Bill Valavanis, one of North America’s preeminent bonsai artists, teachers and publishers, lost his house to a fire this January. In addition to the hardship and loss suffered by Bill and his family, valuable antique bonsai books and other irreplaceable materials were lost. Fortunately, Bill’s nursery, which is next to his house, was undamaged. From conversations I’ve had with Bill, I’d say that his always energetic and passionate enthusiasm was also undamaged.
Here’s an excerpt from a local newspaper:
Valavanis risked his life on Jan. 27, racing back into his home several times to try to save his collection of antique bonsai books. After several trips, firefighters tried to stop him for his own safety.
“I said, ‘If you’re not going to arrest me, leave me alone,'” Valavanis says. Eventually, sheriff deputies arrived on the scene to keep Valavanis, 57, from re-entering his home.
For more, go to: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903070317
Bill’s business is International Bonsai. You can reach Bill at: wnv@internationalbonsai.com