About Us
The Clark Bonsai Museum is a living gallery where tradition, art, and nature unite to tell the story of bonsai across generations.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision: The Golden State Bonsai Federation’s Clark Bonsai Collection at Shinzen is a living museum that encompasses the history of bonsai art in California and serves as an educational center for the appreciation and practice of this art form.
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.
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.
On October 15, 2025, we will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Clark Bonsai Museum located in the Shinzen Friendship Garden.
Our Leadership
Board of Directors of the Bonsai Foundation of the Central Valley, Clark Bonsai Museum
Board of Directors
Marc Stamper
Title & Background: President, Attorney
Standing Committee: Development
Dwayne Berrett
Title & Background: Secretary, Retired Career Consultant
Standing Committees: Development, Chair
Sally Ramage
Title & Background: Treasurer, Retired University Administrator
Standing Committee: Finance, Chair
Board Member and Committees
Tom Bohigian
Background: Retired Government Staff, Shinzen Board
Standing Committee: Development
Brian Brandley
Background: Chemist, Research & Development
Standing Committees: Finance, Development
James Brumm
Background: Retired Attorney
Standing Committees: Finance, Development
Zack Follett
Background: Business Owner, Volunteer
Standing Committee: Marketing
Bob Hilvers
Background: Curator, Artist, Public Safety
Standing Committee: Museum Operations
Saam Noonsuk
Background: Professor of Asian Art, CSU Fresno
Standing Committee: Museum Operations
Michael Roberts
Background: Retired Artist, Engineer, GSBF President
Standing Committee: Museum Operations
John Wright
Background: Retired City Planner, Clovis Community Foundation
Standing Committee: Museum Operations
Contract Staffing
Judith Swick
Background: Volunteer Coordinator for Docents and Curatorial Team
Standing Committee: Outreach
Kyle Stamper
Background: CPA, Accountant
Standing Committee: (Not listed – can be added if applicable)
Julian Tsai
Background: Professional Advisor, Bonsai Collection and Curatorial Team
Standing Committee: Curatorial Team
Todd Schlafer
Background: Visiting Master, Bonsai Collection and Curatorial Team
Standing Committee: Curatorial Team
Key Volunteers
Key Staff, Curators, and Support Roles
Linda Jacobsen
Background: Museum Coordinator; oversees educational programs and collection data
Affiliations: Shinzen Board
Bob Hilvers
Background: Managing Curator, Artist, Visionary
Role: 10th Anniversary Coordinator
Curatorial Team
Background: Responsible for maintenance of the collection; serves as art instructors for bonsai classes and workshops
Dwayne Berrett
Background: Curatorial Team Member
Role: 10th Anniversary Development Initiatives
Maria Kidd-Ontiveros
Background: Marketing, Digital Media and Web Design Coordinator, Docent, Curatorial Team Member
John Wright
Background: CBM Facilities Manager, Curatorial Team Member
Affiliations: Shinzen Board
Role: Landscape Committee Chair
Sally Ramage
Background: CFO
Responsibilities: Contracts, Personnel, Grants
Join Our Team!
Passionate about bonsai, education, or community engagement? We're always looking for dedicated individuals to help grow our mission. Whether you're a seasoned artist, a first-time volunteer, or a digital media enthusiast, there's a place for you here.