Email or Call Us

For information, comments, or requests email us at       [email protected]    or 

call the Club President, Scott Telk at (803) 412-2405.

General Information 

Bonsai Society of the Carolinas provides monthly educational programs in Charlotte, NC to promote the interest in the ancient art of bonsai. Each program is designed around some general topic or area of interest. Some programs given are strictly lectures, but most are hands-on workshops where the student is given some instructional information followed by the chance to practice what has been learned. 

The society hosts both local and nationally known bonsai artists, with at least one nationally recognized artist each year. Programs are provided for both the beginner and advanced bonsai student. There are fees for some programs. 

The public is always invited. You do not have to be a member to attend our programs, but if you are seriously interested you will want to join us on our journey. 

Learning the art of bonsai begins with a few simple steps but can carry the student into a lifetime of enjoyment. In Japan it is not uncommon to have the same bonsai in the family for many generations. Each year these trees take on new growth and new forms of pleasure.  

We meet in various locations depending on the nature of the meeting.  The following addresses can be found in most online mapping applications

President, Scott Telk's home at 463 Cranborne Chase, Fort Mill SC.

Vice-President Carl Maxwell's home at 1516 Trevino Way, Waxhaw, NC.

Pineville Lake Park - 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville NC

Bonsai Learning Center --193 Volt Circle, Statesville NC.

Revised April 2003.

ARTICLE I - Name

The Society name is the Bonsai Society of the Carolinas, also referred to in these By-Laws as the BSC or the Society.

ARTICLE II - History and Purpose

The BSC was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1964 and is an educational, nonprofit organization whose prime purposes are:

a. To advance education among its members and the public in the aesthetic, historical and horticultural aspects of the art of bonsai and bonsai related arts.

b. To provide various forums such as meetings, classes, exhibits and conventions whereby members may join in accomplishing the purposes stated herein.

c. To conduct its activities without pecuniary gain or profit to the BSC or to any of its members.

The principle office for the transaction of administrative business for the BSC shall be located at the president’s address. The principle office for Society financial matters shall be located at the treasurer’s address.

The Society is founded upon non-stock, voluntary membership. General means of financing the BSC is by membership dues, donations, gifts, contributions and exhibition proceeds.

Section 1: All persons, regardless of age, sex, color, creed or national origin are eligible for membership in the BSC.

Section 2: There shall be no limit upon the number of members of the BSC.

Section 3: Membership shall be of the following forms:

a. Society Member - A Society Member shall be any person whose dues are paid through the current calendar year. This individual’s name shall be listed on the official membership register of the Society. He/she shall be entitled to full membership rights including one vote. The named member’s spouse and members of his/her immediate household shall also be considered Society members, but without voting rights.

b. Lifetime/Honorary Members - Such members shall include persons who are entitled to full benefits of Society membership for their lifetime without the payment of dues. These individuals are to be designated by the Executive Board.

Section 1: The elected officers of the BSC shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. These officers shall serve a term of two years, or until their successors are elected. All officers may be reelected to serve consecutive terms without restriction. In case of a vacancy in the presidency, the vice-president shall automatically succeed to the presidency. He/she shall then appoint a vice-president to serve for the duration of the unexpired term. All officers shall serve without compensation.

Section 2: The Executive Board shall consist of: a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary and the two immediate past presidents as well as a maximum of four directors, which may be appointed at the discretion of the president and with approval by the Executive Board.

Section 1: The president shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the BSC and the Executive Board. The president shall be the chief executive officer and shall conduct current business and have general supervision of the BSC, including expenditure of money, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws. The president shall be empowered to fill all vacancies by appointment, unless otherwise herein specified.

Section 2: The vice-president shall assist the president in the functions of that office and shall preside at meetings in the absence of the president. The vice-president will perform his/her functions as prescribed by and under the direction of the president.

Section 3: The president shall notify the membership of regular and special meetings.

Section 4: The treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of all monies due the BSC, the payment of all bills and the maintenance of accurate financial records. The treasurer shall prepare an annual Society financial status report and shall submit said report to the membership at the January meeting. Copies of the current financial status report shall be available to dues paid members upon request. With the approval of the Executive Board, an assistant to the treasurer may be selected by the treasurer to assist in the performance of his/her duties, but shall not relieve the treasurer of the responsibility for the accuracy of the work thus delegated.

Section 5: Members of the Executive Board will be responsible for considering and voting upon all items of concern and business which may come before them. They shall advise and assist the president as required and shall from time to time, undertake special duties and responsibilities as the president shall direct.

Nominating Committee - The president shall appoint a Nominating Committee three months prior to any election. It shall be the responsibility of this Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of candidates for presentation at the general membership meeting in October. This slate must contain at least one candidate for each of the Society’s four elected offices.

Section 1: Additional nominations for office shall be accepted from the general membership at both the October and November meetings. A list of all candidates for office shall be published in the December newsletter.

Section 2: Elections of officers shall be held at the December meeting. If this is not possible, elections must be held as soon thereafter as possible and at a time and place determined appropriate by the Executive Board.

Section 3: Newly elected officers will assume their duties in January or in the month following the election.

Section 1: General Membership and Executive Board meetings shall be held at regular intervals throughout the year. (Monthly when possible.)

a. General Membership Meetings - The focus of all general membership meetings shall be centered on the education and enjoyment of the membership.

b. Executive Board Meetings - The general day to day governance and administration of Society business shall be vested with the Executive Board, with the objective of freeing the time allotted for general membership meetings for the education and enjoyment of the members. Any member of the Society shall have the right to attend Executive Board meetings and to address the Board. Dates of such meetings shall be published in the Society newsletter.

Section 1: Members shall pay dues at a rate to be determined by the Executive Board.

Section 2: In addition to membership dues, other funds will be derived from services performed or activities held by the BSC and from such gifts and legacies as may be received.

Conventions, exhibitions, shows, demonstrations and other Society activities which are presented for the education and enjoyment of the public shall be generally managed by the Executive Board through the president and any appropriate chairpersons appointed by the president.

On behalf of the membership of the BSC, the Executive Board may contribute monies to institutions at such times and in such amounts as they deem appropriate.

The Fiscal year of the BSC shall be the same as the calendar year.

ARTICLE XIV - Amendments

These By-Laws may be repealed or amended or new By-Laws may be adopted at any regular or special meetings of the membership, provided that the full text of such changes has be proposed in writing and copies sent to all members not less than sixty days (60) prior to such meetings. Passage of any amendment shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast.

When not in conflict with the articles of these By-Laws, all questions of parliamentary procedure shall be determined in accordance with Roberts’s Rules of Order, newly revised edition.