The Potomac Bonsai Association, Inc. (PBA)
The Potomac Bonsai Association, Inc. (PBA)
non-profit educational organization
About The Potomac Bonsai Association
Elevating the artform's popularity and education throughout the Washington D.C. area by uniting scattered clubs and enthusiasts under one collaborative umbrella.
The Potomac Bonsai Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the art and practice of bonsai and the complementary art of suiseki (viewing stones). As the regional hub for bonsai clubs throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, we unite clubs, enthusiasts, and artists to promote the art form, share knowledge, and build a lasting regional community. Through our member clubs, study groups, and annual festival at the National Arboretum, we advance the art and knowledge of bonsai for artists and enthusiasts at every level.
PBA was founded in 1970 to elevate education and appreciation for the art and horticulture of bonsai throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Since then, we have helped foster bonsai’s popularity and education by organizing and unifying individual member clubs in the Mid-Atlantic. Through a dynamic collective network of local clubs, PBA supports enthusiasts, cultivators, and artists throughout the region. Members of affiliated clubs are automatically PBA members with access to any member club's activities, fostering a seamless, region-wide community of practice.
Our Mission
Promote Education
We offer workshops, lectures, and hands-on demonstrations that deepen knowledge of bonsai techniques, tree care, and stone appreciation.
Annual Potomac Bonsai Festival
PBA proudly presents its annual Festival, held each year on World Bonsai Day weekend and hosted jointly with the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum.
A celebration of bonsai artistry, craftsmanship, and community, the festival brings together member clubs from across the region to exhibit their most refined and intricately developed trees, representing years of patience and dedication. Highlights include formal and informal tree displays, live demonstrations and critiques by guest artists, hands-on workshops for all skill levels, a curated market of professional bonsai vendors, children’s activities, and docent-led museum tours.
One of the premier bonsai events on the East Coast, the festival draws enthusiasts, collectors, and artists from across the country. It is a rare opportunity to experience world-class bonsai in an extraordinary setting, alongside the national collections of the Museum.
This year, we are excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Join the party!
Cultivate Community
We bridge individual bonsai clubs so members can share resources, expertise, and events without barriers.
Celebrate the Art
We showcase the beauty of bonsai and suiseki through public exhibitions and competitions.