The Pioneer Valley Bonsai Society (formerly the Greater Springfield Bonsai Society) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and expanding the knowledge and practice of Bonsai in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. This is accomplished though our monthly meetings, workshops, guest artists, and annual member exhibit.
Douglas Taylor - President
Like many of his generation Doug first saw bonsai in the Karate Kid movies. He was inspired to try it for himself after a visit to Cape Cod Bonsai Nursery in the summer of 1999. Membership in the Bonsai Society has afforded Doug the opportunity to participate in workshops with some of the best bonsai professionals from around the globe, however his main teachers have been Nick Lenz and Suthin Sukosolvisit. He is currently studying with Boon Manakativipart and his longtime friend and teacher Nick Lenz. Doug’s collection consists of too many species to list, but his favorite is American Larch.
William Swain - Vice President/ Club Librarian
Bill caught the Bonsai bug in a fashion similar to many others, seeing the Karate Kid movie, then saying” But I followed the instructions to a tee how did I kill it?” This led to finding and joining our local club, he’s been a member for close to 20 years. His favorite trees are Shimpaku Junipers, but his collection includes Larch, Scotts Pine, Azaleas, and Ficus
David Bressem - Treasurer
David has had a lifelong interest in nature and plants, but it wasn't until the early 90"s that he tried to do some bonsai on his own with limited success, but then he stumbled upon an exhibit by Springfield Bonsai Club and has been an active member of that club and/or the Hartford Club ever since. An active and sometimes impatient person, he found that the art and practice of Bonsai helped him to slow down, when he realized that you cannot make a tree grow faster than it will. Dave appreciates the natural, old tree in nature look, often using rocks and slabs in his designs.
Mauro Daniele - Secretary
Mauro’s passion for bonsai began at the age of seven when he saw Mr Miyagi’s “baby trees” in 1984’s Karate Kid; he has been actively practicing bonsai since 1996. Since then his collection has expanded considerably, but he focuses his attention on pine, juniper, and azalea. Mauro has been a student of Boon Manakitivipart since 2014. a member of the PVBS since 2013 and club secretary since 2016.