Clark Bonsai Museum
In the spring of 2024, the Collection Committee of the Clark Bonsai Collection, in collaboration with and support of the Golden State Bonsai Federation, initiated the formation of a nonprofit, 501C(3), California Charitable Corporation and with this designation identified our commitment to the community and the importance of pursuing a path of sustainability for the future.
Our name continues the dedication to the legacy of Bill & Libby Clark. This new name reflects the purpose of our work and the experience of our visitors. We are now members of the American Alliance of Museums and the Greater Fresno Alliance of Museums & Educational Sites in Fresno & Central Valley.
The Clark Bonsai Museum is proud to announce that we have received an Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant! The Expanded Arts and Culture Fund, administered by the Fresno Arts Council, supports emerging and established arts and culture organizations and projects in the City of Fresno. The Clark Bonsai Museum received an Organizational Grant to support to expand capacity for preserving and promoting the collection, funding professional staff, and expanding the Museum’s educational and cultural programs.The funds will provide for the following: the Outreach Volunteer Coordinator position, expanding the number of volunteers and educational docents, advancing educational programs for youth and adults, and pursuing stabilization by securing ongoing donor support and grant funding.
Our Mission
The Clark Bonsai Museum is a living museum encompassing the history of the art of bonsai in California and an educational center for the appreciation and practice of the art of bonsai.
Our Leadership
Board of Directors of the Bonsai Foundation of the Central Valley, Clark Bonsai Museum
Board of Directors
| Officers | Title & Background | Standing Committee |
|---|---|---|
| Marc Stamper | President, Attorney | Development |
| Anna Jenn | Secretary, Non Profit Programs | Development |
| Brian Brandley | Treasurer, Chemist | Finance, Chair |
| Sally Ramage | Assistant Treasurer, Retired, University Administrator | Finance |
Board Members
| Board Members | Background | Standing Committees |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Bohigian | Retired, Government Staff, Shinzen Board | Development |
| James Brumm | Retired, Attorney | Finance, Development |
| Zack Follett | Business Owner, Volunteer | Marketing |
| Bob Hilvers | Curator, Artist, Public Safety | Museum Operations |
| Saam Noonsuk | Professor Asian Art, CSU Fresno | Museum Operations |
| Michael Roberts | Retired, Artist, Engineer, GSBF Pres. | Museum Operations |
| John Wright | Retired, City Planner Clovis Community Foundation | Museum Operations |
| Dwayne Berrett | Retired career consultant | Development, Chair |
Contract Staffing
| Name | Duties |
|---|---|
| Judith Swick | Volunteer Coordinator for Docents and Curatorial Team, Outreach |
| Kyle Stamper | CPA, Accountant |
| Julian Tsai | Professional Advisor, Bonsai Collection and Curatorial Team |
| Todd Schlafer | Visiting Master Bonsai Collection and Curatorial Team |
Key Volunteers
| Name | Duties |
|---|---|
| Linda Jacobsen | Museum Coordinator, educational programs, and collection data oversight, Shinzen Board |
| Bob Hilvers | Managing Curator, Artist and visionary, 10th Anniversary Coordinator |
| Curatorial Team | Maintenance of Collection, Art Teachers for Bonsai classes and workshops |
| Dwayne Berrett | Curatorial Team Member, 10th Anniversary Development Initiatives |
| Maria Kidd Oliveras | Marketing Support, Docent, Curatorial Team |
| John Wright | CBM Facilities Mgr. Curatorial Team. Shinzen Board, Landscape Committee Chair |
| Sally Ramage | CFO, Contracts, Personnel, Grants |