The Joshua Roth New Talent Bonsai Competition is an annual competition to recognize and promote new bonsai talent in North America. First prize is a round trip airline ticket to Japan. The first stage of the competition is a judging of photographs of previously designed trees. The second stage will be the actual production of a bonsai during the "ABS Learning Seminars 2009", which will be held in Boise, ID at the Doubletree Hotel on June 11-14, 2009

Eligibility requirements

Any person who lives in North America, including Puerto Rico, is eligible. He or she must have been involved with the art of bonsai for less than ten (10) years. Any past winner or runner-up is ineligible to enter. Participation in the second stage is limited to two (2) competitions.

First stage submissions

Each contestant shall submit photographs of at least three bonsai that he or she has personally styled. More than one picture of each bonsai is preferred. The photographs do not have to be of publication quality; however they should show the talent of the artist to the best advantage.

All of the photographs submitted shall be enclosed in a single presentation folder with the photos enclosed in clear plastic sleeves. A brief description and history of each bonsai shall also be enclosed. Taped to the back inside cover of the folder shall be an envelope with the completed application form. There should be no identification on the photos or on the outside of the enclosed envelope. Mail all entries to:

Harold Johnson
Competition Chairman
6806 Knotty Pine Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

First Stage Submissions must be received before Friday April 10, 2009. Entries from artists whose photographs indicate the most promise will be selected to participate in the second stage of the competition. Contestants selected for Stage Two will be notified prior to Thursday May 14, 2009.

Stage Two

Each contestant selected for the second stage of the competition must come to the "ABS Learning Seminars 2009". Each contestant must pay his or her own expenses to the Convention.

Each contestant shall:

1)      Be provided with turntable, pre-bonsai material and wire by the Competition.
2)      Furnish his or her personal tools. Power tools are acceptable.
3)      Be given an eight (8) hour time period in which to style the material into a finished bonsai. The                   competition will begin at 8 AM and will close at 5 PM, on Thursday June 11, 2009. There will be          a one-hour lunch break.

Repotting of the finished bonsai will not be done during the competition.

Judging

Four of the major presenters at the Convention will judge the completed bonsai. In addition, all registrants at the "ABS Learning Seminars 2009" will be able to vote for their personal choice. The "popular vote" is worth one vote. The artist whose bonsai receives the majority of the five votes will be awarded the title of "Best New Bonsai Talent of 2009" at the Saturday evening Banquet.

Questions may be emailed to Harold Johnson at haroldjrntbc@yahoo.com
 
Entrants Name:__________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________________________________________

State/Province___________________________Zip/Postal Code____________________

Country_________________________________________________________________

Telephone____________________Fax_____________________Email______________

I understand that upon submitting this application to the Joshua Roth New Talent Bonsai Competition, the application and all accompanying documents and photographs become the property of the Competition and cannot be returned. I further understand and agree that if I am selected for stage two of the Competition, I will register and appear at the "ABS Learning Seminars 2009" compete in the Competition. It is further understood and agreed to, that if I am selected to participate in stage two of the competition, the Competition has the exclusive right to photograph and publish photographs of any of the bonsai created in the competition. I hereby certify that I have been involved with the art of bonsai for less than ten years.

Signature__________________________________________ date_____________________  

Harold Johnson