Celebrating Excellence: Winners of the North American Bonsai Pottery Contest 2025.

Honouring Artistic Mastery and Innovation in Bonsai Ceramics.

With the significance of bonsai ceramics witnessing an ongoing surge in the West, the 13th of September 2025 saw the birth of the first International North American Bonsai Pottery Contest (NABPC) in Rochester, New York.

The NABPC was a celebration of the art, and the ceramics displayed are truly something to behold. It has been a pleasure to witness such commitment and dedication to the art, by both the extraordinary artists, and by the facilitators of the event.

Organised by Angelica Ramirez of Discover Potters and hosted by the American Bonsai Society (ABS) as part of their Learning Seminars, this premiere juried exhibition brought together the finest ceramicists from across the North America, each eager to showcase their creativity, technical prowess, and reverence for the art of bonsai ceramics. 

Throughout this article, please use the underlined links, for more images and information on the Discover Potters website.

---

The EBPC is proud to sponsor this prestigious event, and support our bonsai friends across the water. The event is a celebration of traditional and innovative bonsai pottery, and aims to record and further fuel the increasing desire for quality artisanal ceramics.

Included in the display were ceramics by two ‘Honorary’ EBPC members. 
Roy Minarai created an exciting display in the honorary display category, and Anthony Smith of Willow Bonsai was awarded 1st place in the ‘contemporary glazed’ category, as seen below. 

Winner: Contemporary Glazed Category. Willow Bonsai (EBPC Member Artist)

A showcase of Contemporary & Traditional categories

Artists from across America and Canada produced very impressive entries for the following categories:

• ECHOES OF TRADITION; Expressions of modern artistry.
  • Traditional Unglazed Category
  • Traditional Glazed Category  

• COSMIC CREATIONS; Pioneering the bonsai frontier.
  • Contemporary Unglazed Category
  • Contemporary Glazed Category

---

In addition to the sensational pot contest, visitors were treated to the non-competitive ‘honorary exhibits’ from a selection of celebrated ceramicists, including: Gayle Fiato, Roy Minarai, April Grigsby, Sara Rayner, and by French artist, The Ghost Potter.

The cure for boredom. Roy Minarai (EBPC artist member). Wood Fired in Anagama Kiln

---

Bonsai has a habit of creating lifelong friendships and strong bonds are often formed within the bonsai community, so when the community loses cherished friends and artists, it is always strongly felt by many.

Tribute displays were also created to honour and remember three such friends; Nick Lenz, Pauline Muth, and the U.K.’s Andrew Pearson of Stone Monkey Ceramics.

The last Alhambra Foutain 2024, Spain Edition. From the last Triskele collaboration with Andrew Pearson. Created by Andrew Pearson and Nick Hopes.

In Memoriam. ANDREW PEARSON - Stone Monkey Ceramics - ​United Kingdom 1968-2024

---

A testimony of distinction.

Judging a contest with such a varied and impressive selection of entries is no easy task. Being both functional items, and pieces of art in their own right, the ceramic entries displayed high levels of technical ability, combined with a deep appreciation of both bonsai and the ceramics they require. A spectacular display of workmanship, creativity and utility.

Bonsai as an artform is ever evolving, and whilst understanding and respecting the traditions that underlie bonsai is important, innovation and progression of bonsai ceramics is also to be encouraged and celebrated.    

The display encompassed a diverse range of artistic styles, forms and finishes, which was exciting to see, as it reflects the diverse range of bonsai trees and styles we cultivate and enjoy. Majestic and elegant traditional forms, expressive glazes, and some highly creative modern designs and interpretations. I would encourage anyone to spend a little time viewing all of the entries, through the links above.

---

'Flower Pattern' by Stacy Allen Muse

---

Meet the Winners

After careful deliberation by a panel of esteemed judges, the winners were announced to much anticipation. Winning pots were lauded for their originality, craftsmanship, and functionality as a bonsai container.

First Place

•      Antony Smith (Contemporary Glazed)
•      Doug Trythall (Contemporary Unglazed)     
•      Nao Tokutake (Traditional Glazed)
•      Nao Tokutake (Unglazed)  
  

Second Place

• Stacy Allen Muse (Contemporary Glazed)
• Denise Soultanian (Contemporary Unglazed)
• Mary J. Lai (Wife of Nao Tokutake, Traditional Glazed)
• Mary J. Lai (Wife of Nao Tokutake, Traditional Unglazed)

 
Third Place

• Justine Stelmach (Contemporary Glazed)
• Thomas Adcock (Contemporary Unglazed)
• Kenneth V. Hanna (Traditional Glazed): 
• Mark Hanner (Traditional Unglazed)

Nao Tokutake. Winner: Traditional Glazed.

Doug Trythall. Winner: Contemporary Unglazed.

Nao Tokutake. Winner: Traditional Unglazed.

---

The Trophies

The 2025 NABPC Trophies were created by a talented group of North American artists who have recently come together to form Third Wheel Potters.

Third Wheel Potters comprises three talented artists and  friends: Eli Akins, Robert Wallace and Preston Tolbert.

You can read more here: 

Sharing in a mutual passion

The ABS Exhibition and the NABPC contest take place every two years, with the next edition in 2027. If you can't wait until then for more great bonsai pottery, don't miss the Trophy's European Bonsai Pottery Contest 28th March - 1st March 2026. 

We are delighted to announce that some of the winning pots from this NABPC will also be displayed at The European Bonsai Pottery Contest at The Trophy, in Belgium, as honorary exhibits for all to appreciate and enjoy. The winning pots from The Trophy’s EBPC pottery contest will also have the opportunity to be displayed at the NABPC in New York.

This collaboration between the NABPC and the EBPC & The Trophy reflects the friendship and support often found in bonsai, and we are confident it will inspire potters and further strengthen the bonds between our two communities.
 

Oribe oval - by Sara Rayner.

Congratulations!

to all of the potters that contributed to this inspirational contest. Being selected to display at such an event is an admirable achievement and each artist deserves our thanks and admiration. 

---

---