BONSAI POTTERY COMPETITION
2026 Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition
Hidden Lake Gardens and the North American Bonsai Federation (NABF) are pleased to announce Tempest Neucollins as the winner of the North American Bonsai Pottery Competition, held in conjunction with the Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition, taking place October 17–18, 2026.
Created in conjunction with the inaugural Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition, taking place October 17–18, 2026, this special competition invited ceramic artists to design and create a custom American-made ceramic bonsai container for a significant American Wisteria, Wisteria frutescens, in the Gardens’ permanent bonsai collection.
Neucollins' winning design pays homage to the tangled, organic nature of wisteria and the grace of its blooms," wrote Neucollins in the artist statement accompanying the submission. "It also celebrates the beauty of the branches in their dormant period, their reaching, sinuous flow."
The double-walled ceramic vessel was created using Aardvark's "Seaside" clay, a blend of stoneware and porcelain. Sculptural cutouts and layered textures create visual depth while maintaining the functionality required for a bonsai container. The design was selected for its artistic merit, craftsmanship, and thoughtful relationship to the Wisteria bonsai it will house.
The winning pot and Wisteria bonsai will be featured during the Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition on October 17-18, 2026, and highlighted during the exhibition's Saturday evening Gala. Following the exhibition, the newly potted bonsai will become a permanent display in the Hidden Lake Gardens Bonsai Courtyard beginning in spring 2027. Neucollins' name will be included on the official bonsai label, recognizing the artist's lasting contribution to the collection.
Both Hidden Lake Gardens and the North American Bonsai Federation extend sincere thanks to every artist who shared their talent and vision by participating in the competition. The quality, creativity, and craftsmanship displayed in the submissions made the selection process both exciting and challenging. This competition showcases the remarkable intersection of ceramic artistry and the living art of bonsai.
Presented in partnership with the North American Bonsai Federation, the inaugural Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition will showcase outstanding bonsai from across the region, highlighting exceptional fall color, fruiting specimens, educational presentations, workshops, demonstrations, vendors, and more.
Visitors are encouraged to attend the exhibition and experience the winning pottery design alongside some of the finest fall bonsai displays in the Midwest.
This competition represents a unique moment where ceramic artistry and living horticultural art intersect
A Tree with a Legacy
This remarkable American Wisteria bonsai is one of the most meaningful pieces in the Hidden Lake Gardens collection. Originally received as a gift in 1966, it was carefully trained and developed over decades by Jack Wikle, a highly respected figure in the bonsai community. The tree was later acquired by Hidden Lake Gardens in 2012 and is now over 60 years old.
The selection of this tree for the competition is especially significant, honoring Jack Wikle’s lifelong contributions to the art of bonsai and his enduring relationship with Hidden Lake Gardens.
Since 2022, the bonsai has been cared for by Bonsai Curator Jon Genereaux and his team. Recognizing the tree’s importance and maturity, Jon has identified this moment as the ideal time for a new, thoughtfully designed container—one that reflects both the artistry of bonsai and the craftsmanship of contemporary ceramic artists.
About Jack Wikle
Jack Wikle’s influence on bonsai at Hidden Lake Gardens and beyond is profound. A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in biology, Jack was introduced to bonsai while serving in the U.S. military in Japan, where he developed a deep appreciation for Japanese gardens and horticultural traditions.
Upon returning to the United States, he continued his bonsai journey under the mentorship of Bob Maxson, one of Michigan’s early bonsai pioneers. Jack became particularly known for his innovative work growing hardy Shohini bonsai year‑round under artificial light.
Jack joined Hidden Lake Gardens in 1968 and has remained closely connected to the Gardens ever since. He played a key role in establishing the permanent bonsai collection, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape the program today.
Learn more about Jack's legacy at https://jackwiklebonsailegacy.com/.
