Learn how to create 4 origami animals and enjoy our Nation's treasured collection of bonsai trees on a private tour with Museum Curator.

Learn how to create four origami animals from experienced origami teacher and artist, Jeff Raab. At the start of class, be inspired by the peace and calm of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum's treasured trees on your private group tour lead by Museum Curator, Micahel James. Then get cozy for a folding session inside with Jeff. This is the perfect hobby to learn in time for the brisk winter months so you can stay inside and keep those creative juices flowing. Beginners and accompanied children (ages 6 and up) welcome!

All supplies provided.

An accompanying adult must be present for no more than 2 children.

Read an interview with Jeff Raab on our blog.

Capture the delicate branches, sweeping silhouettes, and verdant green colors in bonsai, under the guidance of artist, Tina Thieme Brown.  

The National Bonsai Foundation is delighted to present “Drawing Bonsai with Artist Tina Thieme Brown, a botanical artist and instructor who specializes in illustrating the landscape, flora and fauna of the greater D.C. area.

In this three-hour workshop, Tina will guide participants through the steps and techniques necessary to create an image of bonsai and the Japanese Stroll Garden in a sketchbook. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to get “up close and personal” with some of the most historic bonsai in the world, and to take a small part of them home with you.

We welcome artists of any skill level to participate in this class. Supplies will not be provided. A suggested supply list is below:

• Sketchbook with 65lb or heavier drawing paper (ink and pencil compatible)

• Pen: black, .01 nib size

• Pencils: Hb, 2b, 4b

• color pencils in a variety of greens, yellows, blues, reds and oranges

• pencil sharpener

• white vinyl eraser

• brush for sweeping away pencil erasures

Back to Events

Learn bonsai photography from a master. World-renowned photographer, Stephen Voss, will lead a photography class through an award-winning bonsai collection. The class will guide students to look deeply at the bonsai trees in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, located at the National Arboretum, and create their own portfolio of images that express what they see. Through targeted visual exercises and individual instruction, each participant will learn to reappraise the trees, and in turn, sharpen their visual acuity to make better photographs in any situation. By the end of the class, each student will come away with a unique set of images and some new skills to use the next time they pick up a camera.

Participants can register for the class to include a signed copy of Stephen Voss's critically-acclaimed In Training: A Bonsai Photo Book. 

What you'll need to bring:

SLR camera (preferably) with any lenses you have

Tripod (if available)

Notebook and pen

World-renowned photographer Stephen Voss will lead a series of photography classes through the seasons. The two-hour class will guide students to look deeply at the bonsai trees in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and create their own portfolio of images that express what they see. Through targeted visual exercises and individual instruction, each participant will learn to reappraise the trees, and in turn, sharpen their visual acuity to make better photographs in any situation. By the end of the class, each student will come away with a unique set of images and some new skills to use the next time they pick up a camera. Students may register for full series or individual classes. Curriculum is not serial.