Keynote Speaker, Demonstration & Lectures
2026 Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition
All scheduled events are open to the public and included with admission to Hidden Lake Gardens, except for the workshops. Workshop participants must register in advance. Space for workshops is limited - REGISTER TODAY!
Find a chronological listing of lecture, workshop and demonstration times on the Event Schedule page.
Keynote Speaker
Bill Valavanis
Bonsai Artist & Educator, William N. Valavanis became interested in bonsai and horticulture at age eleven and pursued his interest by studying Ornamental Horticulture at SUNY Farmingdale and Cornell University. He has made over 50 trips to Japan and apprenticed with Kyuzo Murata and Kakutaro Komuro in Omiya Bonsai Village in Japan. Additionally, a 30-year study and association with Yuji Yoshimura combined with his formal horticultural degrees, apprenticeships in Japan, and his artistic talent provide Bill with the solid background to promote and teach Classical bonsai art around the world.
Lecture – The Art of Bonsai Display
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Visitors Center
Included with Admission
After discussing basic eye movement directions, students will learn about the reasons and types of bonsai displays. Finally, some of the finer points of specific bonsai display composition will be discussed, as well as setting up a couple of small-size display compositions.
Other opportunities to connect with Bill Valavanis:
Workshop A – Itoigawa Shimpaku: Designing Bonsai Using Junipers
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Visitors Center
$100 per person, REGISTER HERE
Demonstration
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Visitors Center
Included with Admission
Additional Lectures
Danny Coffey
A passionate bonsai enthusiast turned pro. His skillset and expertise have earned the trust of several private collections and countless students. As an instructor he offers a down-to-earth approach. With values such as tree health, understanding the creative process and appreciating the subtle joys of bonsai at the core of every lesson. Encouraging students to focus on growth and progress as bonsai hobbyists. While gaining a solid foundation of technical skills through hands on instruction.
Lecture – Trident Maple Show & Tell: A Photo Journal Presentation
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Auditorium
Join Danny Coffey as he shares his 10-year process of re-developing a trident maple. This presentation will cover, root grafting, grow out phase, structural pruning, several repottings and the beginning of the refinement phase. If you want to learn from a professional what it takes to develop a show quality bonsai then you don't want to miss this presentation.
Mason McNair
Dr. McNair is widely recognized for his passion for horticulture, a journey that began in childhood and grew into a career spanning plant taxonomy, botanical garden leadership, and innovative horticultural research. He was recently appointed curator and director of the MSU Horticulture Gardens, where he is helping shape a new vision for the future of the gardens.
Lecture: The Science Behind Autumn Foliage
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Auditorium
Join Dr. Mason McNair, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Michigan State University, for this featured presentation Dr. McNair brings a strong blend of research expertise and community‑focused extension work through his role in MSU’s Department of Horticulture, where he serves in a 30% research and 70% extension appointment.
During his presentation, Dr. McNair will connect these natural processes to the artistry of bonsai, offering insights especially relevant to artists working with deciduous species.
