Howke and Ken Wassum.

Nomination for the 2005 annual American Bonsai Society Ben Oki "Excellence in Advancing Bonsai" Award should be mailed by March 1, 2005 to: