About Us
Content:
- Name Change, 501(c)(3), Future, Highlights
- Mission
- Leadership
- Financial Status: Extension for, 990 and Grant Application
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 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 |
| Dwayne Berrett | Secretary, Retired Career Consultant | Development, Chair |
| Sally Ramage | Treasurer, Retired, University Administrator | Finance, Chair |
Board Members
| Board Members | Background | Standing Committees |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Bohigian | Retired, Government Staff, Shinzen Board | Development |
| Brian Brandley | Chemist, Research & Development | Finance, 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 |
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 |