American Bonsai Association of Sacramento (ABAS), was established in 1958, well before the 1965 release of Sunset's first book on the ancient art of Bonsai, which was gaining popularity in the U.S. at that time.

 

ABAS was not the first U.S. club dedicated to the art. That distinction belongs to Sacramento Bonsai, from which we trace our roots. Previously interned Japanese Americans established Sacramento Bonsai in 1946 where meetings were held in the Japanese language. Twelve years later, ABAS was formed to accommodate English speakers. The mid-century Garden & Arts Center in McKinley Park, home to ABAS meetings was also built in 1958.

​

We fondly remember esteemed early members who developed many of the trademark events that form the character of our club. In addition to our general meetings, ABAS holds workshops and other events to provide members with rich experiences.  Much of our pre-digital history is archived at the Center for Sacramento History.

 

     Spring Events:       

      •  The Annual ABAS Club Show/ 

       Sale the 2nd weekend of April

      •  The ABAS Bus Trip

​

     Summer Event:        

     •  Home Tour 

     Fall Events:            

     •  The ABAS Club Auction 

     Winter Event:        

     •  Holiday Party 

Over the years ABAS has had a proud history of hosting internationally respected Bonsai Masters, artists and personalities such as:  John Naka, Tatemori Gondo, Sushio Nakayama, Ryan Neil, Bjorn Bjorholm, Hideko Metaxas, Walter Pall, Kathy Shaner, Peter Tea, Jonas Dupuich, Michael Hagedorn…and we continue to invite esteemed professionals to teach.
 

In 2020 ABAS became a 501(c)(3) organization.

Donations are now tax deductible. 

​

Members new to bonsai are encouraged to go to the Event tab and sign up for a "Dig in". This introduction to bonsai is a great first step. Also look for our "Member-only workshops". They are hands-on and a great place to build your skills and meet fellow members. There are other dynamic opportunities to take advantage of on our Events page.

We are a member of Golden State Bonsai Federation.  
www.gsbfbonsai.org