The Ben Oki International Design Award
(BOIDA) is an annual competition sponsored by
Cheryl and Charles Owens of Elkhart, IN, USA which
has been coordinated by BCI since 1991. It is
designed to encourage and recognize new talent in
the world bonsai community and provides a
US$1500.00 cash prize and an engraved plaque in
recognition of outstanding bonsai design.
The Owens have stated that they want this
award to be for amateurs and that they hope the
competition will field many entries from clubs all
over the world. Unfortunately, many people have
apparently felt that they do not have a chance
with their bonsai. Mrs. Owens counters, “The
purpose of the award is to encourage novices to do
more refined work … to work hard and to improve
their art and their talents. Ben has been an
inspiration to me as a beginner, and we hope other
novices also find him inspirational.”
The July 1 entry deadline for BOIDA 2003
is fast approaching. Linda Brant, the BCI
Executive Director who is also the Awards
Coordinator, has informed me that entries which
usually come in at the last minute are coming in
slower than usual this year. It is not too late to
get your photographs made and sent. Go to
http://bonsai-bci.com/boida.htm for full
directions on how to enter and to download your
entry form. You never know, you just might win!
BOIDA is open to any individual who is a
member of BCI or a member of a BCI club who has
not earned more than US$100 in the previous year
from their bonsai related efforts and who is
considered by her or his peers to be an amateur.
It is designed to encourage and recognize new
talents in the world bonsai community.
This award is a big deal! Get your entry
in now, before it's too late.
Check out some of the past winners at the
IBC Virtual Gallery at:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ag...rnetbonsaiclub

Send all submissions to:
Linda Brant, Executive Director
Bonsai Clubs International
104 Henry Drive
Royersford, PA 19468 USA
Alan Walker
BCI President

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