Local Hammond residents had an opportunity to further their knowledge about foreign art.

As part of their “Zen Aesthetics” exhibition, Larry Bevere lead a Bonsai Demonstration on Tues, Sep. 24 from 5 – 7 p.m. Bonsai is a Japanese botanical art form that cultivates small trees to mimic the shape of full size trees.

Bevere further explained what the art form of Bonsai entails and some of the history behind it.

“Bonsai is referred to as the tree of the trade,” said Bevere. “It has been going on for hundreds of years. This started in China, and then later, Japan started fooling with them. After the Second World War, some Americans brought back some, which is how the art form came to the United States.”

Bevere answered a question about Bonsai that he is always asked.

“People ask me all the time if there is a certain kind of tree that is a Bonsai tree and my answer is ‘no,'” Bevere explained. “You can make them out of any tree that does not have large leaves.”

Attendees of the workshop learned how to create their own Bonsai tree.

Bevere described making a Bonsai tree as being very calming.

“It is a living art form, and there is something very liberating about creating these,” described Bevere. “I’ve been doing this since 1992, and I have about 25 trees at the moment, and this is something that has brought me relaxation from the beginning.”

Bevere feels that students should consider creating Bonsai trees as a hobby.

“I recommend it – it is a good stress reliever,” shared Bevere. “It’s living art, so you have to take care of them everyday. Bonsai is a great way to express yourself.”