A CONTEMPLATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH THE ART OF VIEWING STONES

Pacific Bonsai Museum is proud to announce the opening of "Stone Images XIV," a captivating exhibition that invites visitors to explore the ancient and meditative art of viewing stones. This free, public exhibition will run from October 8 to December 15, 2024, featuring over 30 exquisite specimens carefully curated by the Northwest Viewing Stone Group of the Puget Sound Bonsai Association.


The Art of Viewing Stones: Where Nature Meets Imagination

Viewing stones—an art form with roots stretching back more than 1,500 years in China, Japan, and Korea—has now found a passionate following worldwide. This practice encourages observers to see beyond the physical form of a stone, allowing their imagination to reveal mountains, figures, animals, and even celestial bodies within its contours.
"Stones are shaped by water, wind, sand, and ice, but what we see in them is shaped by our minds," explains a spokesperson for the Northwest Viewing Stone Group, affectionately known as 'The Stoners'. "Viewing stones is a meditative art of the imagination, inviting us to discover entire worlds within a single rock."


A Diverse Collection of Natural Wonders

• The exhibition showcases a wide variety of viewing stones, such as:
• Mountain Vistas: Miniature landscapes complete with snow-capped peaks
• Shore Stones: Representations of islands and rugged coastlines
  
• Celestial Stones: Capturing images of the sun, moon, stars, and deep space
• Object Stones: Depicting human or animal figures
• Abstract Stones: Featuring fanciful shapes, patterns, and color combinations

Each stone is thoughtfully displayed on a custom-carved wooden base called a daiza, in sand-filled containers, or on fabric pillows, enhancing its natural beauty and inviting contemplation.


A Tactile Treat: Viewing Stones Show & Tell

As part of the exhibition, the Pacific Bonsai Museum invites visitors to attend a special Viewing Stones Show & Tell event during Fall Foliage Day on Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 3pm. This unique opportunity allows guests to:

• See naturally-collected stones up close.
• Experience the various, remarkable textures of the stones
• Observe how stone bases are carved to fit each rock perfectly
• Interact with members of the Northwest Viewing Stone Group, who will be present to answer questions and guide the experience

This event is FREE and open to the public, offering a hands-on complement to the main exhibition.


A Continuing Tradition of Excellence

"Stone Images XIV" marks the 14th installment in a series of exhibitions organized by the Puget Sound Bonsai Association's Northwest Viewing Stone Group at the Pacific Bonsai Museum. This ongoing collaboration highlights the museum's commitment to showcasing diverse forms of natural art and meditative practices.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience the tranquil beauty and imaginative potential of viewing stones. Visit "Stone Images XIV" at Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way, Washington, from October 8 to December 15, 2024.

ADMISSION: FREE and open to the public.

HOURS: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed every Monday, as well as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

PARKING: Free parking is available across from the Museum (follow signs to ‘Garden Parking’); wheelchair-accessible parking is available near the Museum entrance.