Naka Memorial Exhibition

A select, juried bonsai show in Southern California

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About


The Naka Memorial Exhibition is a juried bonsai show based in Southern California. It has historically been held each August at the George J. Doizaki Gallery. It is comprised of individual practitioners and hobbyists who contribute significant effort time to share their love of bonsai with the public.

The event typically occurs on the second or third weekend of August, in conjunction with the Nisei Week Festival at JACCC. Official dates will be posted when available

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Mission Statement and History

The Naka Memorial Exhibition, previously known as the Nanpukai show, was originally a select exhibit of trees held by John Naka’s study group. During his generation, he succeeded in increasing the exposure of bonsai in America and more broadly in the west. The legacy of this exhibit was intended to reflect a culmination of his knowledge and those he had mentored.

Going forward several decades bonsai has significantly matured in the US. There are many more professionals who’ve returned from formal apprenticeships in Japan, as well as accessible sources of information and instruction. Despite the many changes and growth which has occurred within bonsai, the original intentions for love and pursuit of this art have remained the same. Bonsai, which embodies the concept of time, is able to tie together an appreciation of nature, age, and beauty. By exhibiting trees which best embody these values, the Naka Memorial Exhibit hopes to showcase excellence in bonsai and inspire the community to grow further. 

Additionally we would like to credit Ted Matson, bonsai curator of the Huntington Gardens, who as the last exhibit chair continued the legacy and preservation of this exhibit so that current generations can still participate.



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Location

The Naka Memorial Exhibit is hosted at the JACCC George J. Doizaki Gallery. Since it’s opening in 1980, it has been the host site of many exhibits showcasing contemporary and traditional arts of both Japanese and Japanese American origin. The gallery space boasts 2000 square feet of clean walls and a vaulted concrete ceiling to provide a beautiful and focused experience.

Currently this gallery space is able to accommodate approximately 30 full formalized display spaces. In prior years this exhibit focused solely on the tree with individual pedestals. Due to storage complications, this is no longer possible. Now space will be allocated to best accentuate accepted trees in clean 6 ft span.



photo credit: Mike Park 2023

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Submissions

The Naka Memorial Exhibit is a juried exhibition where jurors will help select the best trees out of the available submission pool. This means we need your help to make this show the best it can be! Our 4 jurors are Carmen Leskoviansky, Matthew Gelacio, Ryan Pitts, and Julian Tsai. Please see this link for submission instructions: Submissions

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People

Exhibit Chair and Juror

Julian Tsai

Full time bonsai professional, formally apprenticed at Fujikawa Kouka-en in Osaka, JP. Experience furthered by study with John Wang and Peter Tea. Full bio in link.

Co-chair and Juror

Ryan Pitts

Ryan studied with Sensei David Nguy at Bonsai Jidai, and is the President of Chino Bonsai Club

Exhibit Juror

Carmen Leskoviansky

Carmen is a bonsai professional who began working with University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in 2009 and for the bonsai collection from 2011. She apprenticed with Michael Hagedorn from 2021-2024 and has returned as curator of the Dr. Melvyn C. Goldstein Bonsai collection at the MBGNA.

Exhibit Juror

Matthew Gelacio

Matthew is a talented bonsai practitioner who started in 2020. He later joined San Diego Bonsai club where he has done demonstrations and exhibited his trees. In 2022 he met and began studies with Fred Miyahara. Matthew also assisted in starting the Larry Ragle Legacy Scholarship.

Promotional Chair

Mark Britton

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Member at Large

To be filled

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Contact Form

Please fill the contact form on the left for any inquiries or concerns. Thank you!