Waterfront Botanical Gardens Hires First-Ever Bonsai Curator
Arrival of leading bonsai expert Angelica Ramirez reflects ongoing commitment to cultivating the region’s preeminent bonsai collection.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Waterfront Botanical Gardens continues to honor the artistry of bonsai and to establish a collection on par with leading bonsai programs around the world, Angelica Ramirez, an accomplished bonsai artist, educator, and national leader in the bonsai community, has been appointed the first Curator of the Gardens’ bonsai collection.
Ramirez’ arrival coincides with the commencement of construction on Phase 2A of the Gardens’ Master Plan, which includes the Graeser Family Bonsai Garden and Joe and Debbie Graviss Bonsai House. The Bonsai House and Display Garden will be home to the Gardens’ ever-growing collection of more than 40 bonsai, including a 1,100-year-old niwaki tree and the renowned ‘Father Paul’ boxwood, a century-old tree propagated by one of the world’s leading bonsai experts. These improvements are a significant step forward in establishing a comprehensive bonsai program, including a growing collection of bonsai, nationally attended events, and a structured volunteer training initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of bonsai caretakers.
“Angelica is an extraordinary talent whose experience and leadership in the bonsai world are truly remarkable,” said Philip Koester, president and CEO of Waterfront Botanical Gardens. “As the stewards of the preeminent bonsai collection in the region, the Gardens are thrilled to have her expertise to lead the continued growth of our collection and preserve its legacy going forward.”
Most recently, Ramirez served as Seasonal Bonsai Assistant at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where she was responsible for the care and development of more than 280 bonsai in addition to leading educational programs and supporting public engagement initiatives. Other prestigious appointments include National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington, D.C. and the National Bonsai Foundation. She currently serves on the boards of both the American Bonsai Society and the North American Bonsai Federation, and is the creator and coordinator of the North American Bonsai Pottery Competition. A published author and frequent presenter, Ramirez has contributed to leading bonsai publications in the United States and Japan, and has exhibited her work at major venues including Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Under Ramirez’ purview will be a two-year training initiative for 20 volunteer students that was established in 2025. Taught by Russell Stevens of the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society and Twisted Nature Bonsai, students are developing the skills necessary to become dedicated caretakers of the collection. In addition, the Gardens hosts its annual Bonsai Weekend, now in its fourth year, which attracts more than 2,000 visitors from across the country and has quickly become a signature event celebrating bonsai artistry. This year’s event takes place May 29 – 31.
“I am honored to join the dedicated team of bonsai enthusiasts at Waterfront Botanical Gardens and share my passion with the community,” said Ramirez. “I look forward to building a program that not only preserves this tradition of the intersection of art, horticulture, and culture, but also makes it accessible and inspiring for the Louisville community and beyond.”
—
Business First | People on the Move Angelica Ramirez
Business First | Waterfront Botanical Gardens Makes Hire for Very Unique Position
Louisville Public Media | Don’t get it twisted, Louisville’s first Bonsai Curator is a seasoned pro