The Art of Bonsai

Third Thursday and Third Saturday of every month from 1-3pm.

You must register and pay to attend. If you have any problems with registration, contact administrator@greshamjapanesegarden.com.

Explore the art of growing and creating Bonsai displays. Connect with nature and experience the stress-relieving benefits of this hobby. The workshop is 2 hours long and a project is completed each month to take home. Each class is a new project. If you have a bonsai you’re working on at home, bring in for consultation. In each class, Mark devotes time for show and tell.

The cost includes all material and instruction. Please bring your own pruning shears, or snippers and pliers to class. Workshops are held in the remodeled building called the Kyoudou Center (building closest to Springwater Trail). Registration is mandatory.

Instructor: Mark Vossbrink

Mark Vossbrink has been teaching the art of bonsai for over 20 years. He grew up in Hawaii and learned bonsai from his maternal grandmother, and an Uncle that was very active in bonsai.

He studied at the University of Oregon and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in ceramics.

Mark owned and operated a floral business in Eugene and then later in Portland.

After retirement, Mark taught bonsai for Portland Parks & Rec, taught bonsai and volunteered at the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

In 2019, Mark met one of our founders, Tomiko Takeuchi, and started teaching bonsai for the Gresham Japanese Garden.

Mark also operates a pottery studio, and concentrates his work mostly for bonsai containers.

Workshop Cancellation Policy

We do not issue refunds on workshop registrations. 

If you register for a workshop and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit for your registration amount to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 24 hours before the workshop.

To cancel and request a credit, please email us at administrator@greshamjapanesegarden.com. Workshop credits are not redeemable for cash. Please note: Credits cannot be given for registrations for workshops hosted by visiting/out of town instructors. Due to the nature of these one-time-only workshops, all events hosted by special guests are subject to this policy. Thank you for understanding!

In the event a class is cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather, or any incident where GJG or its instructors are at fault, you will receive a credit to take another class at a later date.

About Our Policy

Our workshops require a great deal of pre-planning, including ordering supplies and tools, booking staff, and making commitments to pay our instructors — all based on the number of students who register. In fairness to all of our customers we are unable to make exceptions to our policy, including for reasons of illness, travel, or work hours. If you are unable to attend a workshop at the last minute, we suggest giving your spot to a friend!

Thank you for understanding!

The GJG Team